Fancy afternoon tea in London? We’ve eaten a lot of scones and finger sandwiches to find London’s very best spots, including the Ritz, Fortnum & Mason and Claridge's
Welcome to our collection of the best afternoon teas in London, updated quarterly to make sure you get the best afternoon tea of the moment. This round-up includes reviews of classic high teas at luxury London destinations such as Claridge's, The Ritz, Fortnum & Mason and Harrods; as well as quirkier afternoon teas at The Shard, Sketch and Rosewood London. For more, check out our guide to the best afternoon teas outside of London and then discover the best dining experiences in London. What are the origins of afternoon tea? Afternoon tea (here are our favourite afternoon tea recipes) was apparently introduced to Britain in the 1840s by Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, who complained of hunger during the late afternoon... something we can relate to! What's the difference between afternoon tea and high tea? And in case you didn't know, there is a difference between afternoon tea and 'high tea' the former is taken in the late afternoon (between lunch and dinner) and involves cakes, scones, cream and sandwiches; while high tea is a substantial evening meal, usually entirely savoury. A traditional afternoon tea is often called 'high tea' in other parts of the world though, which probably explains the confusion. Best afternoon teas in London at a glance Best traditional afternoon teas Best traditional tea for tea and shopping: Fortnum & Mason The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon, from £82pp Best traditional afternoon tea: Claridge’s, from £95pp Best afternoon tea for art lovers: Mirror Room, Rosewood London, from £80pp Best afternoon tea for tea lovers: for The Athenaeum, Piccadilly London, from £70pp Best vegan afternoon tea: Coda restaurant at Royal Albert Hall, from £57pp Best for historical surroundings: Raffles London at the OWO, from £82pp Best for understated luxury: The Stafford, from £70pp Best American-inspired afternoon tea: Gatsby's Room, The Beaumont, from £75pp Best afternoon tea for bohemian glamour: Petersham Nurseries, from £60pp Best afternoon tea for theatre lovers: Theatre Royal Lily Vanilli afternoon tea, from £59pp Best for luxury menu options: Corinthia Hotel, from £75pp Best kept secret: The Parlour at Great Scotland Yard Hotel, from £55pp Best afternoon tea near Buckingham Palace: The Goring, from £75pp Best iconic afternoon tea: The Ritz, from £79pp Best value iconic afternoon tea: The Wolseley, from £46.50pp Best Asian-inspired afternoon tea: The Rosebery Lounge at Mandarin Oriental, from £89pp Best afternoon tea for pretty surroundings: The Landmark London, from £75pp Best for rare teas: NoMad London, from £65pp Best for French patisserie: The Cadogan, from £80pp Best contemporary afternoon teas Best quirky afternoon tea: Sketch, from £80pp Best afternoon tea for scenic views: Aqua Shard, from £70 Best for modern design: JOIA in art'otel, from £55pp Best for a wellness-inspired tea: The Mandrake, from £65pp Best for alternative diets: The Coral Room, from £48pp Best for Parisian charm: Pavyllon London, Four Seasons Park Lane, from £85pp Best afternoon tea for dessert enthusiasts: Cake & Bubbles, from £50pp Best al fresco afternoon tea: Number Sixteen, from £45pp Best afternoon tea with a view: TING at Shangri-La Hotel, from £78pp Best afternoon tea for kids: The Ampersand Hotel, from £59.50pp Best contemporary riverside afternoon tea: OXO Tower, from £50pp Best savoury afternoon tea: Cinnamon Bazaar, from £27.50 Best traditional afternoon teas in London Fortnum & Mason, The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon, London W1 Book now at Fortnum & Mason The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon, from £82pp, Virgin Experience Days, £140 for 2 Best traditional tea for tea and shopping Head to Fortnum & Mason for a traditional London afternoon tea, taken in an elegant salon opened by HM The Queen to mark her Diamond Jubilee. Fortnum's pitch-perfect finger sandwiches – with not a curling corner in sight – are filled with the usual suspects, only far more luxurious: Suffolk cured ham with piccalilli, and rare bread hen egg with cress. Thick slices of soft smoked salmon, available in Fortnum’s food hall downstairs, are also excellent. Plain and fruit scones come warm, fluffy and served with whole pots of spread – the best of which was a velvety lemon curd (available to buy in the food hall) – and even more clotted cream. Individual patisseries change with the seasons, with standouts including a subtly floral rose éclair, a modern take on Eton mess and lighter-than-air meringue topped with fresh berries. These are followed by more sweet treats chosen from the cake carriage (this time serious cakes, such as battenberg and matcha layer cake). Fortnum's tea varieties include the famous smoky Earl Grey (the original blend to be sold at Fortnum’s and The Queen’s personal favourite); a sweet and floral New Zealand oolong; and an unusual sparkling tea. For champagne, highlights include a light Brut rosé, Fortnum’s Brut Sparkling from Cornwall and a perfectly smooth Blanc de Blancs. Available from: Fortnum & Mason, Virgin Experience Days Price: £82 for afternoon tea with a pot of Fortnum’s Tea; £84 for savoury afternoon tea with a pot of Fortnum’s tea; £86 for high tea with a pot of Fortnum’s tea. Address: Fortnum & Mason, 181 Piccadilly, London, W1A 1ER Claridge's, London W1 Book now at Claridge’s, from £95pp Best traditional afternoon tea Afternoon tea has been a ritual here for almost 150 years and this luxurious redoubt for the rich and royal (no flip-flops, no intrusive photography), has turned it into an art form. In the stunning art deco lobby, guests are treated to a parade of perfectly rectilinear finger sandwiches, warm scones and beautiful, tweezer-precise cakes, delivered to linen-clad tables by staff who operate as smoothly as a Swiss timepiece. Every detail is exquisite. Corn-fed chicken on rye comes with truffled mayonnaise. Chocolate choux are made with fine Valrhona chocolate. Claridge’s even stresses the heritage of the cucumbers (English, organic) which, dressed with chamomile-infused buttermilk, go into its version of that summer classic: cucumber sandwiches. Rare Tea Company expert Henrietta Lovell curates Claridge’s menu of loose-leaf infusions. Available from: Claridge's Price: Traditional afternoon tea £95pp, champagne afternoon tea from £110pp Address: Brook Street, Mayfair, London, W1K 4HR Mirror Room, Rosewood London, London Book now at Rosewood London, from £80pp Best afternoon tea for art lovers The Rosewood London is renowned for its theatrical and refined portrayal of the city's best artworks in the form of an exquisite afternoon tea. The inspiration changes regularly, so guests can discover different artists on repeat visits. When we visited, the tea was Hokusai inspired, capturing elements of the artist's most notable works, showcasing beautiful and precise designs through vibrant yet delicate flavours. The essentials are all still there – sandwiches, scones and patisserie, served in the grand Mirror Room – but it is interspersed with curated décor inspired by traditional Japanese aesthetics. Glossy, neat mini scones (plain and raisin) are served warm and were some of the best we’ve tried – beautifully soft and light. Alongside jam and cream, they come with a stand-out homemade lemon curd which is smooth, buttery and rich. The final rounds of patisserie resemble mini works of art and are incredibly intricate, with complex layers of mousse, sponge and jelly depicting Hokusai’s art in vivid colours and detail. The colourful illustrated menu outlines the inspiration behind each creation. There are a range of drinks to accompany, from champagne to a fruity cocktail and an extensive selection of Mariage Frères teas. Service is speedy and friendly, guiding you through each element with confidence. Available from: Rosewood London Price: Art afternoon tea £80pp Address: 252 High Holborn, London WC1V 7EN The Athenaeum, Piccadilly London Book now at The Athenaeum, from £70pp Best afternoon tea for tea lovers The Athenaeum sits in the heart of Piccadilly, overlooking the horse chestnut trees of Green Park. Step inside for a truly luxurious experience, where the staff treat you like an old friend, and a bottle of champagne is never too far out of reach. As well as the choice of classic teas, you can curate your own thanks to the tea trolley, where you're guided through different leaves and aromatics to make your own unique blend. The selection of sandwiches includes delicate and creamy Singaporean kaya eggs on sourdough, inspired by executive chef's favourite breakfast. The handmade cakes and pastries are served on a specially designed stand that looks like a tree, with individual leaves holding each cake. When we visited, a matcha cake encircling a sharp yuzu curd was a standout. There’s also a savoury afternoon tea, which is a great option for those who want to enjoy this English ritual but don't have a sweet tooth. Available from: The Athenaeum Price: Afternoon tea £70pp Address: 116 Piccadilly, London W1J 7BJ Coda restaurant, Royal Albert Hall Book now at Royal Albert Hall, from £57pp Acclaimed chef Éric Chavot brings his love of French cuisine to the Royal Albert Hall’s Coda restaurant. Although the menu may be inspired by traditional cooking, the vegan afternoon tea breaks from the conventional mould with vegan feta, whipped vegan cream, plant-based passion fruit curd and many more inventive dairy- and egg-free treats to delight its guests. From within the opulent yet unstuffy surroundings with sparkling glass chandeliers, statuesque orchids and monochrome Royal Albert Hall crockery, guests can enjoy freshly prepared sandwiches with the likes of grilled aubergine, baba ganoush, sumac onions, rocket and piquillo pepper, alongside carrot hummus, grilled courgette, spinach and tapenade. The loose tea offering features the classics of darjeeling, assam, earl grey and green varieties, as well as chamomile and peppermint, to enjoy alongside the plain and sultana scones with jam and plant-based cream. The selection of bite-sized seasonal vegan afternoon tea cakes included a rich chocolate and berry mousse, as well as an outstanding mini torched meringue pie filled with a tangy passion fruit curd. Before you leave, choose a slice to take home in a Royal Albert Hall gift box. Available from: Royal Albert Hall Price: Afternoon tea £57pp Address: Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, London, SW7 2AP Raffles London at the OWO Book now at Raffles, from £82pp Best for historical surroundings The conversion of the Grade II-listed Old War Office into a luxurious hotel has led to a plethora of new restaurants to discover, and our top pick is The Drawing Room, where afternoon tea is served. Deep leather sofas, panelled walls and a live pianist on a grand piano create a real sense of atmosphere. A quintessentially British setting, the tea overlooks Whitehall and Horse Guards Parade for a sense of classic London people-watching. The