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After noon Tea
The Priory
I
t’s hard to believe there are places that still exist like The Priory. Sitting right on the
River Frome, this boutique hotel gives you the chance to step into an almost bygone
era of English country house elegance. If the sun’s out, you’ll want to head onto the
terrace overlooking the beautifully kept lawn. The hours might fly by, but the mind
focuses from 3.30pm to 5pm when it’s afternoon tea. The Priory Cream Tea includes
one scone and a pot of tea for £6.75 or stretches to the Priory ‘Ritzy’ tea with finger
sandwiches, homemade cakes, scones, and glass of champagne or prosecco for
£32.50.
Best For: Take your tea in the drawing room when it’s cooler for its stone
fireplace and antique furnishings.
The Priory
Church Green, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 4ND
theprioryhotel.co.uk
01929 551666
The Bull Hotel
W
ith many restaurants not making it to the second year, it’s reassuring to know that The
Bull has been serving local and visiting travellers since 1535. In 2005, Richard and
Nikki Cooper transformed this historic venue into a modern boutique hideaway in the heart
of Bridport. We’ve picked out the Venner Bar in previous issues as one of the best places
in town to get a cocktail, but if you’re visiting before happy hour, don’t miss the chance
to take afternoon tea in the tranquil courtyard. For £5, you can tuck into scones and
homemade jam, carrot or lemon drizzle cake, and a range of speciality teas and coffees.
Best For: A Bridport landmark in a town that already sets a high bar for foodie
delights.
The Bull Hotel
34 East Street, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 3LF
www.thebullhotel.co.uk
01308 422878
Moonfleet Manor
Another Chesil Beach gem, this time set in an 18th century Georgian mansion, where
the South West Coast Path passes right in front of the well-manicured garden. Moonfleet
Manor prides itself on its family-friendly atmosphere, with plenty to explore in the
house grounds, and no need to panic if they go on the rampage at 4pm. Afternoon tea
(£21.50pp) is served daily from 2pm to 6pm, including scones, jam and cake, as well
as salmon, egg, cucumber or ham sandwiches. You could even try the Champagne Tea
(£28pp) which includes a glass of house bubbly.
Best For: The little ones. Serve them their first afternoon tea for just £5.50 a nipper,
with hot chocolate, babyccino or milkshake instead of Earl Grey.
Moonfleet Manor
Fleet Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 4ED
www.moonfleetmanorhotel.co.uk
01305 786948
www.menu-dorset.co.uk
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