Afternoon Tea at the Artea Room

Choose from The Artea Room Afternoon Tea or The Artea Room Luxury Afternoon Tea, with vegetarian options available – you won’t be disappointed.

Afternoon Tea is served Tuesday to Sunday 11.30am-3pm.

Special offer: Get 20% off if you buy a gift voucher before 31 December 2024. Vouchers are valid for one year from the date of purchase. Purchase links are listed below.

Vouchers paid for online will be posted to you via Royal Mail. Alternatively, you can pay for your voucher online and collect this from The Artea Room.

The Artea Signature Afternoon Tea

Minimum two people – booking required.

Includes:

  • A delicate selection of freshly prepared sandwiches

  • Irresistible savoury bites

  • An array of indulgent mini cakes

  • Warm scones served with clotted cream and strawberry jam

  • Your choice of fine tea or freshly brewed coffee

The standard cost of our Artea Room Afternoon Tea is £20 per person, with a minimum of two guests.

Special offer: Get 20% off if you buy a voucher before 31 December 2024. Vouchers are valid for one year from the date of purchase.

The Artea Luxury Afternoon Tea

Minimum two people – booking required.

Includes:

  • A delicate selection of freshly prepared sandwiches

  • Irresistible savoury bites

  • An array of indulgent mini cakes

  • Warm scones served with clotted cream and strawberry jam

  • Your choice of fine tea or freshly brewed coffee

  • A glass of prosecco

At £22.50 per person, this luxurious experience is available for a minimum of two guests.

Special offer: Get 20% off if you buy a voucher before 31 December 2024. Vouchers are valid for one year from the date of purchase.


The history of afternoon tea

Afternoon tea became a beloved tradition in the early 19th century, and it all began with Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford. As the story goes, she often experienced what she described as "a sinking feeling" during the late afternoon, when only two meals were typically served - breakfast in the morning and dinner at around 8pm. To satisfy her afternoon hunger, she requested a pot of tea and light snacks to be served privately in her boudoir.

This charming habit soon expanded beyond the Duchess's private routine. She began inviting friends to join her for tea at Woburn Abbey, and by the time she returned to London, the tradition had blossomed into a fashionable social event. Her invitations for "Tea and a walk in the fields" became so popular that others soon adopted the custom, eventually moving tea gatherings from the boudoir to the drawing room.

Before long, the tradition of afternoon tea had spread through fashionable society, with people enjoying tea and light sandwiches in the middle of the afternoon.

We visited the tearoom for afternoon tea (using a gifted voucher.) The waitress was friendly and the tearoom felt welcoming. The food was delicious, mine was dairy and soya free as requested and I was very impressed with the selection. Vegan cheese, scones I could eat and plenty of delicious cake! I enjoyed the mulled wine tea and the Prosecco was a nice surprise (didn’t realise it was included!) We will definitely return to try the regular menu. Thank you!

Trip Advisor Review and accompanying picture from 18 December 2024