afternoon tea menu changes seasonally. As well as a selection of classic sandwiches (think coronation chicken, egg mayo and cucumber), the tea kicks off with a delicate heritage carrot tart for an amuse-bouche. On our spring visit, patisserie highlights included a delicate elderflower and cucumber pavlova and a mini rhubarb tart filled with creamy rice pudding. Warm scones are served with classic clotted cream and strawberry jam. There's an array of teas from around the world to choose from to pair with your delicacies: we tried a memorable apricot tea that was immensely fragrant and fruity. All teas are served with a tea timer to make sure your pot brews perfectly to your desired strength. Service is exceptional: knowledgeable, attentive and super friendly. It's also possible to pair your tea with a one hour tour of the hotel, to discover more about the historic surroundings. Available from: Raffles at the OWO Price: Afternoon tea from £82pp Address: Raffles London at The OWO, Whitehall, London SW1A 2BX The Stafford Book now at The Stafford, from £70 pp Best for understated luxury The Stafford is our new favourite hidden gem for a luxury London afternoon tea. It offers the memorable five-star hotel experience, with faultless service and immaculate food throughout. The recently relaunched tea menu, with recipes created by Lisa Goodwin-Allen and head pastry chef Magdalena Velczenbach, offers a classic experience with gentle twists along the way. Enjoy champagne served from a grand champagne trolley, and take waiter recommendations from the broad tea menu (an apricot fusion was our personal highlight). Classic sandwiches and warm fluffy scones follow, along with a mini cheese scone served with sour cream and chives. The memorable moment falls when the elaborate cake trolley is wheeled to your table and you can choose five ornate patisserie. Learn the history behind the 'white mouse' dessert and enjoy a fresh raspberry macaron or rich coffee choux bun. Anything you can't finish can be boxed up to take home, too. Available from: The Stafford Price: Afternoon tea from £70pp Address: The Stafford, 16-18 St James's Place, London SW1 1NJ Gatsby's Room, The Beaumont, London W1 Book now at Gatsby's Room, The Beaumont, from £80pp Best American-inspired afternoon tea Enjoy a transatlantic afternoon tea in the luxurious Gatsby's Room at The Beaumont hotel. The atmosphere is relaxed and intimate, with stunning art deco decor and live piano music. Located in the heart of Mayfair, it's a great escape from the hustle and bustle of central London. The menu consists of traditional afternoon tea classics with a subtle American twist. Tuck into coronation chicken, oak-smoked lox, devilled egg mayonnaise and salt beef. Choose from fluffy raisin or plain scones, and finish with delicate desserts – think salt water taffy, yuzu cream pie and vanilla pudding. Vegan alternatives and a children's afternoon tea are also available. The immaculate setting, friendly service and incredible food make The Beaumont a fantastic option for afternoon tea. Available from: The Beaumont Price: Traditional afternoon tea £80pp, champagne afternoon tea from £90pp, children's afternoon tea £40 Address: 8 Balderton St, Brown Hart Gardens, London W1K 6TF Petersham Nurseries, Richmond Book now at Petersham Nurseries, from £60pp Best afternoon tea for bohemian glamour Petersham Nurseries is an eclectic mix of sculptures, vintage furniture, artfully decorated greenhouses and beautiful displays of plants and flowers. It’s quintessentially British with a hint of eccentricity which makes you feel slightly like you've stepped through the looking glass into a magical garden. Adding to the bohemian glamour is the imaginative and beautifully presented afternoon tea, which is served from a handblown cake stand adorned with a bunch of seasonal flowers. The seasonally changing menu makes the most of locally sourced ingredients. We enjoyed a still-warm savoury vegetable muffin, beef and horseradish sandwiches on ciabatta and fruity Eton mess choux buns. And of course there was a basket of fresh scones with cream and seasonal jam. Wash it down with a glass of rose petal prosecco for the ultimate treat. Browse the shop on your way out for trinkets, glasses and chic gardening wear. Available from: Petersham Nurseries Price: Garden afternoon tea £60pp, with prosecco £70pp. Address: Church Lane, Richmond, Surrey, TW10 7AB Theatre Royal Lily Vanilli afternoon tea Book now at Theatre Royal Lily Vanilli afternoon tea, from £59pp Best afternoon tea for theatre lovers With its sophisticated millennial pink and green marble-lined room with shining chandeliers, the Grand Saloon shares the grandeur of the Theatre Royal Drury Lane that it’s located in. As you enter, the glamorous Regency era scene is set by a speaker playing a string quartet versions of popular songs. This style is replicated throughout the afternoon tea with cakes changing seasonally from ‘queen of cakes’ Lily Vanilli. From miniature fluffy canelés with pickled beetroot to smoky lapsang souchong glazed salmon on madeleines, the tea's inventive savoury options, steering away from the traditional sandwiches, takes it to the next level. A surprisingly quirky standout was the final dish, an absinthe mint chocolate chip ice cream which was inspired by the Regency era’s trend of exotic ices. Adding a touch of theatre, this was served on an opulent wooden ice cream trolley. The subtle aniseed flavour of the absinthe complemented the creamy mint ice cream. This is an afternoon tea full of sophistication and luxury. Available from: Theatre Royal Drury Lane Price: £59 for adults and £20 for children. Address: Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, Catherine Street, WC2B 5JF The Crystal Moon Lounge, Corinthia Hotel, London SW1 Book now at The Corinthia Hotel, from £75pp Best for luxury menu options Afternoon tea at The Corinthia is set in the glamorous Crystal Moon Lounge dominated by a striking Baccarat crystal chandelier, underneath an array of fresh flowers. Traditional afternoon tea (£65 pp) comes with a choice of house blend teas served in three different strengths, including No 1 Aromatic, a delicate combination of flowery earl grey and soothing oolong; and No 3 Robust, a full-strength blend of assam, oolong and earl grey (stronger smoky notes with light tones of honey). Add a glass of refreshing Laurent-Perrier La Cuvée Brut champagne for an extra £10. Or go all out with the Laurent-Perrier rosé champagne afternoon tea at £85 pp, both served in Baccarat flutes. For ultimate luxury, there is even a caviar afternoon tea option. A gold board showcases modern takes on classic British finger sandwiches – fine slithers of cucumber, light egg mayonnaise with mustard, smoked salmon with subtle hints of lemon curd, and salt beef with creamy horseradish on soft sundried tomato bread. Light, fluffy scones with honeyed glaze tops are kept warm in a small wooden presentation box. Accompaniments include classic strawberry jam, moreish rhubarb and Tonka bean jam and thick clotted cream. Patisserie change with the seasons: we had dainty canelés kick off the sweet round (they were slightly overdone but packed a good kick of rum), followed by exotic passion fruit choux buns encased in a craquelin shell, a boozy trifle with crunchy apple and calvados chantilly cream, and a delicate dark chocolate brownie topped with a chocolate crémeux. Available from: The Corinthia Price: Traditional afternoon tea £75 pp, champagne afternoon tea from £85 pp Address: Whitehall Place, Westminster, London SW1A 2BD The Parlour at Great Scotland Yard Hotel Book now at Great Scotland Yard Hotel, from £55pp Best kept secret British elegance and exciting patisserie in an afternoon tea designed in collaboration with royal perfumier Floris. The Parlour Room is sophisticated yet modern, with printed wallpaper and checked flooring. The waiting staff were knowledgeable, discussing each tea and recommending pairings for each course – we tried a classic earl grey that was floral and citrussy. The afternoon tea starts with an assortment of savouries, which were classics with a twist, using tarragon in the chicken mayonnaise, and pairing cheddar cheese with Guinness in gougères. We liked that the perfectly shaped scones arrived warm and with plenty of clotted cream and jam for all of them. Diving into the star of the show, five intricate pastries are meticulously layered and decorated. The fruity, fragrant strawberry and jasmine tartlet was the highlight, closely followed by a zingy blackcurrant and frangipane gateaux. Available from: Great Scotland Yard Hotel Price: £55pp, champagne afternoon tea £65pp Address: 3-5, Great Scotland Yard, London SW1A 2HN The Goring, London SW1 Book now at The Goring, from £60pp Best afternoon tea near Buckingham Palace Traditional afternoon tea comes with a choice of Jing teas including the strong, slightly smoky Goring blend, and a floral oolong tea. Add a glass of refreshing Bollinger for an extra £10. A vibrant pea purée amuse bouche topped with crème fraiche and a cube of smoked salmon started the afternoon tea, followed by salty shredded chicken with fresh tomatoes on fluffy white bread and fresh salmon with crisp slithers of cucumber. Warm with a soft middle and golden on top, the scones came with syrupy strawberry jam and thick clotted cream. For the sweet round, a soft choux bun encased in a craquelin shell was filled with whipped strawberry cream on a thick crunchy biscuit base, a dense lemon and poppy seed cake was topped with a dollop of zingy lemon curd and piped torched meringue; mini pistachio and raspberry loaf was moist and nutty; a sticky lemon macaroon with sweet tangy cream was incredibly moreish; and a silky dark chocolate tart with hibiscus had a crunchy bottom. Available from: The Goring Price: Traditional afternoon tea £75pp, champagne afternoon tea from £85pp Address: 15 Beeston Place, London, SW1W OJW The Ritz, Palm Court, London W1 Book now at The Ritz, from £79pp Best iconic afternoon tea The Ritz is as iconic as the Queen, and this institutional British hotel keeps up tradition by serving 350 afternoon teas every day. It's only fitting that afternoon tea at The Ritz is a lavish affair; the formal dress code requires men to wear shirt and tie, doors are opened for you by folk in top hats, and the resident pianist, Ian Gomes, who flutters away most days during afternoon tea service, used to play with Frank Sinatra. Afternoon tea at The Ritz is taken in the Palm Court, an area raised up from the rest of the hotel’s lobby like a marble-floored stage. The Louis XVI-style set is beautifully ornate, with pristine white tablecloths laid out beneath intricate chandeliers, giant palms and gold-gilt mirrors. Choose from the 18-strong tea menu that has been curated and exclusively blended by The Ritz’s tea sommelier, Giandomenico Scanu. There are black tea blends, fermented Oolongs, herbal fruit teas and even The Ritz’s own Chai. We tried The Ritz Royal English, a classic black tea blend, combining aromatic Ceylon orange pekoe and rich Assam. Available from: The Ritz Price: Traditional afternoon tea £76pp Address: 150 Piccadilly, London, W1J 9BR Click here to read our full review of afternoon tea at The Ritz The Wolseley, London W1 Book now at The Wolseley, from £44.50 Best value iconic afternoon tea The classic room at The Wolseley has become an institution over the years – choose a simple cream tea (scones and tea), the classic afternoon tea, or go all out and order the champagne afternoon tea, complete with a glass of Pommery Brut Royal NV. Neatly cut finger sandwiches are made with various breads – succulent beef and horseradish on white, as well as cucumber (which was a little bland), smoked salmon on squishy brown bread, and Branston pickle on tomato bread. The coronation chicken sandwich was exemplary, with a lightly spiced curry mayo and plump sultanas. Scones were pleasant and fluffy, but came on the stand with the rest of the sandwiches and cakes – by the time we got to them, they were a little less fresh than desired. Simple strawberry jam and clotted cream came in generous portions. A silky lemon meringue tart was finished with a shiny blow-torched meringue dome; well-spiced Dundee cake came packed with juicy fruit; and the sherry trifle included a fragrant vanilla set custard, topped with a tart, shiny sherry jelly. If you’re still peckish, the smartly dressed staff bring round trays of the tart of the day, on our visit, a large blue cheese and caramelised onion one, with a dark crunchy crust. Available from: The Wolseley Price: Cream tea £19.50, classic afternoon tea from £44.50pp, champagne afternoon tea £58pp Address: 160 Piccadilly, St James's London, W1J 9EB The Rosebery Lounge at Mandarin Oriental, London SW1 Book now at Mandarin Oriental, from £89pp Best Asian-inspired afternoon tea Afternoon tea at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park is taken in The Rosebery Lounge, a grand yet unstuffy dining room with high ceilings and a small, stylish bar offering a selection of wines and spirits, including Chêne Bleu Domaine De la Verrière rosé, Goose Island IPA and Hendrick’s gin. Speckled antique mirrors and contemporary abstract art line the walls, and individual metal coat stands (tree-like) are brought to intimate, low, dark-wood tables. Elegant chandeliers and large windows facing onto Knightsbridge high street make the lounge bright, and a rose and ginger scent infuses throughout the room. We were greeted by a friendly and informative waiter who explained the options available: beer afternoon tea, teamaster’s choice, sake (read our guide to sake here) afternoon tea, mini afternoon tea (for children under 12) or traditional champagne afternoon tea. We opted for the latter, which came with R de Ruinart rosé champagne and R de Ruinart white champagne, both smooth, chilled and crisp, the rosé leaving slight floral notes after each sip. Available from: The Rosebery Lounge Price: Traditional afternoon tea £85pp, extra supplement for champagne, beer or sake pairings Address: 66 Knightsbridge Green, London, SW1X 7LA The Landmark London, NW1 Book now at The Landmark from £75pp Best afternoon tea for pretty surroundings Towering palm trees, giant orchids and an elaborate glass roof – you may mistake the Winter Garden atrium at The Landmark London for a luxury hotel in Dubai. But comfortable armchairs, soft lighting and crisp white tablecloths brings a bit of British to the table, and helps provide the perfect setting for an afternoon tea. The Landmark London has a variety of special blend teas – the Landmark Blend has a subtle sweet hint of Bourbon vanilla, while the Winter Garden Blend is a more traditional and aromatic afternoon tea blend (we highly recommend both). Finger sandwiches were traditional, but the bread was fresh and scattered with mixed grains. Free-range corn fed chicken was given a subtle twist with tarragon crème fraîche and the thick-cut Lapsang Souchong smoked salmon was soft and delicate. The two varieties of scones were not as large and fluffy as we hoped they would be, but the delicate jam saved the day. Available from: The Landmark London Price: High Palms Afternoon Tea £70pp Address: 222 Marylebone Road, London, NW1 6JQ NoMad London, WC2 Book now at The Nomad, from £65pp Best for rare teas Indulge in a delightful afternoon at NoMad, where the tranquil, light-filled orangery, nestled within the historic Grade II-listed old police station, offers a serene escape from busy Covent Garden. Embark on a culinary journey with a three-course tea menu. You choose from an array of teas curated by London's esteemed Rare Tea Company, ranging from exotic global blends like jasmine silver tip and genmaicha to timeless classics such as earl grey or English breakfast. For those seeking an extra touch of indulgence, the bar team presents six innovative cocktails for an added £18, perfect for a spirited afternoon lift. The first course is savoury sandwiches, ranging from the classic egg salad elevated with black truffle and chive, to pastrami, daikon and mustard – paying homage to NoMad's New York roots. For an enhanced experience, consider adding Imperial Osciеtra caviar served with griddled potato bread and bonito cream for an extra £23. The sweet delights are crafted by pastry chef Martha Hernandez, whose artistic flair shines in creations like the sacher-torte, tropical cheesecake and the cassis and shisho tart, marrying zesty fruit with buttery, crumbly pastry. Unable to finish? Leftovers can be boxed up for you to enjoy later, too. Available from: NoMad London Price: Classic afternoon tea £65pp Address: 28 Bow St, London WC2E 7AW The Cadogan Book now at The Cadogan, from £80pp Best for French patisserie As soon as you step off Sloane Street into The Cadogan you’re met with the quiet of luxury. The Cadogan Lounge has, at its centre, an ornamental tree decorated with seasonal flowers which provides a beautiful backdrop for this tea time experience. The afternoon tea, created by chef Benoît Blin, marries the technique and intricacy of French patisserie with the tradition of an English afternoon tea, and the result is as elegant as it is delicious. Once we’d chosen our tea from the 12 on offer, the first course of savouries arrived, which included an egg mayonnaise sandwich with black summer truffle, which we haven’t been able to stop thinking about since. Then the homemade scones, still warm, alongside strawberry jam and clotted cream, which is served with a selection of sweets, including a Wimbledon-inspired parfait of strawberries and shortbread on our summer visit. The best is saved for last though as the cake trolley is wheeled to your table, if you still have room of course. We chose the ultra lemon cake which had a refreshing hit of citrus curd running through its centre. Available from: The Cadogan Price: Traditional afternoon tea £70pp Address: 75 Sloane St, Chelsea, London SW1X 9SG Best modern afternoon teas in London Sketch, London W1 Book now at Sketch, from £85pp Best quirky afternoon tea Aside from the other-worldly surroundings, the highlight of afternoon tea at Sketch has to be the tea itself. Waitresses scoot golden tea trollies around the room, each one stacked with glass jars of aromatic loose leaf teas – there are at least 40 to pick from, including whole rosebud, matcha, white peony and Taiwan red jade. Feel free to sniff before you choose, and refills are complimentary. Expect fun surprises, changing themes and plenty of little extras along the way during a Sketch afternoon tea. The volume of food is generous with sandwiches, six different patisserie, scones, cake from the trolley and more to enjoy. Available from: Sketch Price: Classic afternoon tea £80pp Address: 9 Conduit Street, London, W1S 2XG Peter Pan afternoon tea, Aqua Shard Book now at Aqua Shard from £70 Aqua shard offers magical views over London which feel particularly apt for this Peter Pan themed tea. There's plenty of attention to detail and magical touches which have gone into making this a memorable experience, for starters the afternoon tea arrives on a custom crafted ship in an impressive cloud of dry ice. The perfectly cut sandwiches are light, soft and fluffy, with flavoursome fillings of smoked salmon, cream cheese and cod roe, along with the standout truffle egg mayo, all courses are replenished on request and the service is seamless. After the savoury course you can expect freshly baked scones served with homemade preserves and jam and plenty of clotted cream. Leave room though, as the highlight of the afternoon tea is the desserts and pastries, the ‘Peter’s secret never tree entrance’ is a standout – a soft chocolate sponge with chocolate mousse, ganache and sour cherry is melt in the mouth. A miniature chest hiding a selection of sweet treats and a shortbread Tinkerbell covered in edible gold dust our bound to bring out your inner child, and there's plenty of pastries and cakes to choose from. In winter it's worth booking a late-afternoon slot so you can watch the city light up from the comfort of your seat before you return home. Available from: Aqua Shard Price: £70 Address: 31 St Thomas St, London, SE1 9RY JOIA in art'otel, Battersea Book now at JOIA, from £55pp Best for modern design Battersea Power Station has garnered a reputation for a certain level of luxury and neighbouring Art’otel is no different. It’s beautifully designed by Spanish artist Jaime Hayon, with a mixture of sculptures, paintings and photography that lean into colourful surrealism. The JOIA bar and restaurant is on the 14th and 15th floors, with views spanning over the power station and across the river. The restaurant feels bright and elegant, bolstered by knowing there’s a rooftop pool and bar just one floor up if you want to extend your visit. Its décor is art deco inspired with lots of gold accents and plush pink velvet chairs. Service is friendly and attentive, helping it to feel like a high-end experience without any stuffiness. The afternoon tea menu features a selection of 12 teas from classics like earl grey and darjeeling to lesser-seen options like Iron Buddha oolong and white peony tea. The food starts with tangy salted beef and horseradish; traditional egg mayo; and creamy dill, smoked salmon and soft cheese sandwiches (which are offered ‘unlimited’). Move on to warm plain scones with raspberry jam and cream, before the vibrantly decorated patisserie that evokes the hotel’s art-forward aesthetic. We tried a raspberry and cinnamon custard tart, a pear and almond choux bun and, the highlight, a rich chocolate and banana mousse cake bookended by tempered shards of melt-in-the-mouth chocolate. This would make an excellent option for a special occasion, with the option to add champagne, too. Price: £55pp with a pot of tea; £65pp with a glass of champagne and pot of tea. Available from: JOIA Price: From £55pp, champagne afternoon tea £65pp Address: art’otel London Battersea Power Station, 15th Floor. 1 Electric Boulevard, London SW11 8BJ The Mandrake, Fitzrovia, London, W1T Book now at The Mandrake, from £60pp Best for a wellness-inspired tea The Mandrake hotel is a quirkily luxurious haven just off London’s Oxford Street, so this wellness-inspired tea, with loose influences of ayurveda, makes for a welcome respite from the Saturday shopping carnage outside. The experience starts with a 45-minute sound healing session, including infrared light therapy and a gong bath. With cosy throws and pillows to make yourself comfortable, there are a few too many people in the room for this to be a truly relaxing experience. But we close our eyes and let the gongs reverberate through us, and there’s plenty of time to empty our minds. The tea itself is served downstairs in the Yopo restaurant. It’s themed around the seven chakras, with seven delicacies individually plated and served with a tea pairing. There are no cucumber sandwiches and mini victoria sponges here – instead we enjoy the likes of a yellowtail tostada with sweet potato and physalis, which is accompanied by a Saltoro black tea and mango blend. Each of the seven mini dishes are intricate and delicious, and tea connoisseurs will be in raptures over the unlimited brews, with everything from a ceremonial matcha via a white tea with peach to a green tea grown in Jersey. Make sure you take a wander round the hotel while you’re here – it’s as much of an adventure as the unusual tea. Available from: The Mandrake Price: From £60pp Address: 20-21 Newman St, London W1T 1PG Emily in Paris afternoon tea, Pavyllon London, Four Seasons Park Lane, London W1J Book now at Pavyllon, from £75pp Best for Parisian charm If you’re after a spot of Parisian charm among the hustle of central London, this is the afternoon tea for you. It nods to the hit TV show throughout (you are served a giant red beret made from white chocolate) but is still a classy affair. The savoury options are well seasoned and generous, with delicious finger sandwiches ranging from the classic smoked salmon and cream cheese to a chicken sandwich with a delicious tomato condiment. The sweet offerings are meticulously put together and supremely delicious. From an oolong tea crème brulêe tart, pistachio financiers, and mini chocolate and coffee eclairs, there’s something for everyone. It is very chic, with the Emily beret adding a touch of the show’s charming silliness. The room is spacious and glamorous, with lots of natural light. You’re encouraged to relax and enjoy yourself, which really makes the whole thing feel luxurious and special. Service is attentive and friendly but not overbearing, so you can relax and chat as you eat. Available from: Pavyllon Price: From £75pp, champagne afternoon tea £85pp Address: Hamilton Place, Park Lane, London W1J 7DR The Coral Room, Bloomsbury, London WC1B Book now at The Coral Room, from £48pp Best for alternative diets The Coral Room is an impressive venue for a special occasion – with high ceilings, a big open fire and a striking art deco style bar, it feels opulent but relaxed. With the opening of The Devil Wears Prada in the West End, it’s offering a themed afternoon tea so you can channel your inner Miranda Priestly. Runway Afternoon Tea starts with sandwiches including classic cucumber and crème fraîche, a punchy smoked salmon in a brioche roll, and Nates’ grilled cheese – a warm, melty treat that’s easily the best of the bunch. Buttermilk scones are served with clotted cream and a spiced pear jam that feels perfect for the colder months, with a little cinnamon madeleine to prepare for the cakes to come. On to the patisserie, a delightfully light layered hazelnut coffee opera cake references the “no foam skimmed latte with an extra shot” from the film. The Devil’s chocolate cake is rich, if a little on the dry side, but the ‘cerulean’ Greek yogurt mousse is light and fresh in among all the sweetness. The star, named ‘a single cube of cheese’, is a cube of rich, glossy vanilla cheesecake. Almost all the cakes and scones are gluten-free, with vegetarian and vegan options, so this is a great one to cater to alternative diets. There’s an ample selection of teas to choose from, including black, green and herbal, or you can amp up the luxury with sparkling wine or champagne. The specially created cocktail menu shines with the Runway Royale – tequila and vanilla liqueur topped up with champagne and a botanical aperitif, alongside zesty gin and berry-based vodka options. Available from: The Coral Room Price: Traditional afternoon tea £48pp, champagne afternoon tea £65pp, sparkling wine from £15, cocktails from £19. Address: 16-22 Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury, London, WC1B 3NN Cake & Bubbles by Albert Adria, Cafe Royal, London W1B Book now at Cakes and Bubbles, from £50pp Best afternoon tea for dessert enthusiasts Cake & Bubbles is a dessert and champagne experience designed by multi-award-winning pastry chef Albert Adria. Located at the Hotel Café Royal in London, Adria has created a spectacle of sweet sensations, offered alongside a carefully curated selection of champagne and sparkling wine. Born out of Adria’s desire to open a dessert-only venue, the Sweet Afternoon Bubbles menu comprises three sweet courses, with an optional glass of (highly recommended) N.V. Venue Clicquot Brut. Upon arrival of the first course, beautifully presented on a golden embossed cake stand, Adria’s deep passion for delicate confections is clear. We were guided through the experience by friendly staff, starting from the bottom tier with baklava pistachio pillows that were light as air and a passion fruit crème with a touch of burnt caramel to balance the flavours. By far, the highlight of the menu was the ‘cheese cake’, a twist on traditional cheesecake, using sharp Baron Bigod cheese, enveloped in sweet white chocolate with hazelnut – an absolute must-try for cheese and cake lovers alike. Available from: Cakes & Bubbles Price: Sweet Afternoon Bubbles menu £50pp (with a glass of N. V. Venue Clicquot Brut £65pp) Address: 70 Regent St., London, W1B 4DY Number Sixteen, South Kensington, London SW7 Book now at Number Sixteen, from £45pp Best al fresco afternoon tea As soon as you step through the door of this pristinely manicured mid-Victorian white townhouse, co-owner Kit Kemp's bold statements make themselves known. Textiles in the suite of drawing rooms range in colour from pistachio and pink to stylish yellow and purple, with unique artwork throughout – a huge wall-mounted birdcage marks the entranceway, books line the walls, and hand painted puppets guard the honesty bar stocked with spirits, wines and bubbles. The selection of sandwiches and cakes offers something a bit different to traditional afternoon tea. On our summer visit, hick-cut honey roasted ham with refreshing dill coleslaw comes on black rye bread; beautiful courgette flowers are coated in a crisp and light tempura; and herbes de provence chicken fills a squishy glazed brioche bun. Pastries are pretty and dainty – a hint of violet adds depth to a creamy lemon-filled choux profiterole, rose cupcakes are subtly floral and the silky raspberry panna cotta provides a pleasantly tart finish. Available from: Number Sixteen Price: Traditional afternoon tea £45pp, champagne afternoon tea £57pp Address: 16 Sumner Place, London, SW7 3EG TING at Shangri-La Hotel, The Shard, London SE1 Book now at TING Shangri-La from £78pp Best afternoon tea with a view If you delight in all things traditional, then afternoon tea at London's TING is not for you. But if you’re open-minded, enjoy Asian food and would prefer to gaze across a sparkling city rather than a Victorian dining room, then you can’t get much better than TING at Shangri-La hotel, one of six restaurants in The Shard. Initial impressions of TING (on level 35) are magnificent: the lift doors open onto a spectacular and uninterrupted panorama of London, dominated at first by St Paul’s Cathedral. Low tables and armchairs are sensibly arranged to soak up as much of the view as possible – we took three hours over our afternoon tea, so unique was the experience. Available from: TING at Shangri-La Price: Afternoon tea £78pp, champagne afternoon tea from £88pp Address: Shangri-La Hotel At The Shard, 31, St Thomas Street, London, SE1 9QU The Ampersand Hotel, Science afternoon tea, London SW7 Book now at Ampersand Hotel, from £59.50pp Best afternoon tea for kids Just a stone’s throw from the Science and Natural History museums in South Kensington, it’s easy to see where The Ampersand got their inspiration from for this wacky afternoon tea – the perfect treat for budding scientists. The room we take tea in is part English drawing room, part French tea salon, and comes adorned with comfortable sofas. As for the food, everything is made in-house – there’s a meticulously decorated raspberry cake planet with a white chocolate planetary ring, and moreish hazelnut and chocolate cake with a sharp mango mousse volcano. There are also chocolate dinosaurs and a citrus cocktail served in a laboratory beaker, to add to the Dr Jekyll experience. Portions are generous too, very welcome after a morning spent museum-hopping. Available from: The Ampersand Hotel Price: Science afternoon tea £59.50pp, with champagne from £69.50, (vegetarian options available), £39.50pp for children Address: 10 Harrington Road, London, SW7 3ER Click here to read our full review of afternoon tea at The Ampersand OXO Tower, London SE1 Book now at OXO Tower, from £45pp Best contemporary riverside afternoon tea OXO Tower Wharf is one of London’s most famous landmarks, noted for its iconic branded windows and sky-high restaurants. It’s hard to find the entrance if you’ve never been before – head to the pavilion in the middle of the building, then catch the lift up to the 8th floor, for the restaurant. Enjoy stunning views on your way to your table, that stretch all the way from Waterloo Bridge to St Paul’s Cathedral. The atmosphere is considerably formal – think leather seats and slate tables with crisp ironed white tablecloths, and a slanting glass roof to make the most of those beautiful views. Afternoon tea menus are carefully explained and although the selection of sandwiches and cakes seems endless, portions here are dainty so it’s possible to try everything. Available from: OXO Tower Wharf Price: Traditional afternoon tea £40pp, champagne afternoon tea from £50pp Address: OXO Tower Wharf, Barge House Street, South Bank, London, SE1 9PH Chai afternoon tea, Cinnamon Bazaar Book now at Cinnamon Bazaar, from £27.50 Best savoury afternoon tea One of the best afternoon teas in London for savoury palates is the high chai tea at Cinnamon Bazaar. It doesn't have the glitz and glamour of The Savoy, but it's comfortable enough and the service is friendly. The menu puts a unique Indian-inspired view on afternoon tea, inspired by chef Vivek Singh's roots in Kolkata, completely transforming it into something new. The tea is divided into chaats, nibbles (including a fish finger sandwich and chicken spring roll) and sweets. It makes a tempting change from finger sandwiches and scones and you're sure to find a new favourite dish. Available from: Cinnamon Bazaar Price: Chai afternoon tea for two £27.50 Adress: 28 Maiden Ln, London WC2E 7JS Still in the mood for cakes? Check out our best ever afternoon tea recipes now, and create your own feast at home...
We've rounded up the best afternoon teas in the UK to celebrate the great British institution
Looking for afternoon tea in Manchester or the best teatime deal in Edinburgh? We've visited afternoon teas across the UK and picked some of our favourites. From grand mansions in Berkshire to historical landmarks in Belfast, local bakeries in Northumberland or skyscrapers in Manchester, there is an afternoon tea for everybody. Check out our picks of the best afternoon teas in the UK below. For more afternoon tea inspiration, check out our picks of the best afternoon teas in London, or enjoy a treat from the comfort of your own home with our tried-and-tested best afternoon tea deliveries. If you fancy some baking, check out our afternoon tea recipes for scones, sandwiches and patisserie. Best afternoon teas in the UK The Grove, Hertfordshire The Grove hotel has become renowned for its afternoon tea, which changes its menu throughout the year. New for 2025, the current menu is themed around nostalgia, with savoury bites such as cheese and crisp sandwiches, smoked salmon on crumpets and classic prawn cocktails (all savoury items are refillable, so go with an empty stomach). Sweets come served on a classic tiered cake stand, with playful riffs on retro treats like jam roly-poly and battenberg bites, alongside warm, buttery scones. The setting is cosy and plush – bag yourself a seat next to the open fire, or enjoy the view of the gardens featuring sculptures and water features, from the bay windows. Afternoon Tea: A Taste of Nostalgia is £65 or £80 with champagne. Kids’ afternoon tea is priced at £32.50. thegrove.co.uk Stay over: Set in 300 acres of rolling parkland, it’s hard to believe The Grove hotel is just 20 minutes by train from central London. The Grove is a luxurious country house retreat that effortlessly combines modern elegance with rich history. Here you can spend the day enjoying the award-winning Sequoia spa, get in a round of golf or enjoy the many world-class dining options on offer. A one-night stay in a West Wing Classic Room starts from £370. A one-night stay in a newly launched Mansion room will start from £580 with suites starting from £890. Check availability at booking.com Cliveden House, Taplow, Berkshire An Italianate mansion located on a 376-acre National Trust-owned estate in Berkshire, Cliveden has been one of the UK’s most important houses for three centuries. This is where Christine Keeler first met John Profumo, a meeting and affair that led to one of the biggest political scandals of all time. It’s also where Meghan Markle stayed before her royal wedding in 2018. Afternoon teas are so popular that you may need to book in advance, but they are well worth the wait. Nab a table by the window for special rolling views over the garden. The menu is currently inspired by Cliveden's rich history and famous guests who have passed through the hotel, from Winston Churchill's mini roast beef and Yorkshire pudding (impressively tender despite being served cold) to the delicate and super-creamy Queen Victoria's sponge. Even a classic egg sandwich is given a historical makeover, transforming into Russian egg salad with peas, carrots and pea shoots in a dense rye bread roll as a nod to the Profumo scandal. Fluffy scones served warm midway through the tea are a highlight. clivedenhouse.co.uk Stay over: Make a special weekend of your trip with a memorable night at Cliveden. Combining Edwardian elegance with modern luxury, rooms are furnished with handmade king-size beds, antique furniture and period bathrooms. There's also the option to spend the weekend in your own private riverside bolthole in the Spring Cottage. Set in National Trust gardens, Cliveden is 45 minutes west of London by car. Doubles from £635 per night, check availability at booking.com or mrandmrssmith.com Betty's, York, Harrogate and other Yorkshire locations Coffee and cake at Betty’s in Harrogate is always a treat; but the full afternoon tea is even more so. Betty's is a Yorkshire institution and the afternoon tea will transport you to a byone era. The classic afternoon tea is great value at £29.95, and includes sandwiches, a scone, three miniature cakes and a pot of tea. The cakes change seasonally and there's the option to go add a glass of prosecco or pink champagne to your tea too. If you're shorter on time or appetite, the Yorkshire high tea option has two scones, jam, cream and a pot of tea. Stop by the shop on your way out to pick up more sweet treats to have the next day. bettys.co.uk Stay over: Treat yourself to a stay Rudding Park, where rooms are decked with roll-top baths and your own private terrace, or opt for one of the luxurious spa rooms, fitted with a private sauna, steam room or spa bath plus your own private garden. Doubles from £294 per night, check availability at booking.com The Tawny Hotel, Staffordshire Afternoon tea at The Tawny is served in the botanical-themed restaurant, The Plumicorn, overlooking the sparkling lake and expansive grounds. Delicate finger sandwiches are served in a variety of soft white and seeded breads, generously filled with the classics – smoked salmon and cream cheese, cucumber, and egg and cress. Sweet options include stunning French pastries, all made daily to the highest standards by the in-house patisserie chef. Freshly baked fruit and plain scones are served with rich clotted cream and a homemade raspberry jam. Choose a leaf tea or freshly brewed coffee to enjoy while taking in the magnificent views, all served on local Steelite china, modern earthenware from a local pottery in Stoke-on-Trent. Service is attentive and personal while retaining a relaxed ambiance. The traditional afternoon tea is £32, or £45 with champagne and dietary requirements, including vegan, are catered for. Stay over: Set amid 70 acres of woodland, stay over in a cosy shepherd’s hut with wood burner, or fully immerse yourself in nature in one of the hillside treehouses or retreats. The on-site thatched cottage provides GAIA method spa experiences for even deeper relaxation. Rooms from £250 per night. Check availability at thetawny.co.uk Cloud 23, Manchester The 23rd-storey view out to the Cheshire Plain is only one attraction of this plush cocktail lounge. Guests can pair their afternoon tea with a glass of prosecco or one of Cloud 23's signature cocktails. There's also a kids afternoon tea menu, complete with a special kids mocktail list. The afternoon tea starts with classic sandwiches, plain and sultana scones with jam and cream and a selection of cakes to finish. cloud23bar.com Stay over: Converted textile warehouse, The Cow Hollow Hotel, has a reception that doubles as a cocktail bar, where guests can enjoy complimentary early evening prosecco and snacks. Rooms come kitted out with impressive marble fireplaces, super comfy beds and a round of milk and cookies delivered to your room each night. Doubles from £99 per night, check availability at booking.com Llanerch Vineyard, Cardiff Served in a restaurant overlooking a Welsh vineyard, afternoon tea at Llanerch is not your average tea, cake and sarnies affair. The menus are seasonal and the top two tiers of the cake stand might include lavender sugared Welsh cakes, rhubarb crumble and custard tart and blood orange posset with rosemary tuile. The savoury lower tier features classic sandwiches like egg and cress but also a more contemporary chicken and sun-dried tomato mayonnaise. Plus, there's an extra savoury slate that might include vol au vents and a sausage roll. The restaurant has a stunning view of the vineyard, and in the summer the bi-folding doors can be opened to enhance the experience, particularly with a glass of sparkling Welsh wine. llanerch.co.uk Stay over: Nestled in the quiet Welsh countryside yet 20 minutes from Cardiff city centre, Wale's only vineyard hotel Llanerch Vineyard Hotel offers guests rolling countryside views, leafy vineyard tours and local wine tasting. Doubles from £120 per night, check availability at booking.com Assembly House, Norfolk In the heart of Norwich, the Assembly House is a Georgian gem which has been delighting diners for decades with dainty Norfolk ham sandwiches, fruit scones with strawberry jam and savoury scones with cheese, chive and local Colman’s mustard. Served in an elegant period building by uniformed staff, every single element of afternoon tea has been carefully considered, from the cake selection to scones and three-cheese toasties served warm from the oven. Swiss-trained pastry chef Mark Mitson (formerly of The Connaught and Claridge’s), designs an ever-changing selection of cakes and desserts and the kitchen works closely with local schools and colleges to help train the pastry chefs of tomorrow, ensuring afternoon tea isn’t a tradition that will be lost in Norfolk. And then there’s the Assembly House’s tea and tisanes list – it’s all loose leaf, including a bespoke afternoon tea blend, green tea and fruit teas. And, for those with dietary requirements – don’t worry, you’ll be well looked after here. “Whether customers are gluten-free, nut-free, soya-free, coeliac, vegetarian, vegan, lactose-intolerant or just extremely discerning diners who like to design their own individual sandwich fillings, we cater for everybody,” assures chef director Richard Hughes. Look out for the popular themed afternoon teas, too. assemblyhousenorwich.co.uk Stay over: Ornate furniture and historic antiques merge with modern artwork and retro prints at Grade I-listed Georgian The Assembly House. Each room is equipped with a desk, flat-screen TV, private bathroom, coffee machine and seating area, with some featuring a balcony. Doubles from £196 per night, check availability at booking.com Titanic Hotel, Belfast On the exact spot where the British passenger liner RMS Titanic was built and launched in 1912, Titanic Belfast’s Sunday afternoon tea allows guests to step back in time to a period of luxury, elegance and five-star service. Set in the opulent surroundings of the Titanic Suite, featuring the replica staircase recreated for a few scenes in the 1997 film, afternoon tea here features a selection of finger sandwiches, scones with Cornish clotted cream, cakes, éclairs and savoury bites inspired by those served on board the original boat. Wash it all down with a selection of loose-leaf teas served in replica White Star Line crockery. There's also a kids menu which even comes with homemade chocolate milk. The teas are supplied by Belfast’s Thompson’s Tea, a family-run business that pre-dates the Titanic itself. Its luxury Titanic house tea is a blend of second flush Assam and high-grade Kenyan teas, but the Irish breakfast tea and six champagnes are also worth a look in. titanichotelbelfast.com/fine-dining-belfast/afternoon-tea Stay over: Located in the Linen Quarter, Hotel Grand Central Hotel Belfast offers private bathrooms with rain showers, kingsize beds and sweeping city views with a full Irish breakfast included. It's also a hub for exploring Titanic Quarter’s history or Cathedral Quarter’s cobbled streets. Doubles from £167 per night, check availability at booking.com The Bath Priory afternoon tea, Bath Everything in this honey-stoned country house hotel on the fringes of Bath is preserved as it has been for decades, from the ticking clocks and carefully plumped sofas in the library to the starched white tablecloths and synchronised cloche flourishes in the dining room. You’d be more likely to bring your partner or parents here, than perhaps a first date – the dining room is formal rather than funky and there’s a distinct lack of music. The bonus at lunchtime, though, is the dreamy views over four acres of gardens. Traditional afternoon tea is served from 3pm-5pm every day in The Pantry, lounges or on the terrace with dreamy views of over four acres of gardens. Expect classic finger sandwiches such as ham and mustard, creamy smoked salmon and classic egg mayonnaise; homemade British cakes including zesty lemon drizzle, moist carrot cake and fresh raspberry tart. Finish off with fluffy, warm plain or fruit scones with thick clotted cream and local jam. thebathpriory.co.uk Stay over: Surrounded by rolling Avon countryside, The Bath Priory Hotel rooms feature period furniture and spacious en-suite bathrooms, set with fluffy bathrobes and designer toiletries, while the majority of rooms come with calming views overlooking the gardens. Doubles from £194 per night, check availability at booking.com Waterloo Gardens Teahouse, Cardiff Love tea? You will be in heaven at Waterloo. It carries over 50 different teas, some from farms so tiny they only produce 100kg of that tea each year. The menu moves fluidly with the seasons, but its staff are as enthusiastic about the classics, such as jasmine pearl, as they are the freshest, most refined white teas (created from young leaves dried before they oxidise). Waterloo even purifies its water and brews at four different temperatures in its quest for perfection. Its food is similarly fastidious. Afternoon tea (which needs to be pre-ordered) is served with homemade truffles and seasonal fruits, and includes scones and interesting sandwiches (green harissa chicken, Welsh cheddar and plum chutney), which are all made to order. Excellent cakes, too. waterlootea.com Running Fox Bakery, Northumberland Beside the River Coquet in rural Northumberland, Felton lost most of its shops and meeting places when the nearby A1 was diverted away from the village. That didn’t deter ambitious local resident Kris Blackburn from taking over the village coffee shop. Running Fox launched in 2011, opening seven days a week and selling a range of bakery goods and local produce. As well as becoming the community hub – the local WI and history club are regulars – the Running Fox has made the most of its position and become a destination afternoon tea venue in the middle of an Area of Natural Outstanding Beauty close to beaches, ancient castles and historic Alnwick. Think rustic and filling rather than dainty (Kris’s words). For £25.50 per person, they include a sandwich, slice of pie or quiche, fresh cheese or fruit scone and a wedge of homemade cake served with ‘endless’ tea or coffee. It’s clearly a winning formula as Kris has since opened a second café in nearby Longframlington and a third in Shilbottle. Gluten free and vegan menus are also available. runningfoxbakery.co.uk Stay over: A 12 minutes walk from the beach, The Joiners Arms offers boutique, coaching inn-inspired rooms with exposed stone walls and original beamed ceilings. Rooms look onto the leafy garden and include panoramic views, Juliet balconies and statement centrepiece bathtubs - coupled with king-sized beds, fluffy robes and locally sourced in-room treats. Doubles from £300 per night, check availability at booking.com The Merchant Hotel, Belfast A dazzling display of gilding, plasterwork and chandeliers, dominated by its soaring Victorian glass cupola, the Merchant Hotel’s Great Room restaurant serves an afternoon tea that is similarly hi-spec. Warm scones arrive wrapped in linen and you get a box designed by local artist, Mark Reihill, to take home any yuzu crèmeux choux or honey pain d’épices macarons you cannot finish. Add prosecco, a cocktail or champagne to your afternoon tea, plus there are vegetarian, vegan and nut-alternative menus to cover different dietary needs. themerchanthotel.com Budock Vean, Cornwall Close to the beautiful Helford River in South Cornwall, the Budock Vean hotel occupies an idyllic rural location and makes for a tranquil spot to enjoy a ‘proper job’ Cornish afternoon tea. Whether it’s a meal in the restaurant or afternoon tea, the kitchen uses as much local produce as possible, including clotted cream from Trewithen Dairy, jam from Boddington’s of Mevagissey and tea grown on the Tregothnan estate 17 miles away. A full afternoon tea at Budock Vean includes Cornish smoked salmon and cucumber sandwiches with crisps and salad, two freshly baked scones with clotted cream and Cornish strawberry jam and a slice of cake, with a pot of tea or coffee from Cornwall’s Origin roastery. budockvean.co.uk Stay over: A six-minute walk from the beach, Merchants Manor Spa includes private sub-tropical gardens, and an indoor heating swimming pool and spa, with cosy bedrooms inside the period building decked with local art, duck-down duvets and walk-in showers. Doubles from £100 per night, check availability at booking.com Laguna Kitchen, Cardiff Laguna Kitchen is tucked away on the ground floor of the Park Plaza Hotel; a little quiet oasis of luxury just off the main shopping street in central Cardiff. Choose between the main dining room or a plush sofa in front of a fire in the equally swish lobby area. There are several afternoon tea menus to choose from – traditional, the 'afternoon sea' (yes, all about seafood!), a gin-themed Hendrick's tea, or a Gentleman's afternoon tea focused on savoury treats. In a cute, boozy twist on a traditional afternoon tea, the G&Tea includes a Hendrick’s Elderflower Collins served in a china teapot and cup along with dainty finger sandwiches, light-as-air scones and sweet patisserie such as lime jellies with mint and cucumber, macaroons and chocolate opera gateau. The Gentleman’s Tea (also enthusiastically offered to ladies) offers more savoury than sweet with offerings such as chorizo scotch eggs, mini Brecon venison burgers, roast Welsh sirloin in mini yorkies and Severn and Wye smoked salmon blinis, as well as mini chocolate mousse and rum baba. parkplazacardiff.com The Angel Hotel, Abergavenny This former coaching inn, now a characterful hotel, stands in the historic Monmouthshire market town of Abergavenny, on the edge of the Brecon Beacons, and its afternoon tea is a must-order. It’s served in the Wedgewood Room, a smart, contemporary, low-lit dining room brightened by tall plants, large mirrors, big windows and parquet flooring. Tea, on floral bone china, is laid out on starched white tablecloths. Kick off with a glass of Bollinger before indulging in warm savoury pastries (crisp sausage rolls and flaky duck-filled filo), homemade sandwiches (thick-cut ham and mustard, and sweet coronation chicken) and moreish sweet treats (raspberry meringues, soft coffee profiteroles and mini lemon and poppy seed fairy cakes). Read our full review of The Angel Hotel. angelabergavenny.com Stay over: Set in a late 16th century coaching inn, the Kings Arms Hotel is a stone's throw from this afternoon tea spot, offering cosy rooms fitted with four-poster beds, oak paneling and exposed original stone and beams. Doubles from £95 per night, check availability at booking.com Oh Me Oh My, Liverpool Liverpudlians will know LEAF, the hip Bold Street café and arts venue. Less well known is that it also runs a weekday grand café in a Grade-II former bank opposite the Liver Building. A bright, airy space of high-ceilings and enormous windows, nattily decked-out in vintage and modern furniture, Oh Me Oh My is a relaxing setting in which to enjoy head baker Matthew Rhodes’ afternoon tea. It includes sandwiches (the mini brioche croque monsieur is a favourite), scones and mini-desserts, which usually include his classy crème brûlée. Teas are presented at the table so guests can touch and smell them first. Try Tea Desire’s champagne cassis, a white tea flavoured with lemongrass and redcurrants. ohmeohmyliverpool.co.uk Stay over: 62 Castle Street Hotel is one of the city’s many Grade II Listed building, offering super king-size beds in its split level suites alongside art-deco style wall coverings, hand-picked artwork and a complimentary box of Hotel Chocolat chocolates. Doubles from £74 per night, check availability at booking.com Sopwell House Hotel afternoon tea, St Albans Sopwell House Hotel is a grand affair, with more than 100 rooms, two restaurants, a spa and 12 acres of grounds to its name. Among all of that, the best place to relax is in the cocktail lounge, where afternoon tea is served. It’s a long, breezy room that starts at a marble-topped bar and stretches all the way to a library, with little alcoves and giant sash windows along the way. Waiters make the rounds with silver trays of sandwich refills, and scones are well-risen and shiny on top, with fluffy interiors and a good bite. But, by far the best tier of Sopwell House’s afternoon tea stand is the homemade cake selection. Bright-yellow lemon macarons burst with zest, their shiny shells sandwiched together with a thin layer of sharp raspberry jam. Little pastry cases come filled with soft crème patisserie and topped with blackberries, and deliciously moist squares of carrot cake are decorated with chocolate feathers. sopwellhouse.co.uk Stay over: Sopwell House is a grand, whitewashed Georgian country house set in 12 acres of gardens boasting a spa, restaurant, informal brasserie, cocktail lounge and terrace. Room include great big pillowy beds, original windows, countryside views and shiny en-suite bathrooms. Doubles from £299 per night, check availability at booking.com Fitzbillies, Cambridge Famous for its sticky chelsea buns (first created in 1920), this Cambridge bakery-café blends contemporary style with years of experience. The recipe for its scones – centrepiece of afternoon tea at its Trumpington Street HQ – dates back decades. Yet the accompanying mini desserts, such as a mixed berry fruit tart filled with vanilla crème patissiere or its macarons, have a modern flair. Want to enjoy afternoon tea punting on the River Cam? Fitzbillies also does takeaway. fitzbillies.com Stay over: Historic Cambridge hotel University Arms is located in the heart of the city centre, offering cosy double bedrooms with private bathrooms along with views of Parker’s Piece, Regent Street and the hotel’s inner courtyard. Doubles from £212 per night, check availability at booking.com The Art School Cellars, Liverpool Tucked beneath legendary chef Paul Askew’s fine dining restaurant, the Cellars lounge serves pre-dinner drinks, small plates and afternoon teas. Paul’s love of high-quality regional ingredients shines through in sandwiches of corn-fed Shropshire chicken with curried eggs from Wirral producer, Raby. These are followed by classic desserts – expect battenberg, fruity pavlova or cheesecake. theartschoolrestaurant.co.uk Ellenborough Park afternoon tea, Cheltenham As you follow the curve around Ellenborough Park's long sweeping drive it's easy to forget that you're in the busy Cotswolds' spa town. The golden stone of the Manor House and its modern extensions (including a spa and some 61 rooms and suites) sprawls across its 90 treasured acres of land, in a prime spot, overlooking the equally historic Cheltenham racecourse. A stone statue of a filly breaks the view from the drop off, outside reception. Afternoon tea is to be taken in the tudor-inspired Great Hall. A double-height ceiling makes room for grand chandeliers, oil portraits and a deep-set fireplace that was still being lit even in late April when we visited. Try and nab a seat in the nook if there are only two of you – this part of the building dates back to the 15th century – otherwise make yourself comfortable on one of the pristine sofas... ellenboroughpark.com Stay over: No131, a boutique hotel spread over three Georgian properties on the Promenade, boasts swoon-making period features from high ceilings to stately proportions and sash windows, combined with eclectic, modern décor. Add in a superlative foodie offering and a buzzy gin bar in the basement and it makes the perfect bolthole from which to explore Cheltenham. Doubles from £161 per night, check availability at booking.com Belmond British Pullman afternoon tea on a train, London and Kent Setting off from London Victoria, the British Pullman train carriages are super-glamorous, offering afternoon tea, lunch or murder mystery trips from various destinations across the country. We were invited aboard to indulge in the new themed Mary Poppins afternoon tea. The train itself is spectacular with every carriage restored to its original 20s-30s style – we were welcomed onto the oldest carriage, built in Italy in 1925. The carriage was made up of tables for two, each with pristine white tablecloths, elegant nouveau lamps and Belmond’s own duck egg blue and white bone china. Comfy vintage seats with art deco upholstery surrounded the tables. Afternoon tea is taken throughout the three-hour journey: start with a generous, crumbly, warm goat’s cheese tart with caramelised onion; followed by a selection of finger sandwiches (classic coronation chicken was sweet and came in a fluffy brioche bun; salmon could have done with a bit more cream cheese; classic egg mayonnaise hits with a strong taste of truffle; and traditional cucumber with minted crème fraîche on fluffy white bread). This was followed with crumbly scones served with jam and clotted cream for two. Our feast finished with a number of carefully crafted pastries: a baby pink jellied mousse square with sugared flowers; dainty macaroons; a squidgy miniature salted caramel brownie; and a not-quite-crunchy-enough vanilla biscuit topped with blackcurrant mousse. Available from: belmond.com Kilo Ziro, Birmingham With their zero-waste refillables store, Clean Kilo, now in Moseley, owners Jeanette Wong and Tom Pell have turned the original Digbeth site into a hip bar, where biodynamic wines are served on tap from reusable stainless steel kegs, alongside carbon-negative gin and seasonal ‘waste-not’ cocktails that use rescued, surplus fruits. Each weekend, Kilo’s meat-free afternoon tea showcases the work of local producers, including Artisan Epicurean and Sunshine Bakehouse. The menu aims to strike a neat sweet-savoury balance. Before your brownie bites, chocolate and sultana tiffin or victoria sponge cake, expect goodies such as filled piadina, vegan sausage rolls and goat’s cheese, shallot marmalade and pistachio tarts. kilozirobar.com Colonnades, Signet Library, Edinburgh The ornate creations served within the Colonnades are as dazzling as the interiors of this stunning Georgian library. Bespoke silver tea stands arrive laden with modish savouries, such as a beetroot and goat’s cheese choux or roasted courgette pesto focaccia. Scones follow, but also an array of jewel-like sweet items as varied as spiced apple frangipane tarts and blackberry and matcha bubble tea. thesignetlibrary.co.uk Terre à Terre, Brighton A meat-free pioneer since 1993, Amanda Powley’s restaurant also serves creative vegan and vegetarian afternoon teas. Expect clever deployment of tea as an ingredient (lapsang souchong pickled watermelon; tea-soaked sultana scones), and original savoury items, such as steamed rice buns filled with Szechuan marinated halloumi or Korean-style fried cauliflower with kimchi, umeboshi chestnut purée, pickled daikon and crispy kale. Sweet treats might include chocolate hazelnut truffle cake or orange and almond polenta cake with clementine sorbet, pomegranate molasses and a pink pepper meringue with coconut cream. terreaterre.co.uk Ahh Toots, Bristol Tables are much sought after at this cool and cosy bakery-café, where, behind that historic Tudor façade, owners, Tam Galliford and Amy Symonds, create ace celebration cakes and lush afternoon teas. Sandwiches and unusually interesting scones (sour cherry and toasted pumpkin seed, for example) are followed by a variety of modish bakes, such as thyme and sea salt chocolate cookies or lemon mascarpone choux buns. Tam and Amy like to use products from fellow Bristol indies, such as Circumstance Distillery’s whiskey in their white chocolate truffles. Their house coffee blend was created with Radical Roasters. ahhtoots.com The Pudding Pantry, Nottingham Rounds of, for example, buttermilk fried chicken sliders, chicken and chorizo crostini with sriracha aïoli or, for the meat-free, barbecued jackfruit rolls, imbue the Pantry’s afternoon tea with a fashionable sense of fun. Its Sherwood and Beeston venues boast private rooms, popular for baby showers, where happy throngs savour red velvet macarons, roasted hazelnut florentines and passion fruit bellini cupcakes. thepuddingpantry.co.uk For more afternoon tea inspiration, check out our guide to the best afternoon teas in London
A tin of jackfruit (which you can pick up at almost any supermarket) is the magic ingredient in this vegan massaman curry, served with salted peanuts
Make this vegan jackfruit curry for a comforting dinner, then check out more vegan curry recipes such as our spinach, chickpea & potato curry, tempeh curry, yellow curry, vegan Thai red curry and vegan aubergine curry. For more veggie options, check out our vegetarian curry, vegetarian chilli, vegetarian paella and other vegetarian recipes. Cook’s tip: Boost your plant points “Add in a tin of drained chickpeas into your curry for the last few minutes of cooking, as well as a big handful of both spinach and kale - or whatever seasonal leafy greens you have that need using up. Add a squeeze of citrus to help your body better absorb the iron from the spinach and a splash more water if needed. You can also leave the skins on your potatoes for extra fibre, and swap the jasmine rice for wholegrain basmati and wild rice for an extra two plant points. These simple extras will boost this recipe to nearly 11 plant points.” Note these changes to the recipe will alter the nutritional information displayed. Here are more ways to boost your plant points and plant-packed recipes. View Green Video on the source website Vegan jackfruit massaman curry recipe
Need a show-stopping dessert recipe to impress guests over the Christmas period? Check out our indulgent festive yule log with dark chocolate, a boozy Baileys cream and crunchy hazelnut brittle
Try this Christmas Yule log recipe then check out our bûche de noël, Christmas biscuits, Christmas cupcakes, stollen and more Christmas baking recipes plus Christmas desserts. Looking for a gluten-free chocolate centrepiece? Try our showstopping gluten-free chocolate fudge cake. How to make a Christmas yule log... step-by-step video View Green Video on the source website
Chester best restaurants: where to eat, drink and stay
Check out our favourite restaurants, cafes, bars and foodie spots in Chester – from pillowy pancakes to perfect pizzas, there's plenty to discover
Looking for Chester restaurants? Here are our favourite restaurants in the small city in Cheshire. The best foodie spots include cracking aubergine pizzas at Stile Napoletano, pillowy blueberry pancakes at Flower Cup and freshly made dumplings at Pierogi. Check out our ideas for eating and drinking in Chester, between the city’s Roman walls and medieval alleys… For more city guides, check out our recommendations for the best restaurants in Brighton, best restaurants in Bath, best restaurants in Oxford or our best restaurants in Margate. Jump to: A festive visit to Chester Best restaurants in Chester Best bars in Chester Best brunch and coffee shops in Chester Best food shopping in Chester Where to stay in Chester A festive visit to Chester With its Roman walls, Tudor-style buildings and ancient, ornate ‘rows’ (split-level precincts home to boutique shops), Chester always looks great. In December, the city bejewelled with lights, it feels as close to a Victorian Christmas scene as you can get without time travel, whether you’re savouring a pint in the Brewery Tap, a former Jacobean feasting hall, or exploring Chester cathedral’s dazzling Christmas tree festival (from November 24). Over 80% of the 70+ stalls at Chester Christmas Market (November 15-December 22) are run by Cheshire and North Wales traders. With a hot spiced rum in hand, you will find plenty of unique gifts. Nearby, the Makers Market is a regular meet-up for northern artisans (Sat-Sun in December). Chester boasts a multitude of big names in fashion and retail, both in the city centre and out of town at Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet. Refuel while shopping with good coffee and Hulson’s mince pies at Chalk. In the evening, head out to eat at Chef’s Table or hip wine and small plates star, Covino. Pizzeria, Stile Napoletano, and next-level tapas restaurant, Porta, are equally essential. Best restaurants in Chester Upstairs at The Grill Inspired by New York steakhouses, Upstairs at The Grill serves great steaks alongside wine and cocktails. The knowledgeable staff will explain the different cuts on the menu, and you even get to choose your own steak knife. The vibe has a moody American members' club feel, with a bar upstairs, heated terrace with a fire, and a retractable roof for dining in summer. upstairsatthegrill.co.uk Twenty Eight Serving British tapas with a focus on seasonal vegetables, produce at Twenty Eight comes from its very own farm at Field 28. The regularly changing menu is designed around the farm harvest, with tapas and Sunday lunch menus available. Our highlights were an earthy beetroot tartare and lemon custard tart. restaurant28.com The Chef’s Table – for seasonal British dishes Don’t be fooled by this tiny spot’s simple décor; The Chef’s Table creates elegant dishes from carefully sourced ingredients. The heritage tomato soup is almost too pretty to eat, while honey and lavender peaches are the perfect foil for tender salt-aged duck breast and duck leg faggot. chefstablechester.co.uk Pierogi – for Polish food Within weeks of opening, Chester’s first Polish café had established itself as a firm favourite with locals. Pierogi only does two things: hearty soups and a pick ‘n’ mix of plump, freshly made dumplings that often sell out. Save room for dessert – sweet curd cheese and vanilla dumplings. @pierogichester Try our Polish pierogi recipe here. Porta – for tapas On Fridays and Saturdays you’ll need to arrive early to bag a spot at Porta, a snug tapas bar tucked beneath the ancient city walls. Order juicy pork belly with zingy mojo verde and romesco sauce-smothered broccoli, along with a glass of dry, nutty La Gitana Manzanilla sherry. There are branches in Altrincham and Salford too. portatapas.co.uk 1539 Restaurant & Bar 1539 Restaurant & Bar (named after the year racing first began in Chester) provides an unbeatable view of the world’s oldest racecourse. On race days, the glass-fronted restaurant offers a spectacular vantage point of the final furlong. restaurant1539.co.uk Stile Napoletano Although he worked as a chef in London before opening Stile Napoletano in 2018, Giacomo Guido hails from the island of Ischia in the Bay of Naples, well known for its sourdough pizzas. Here pizzas include Neapolitan sausage, wild broccoli, mozzarella, smoked mozzarella, fresh chillies and extra-virgin olive oil. Giacomo says: “I use a blend of flours selected by myself, and my dough rises for 48 hours to offer a light and digestible pizza. I think what makes my pizza special is the authenticity, the passion and the knowledge of what I do.” stilenapoletanopizzeria.co.uk Best bars in Chester Covino – for wine and small plates You won’t find sauvignon blanc on the menu at this wine bar but owner Chris Laidler is only too happy to guide novices through his intriguing array of organic, biodynamic and minimal intervention wines. Pair a crisp pétillant naturel with a plate of creamy Brillat-Savarin brie from Normandy. Originally purely a wine bar, it has evolved into a small restaurant serving seasonal small plates too. covino.co.uk The Cellar – for a pub specialising in beer An unpretentious pub, this promises 20 taps, 40 gins, a handful of real ciders and its own session brew – the zesty, hoppy Saison du Pint. Craft beer connoisseurs can order thirds and soak it all up with a handmade pork pie and pickles. thecellarchester.co.uk Vin Santo Located in historic 13th-century cellars, Vin Santo is a wine merchant and bar with an impressive selection of bottles from all over the world. There's an extensive wine list, but also gins, beers and champagnes to explore. Small snacks and cheese plates (with cheese sourced from The Cheese Shop) are available to accompany your drink. The fluid menu is constantly changing, so there's plenty to discover. vinsantochester.co.uk Best coffee shops and brunch spots in Chester The Jaunty Goat – for specialist coffee Choose between the fruity house blend or guest single-origin brew, a flat white or a V6O pour-over at this coffee shop, which takes its beans seriously, with four shops across Chester. Turn coffee into brunch with a bowl of gently spiced kedgeree or silken slow-poached eggs on sourdough (discover our guide to baking your own sourdough here). jauntygoat.co.uk Flower Cup – for brunch This plant-garlanded café is hidden away in one of Chester’s famous Rows (covered walkways on top of the street-level shops). You might come for the fiery tofu hash or pillowy blueberry pancakes, but you’ll probably leave with a cactus or funky pot from sister shop, The Violet Palm. flowercup.co.uk Kookaburra An Australian micro-bakery in the heart of Chester, this bright and cheery bakery is well worth stopping off at while exploring the city. Fresh baked goods include 'kimcheese' croissants, 'cheesymite' croissants and a goat's cheese and red onion swirl. Follow the savoury treats with Australian snacks, including Tim Tams and Milo. @kookaburra_bakehouse Best food shopping in Chester Chester Market With an artisanal bakery, sandwich bar and craft beer shop, Chester Market is rapidly turning into a foodie haven. There's a selection of street food traders to choose from – tuck into pizza, tacos, ice cream or authentic Bangladeshi cuisine, before browsing the produce traders. newchester.market The Cheese Shop If you’re in need of a picnic, or a delicious gift, look no further than The Cheese Shop, where farmer’s daughter Carole Faulkner stocks the fruit of 180 small producers. Team Mr Bourne’s 1845 (a punchy, tangy mature Cheshire) with artisan biscuits and Mrs Bridges’ caramelised onion chutney. chestercheeseshop.co.uk Best places to stay in Chester Hotel Indigo, Chester Doubles from £86, check availability at ihg.com, booking.com or expedia.co.uk This gleaming 75-bedroom hotel makes a sensible city centre base. Not only are its bedrooms peppered with racecourse memorabilia (Chester’s racecourse is the oldest still in use in England) and kitted out with stylish bathrooms (complete with rainfall showers) but dining is a real draw. With Masterchef winner Simon Wood at the helm of the hotel’s restaurant, WOOD (one of three branches, the original is in Manchester with another, slightly more informal, outpost in Cheltenham), the menu focuses on dishes that celebrate local produce, be that Cheshire short rib with truffle, or lamb with Bosworth Ash goat’s cheese and lavender honey. If you fancy something more casual there’s also a separate, small plates, lounge menu (yakitori meats with crispy onion, breaded halloumi or falafel with mint yogurt), plus a choice of ‘surprise’ seasonal tasting menus (5, 7 or 10 courses). Doubles from £86, check availability at ihg.com, booking.com or expedia.co.uk Words by Claire Webb, Mark Taylor and Ellie Edwards
Combine two classic summer desserts in this no-bake cheesecake topped with a sweet strawberry sauce, ideal for al fresco entertaining
Make this impressive strawberry cheesecake recipe then check out our vanilla cheesecake, lime cheesecake, raspberry cheesecake, New York cheesecake, mini cheesecakes and more of the best cheesecake recipes, including Easter cheesecake. Looking for more seasonal strawberry recipes? Try our strawberry cupcakes, strawberry cake, strawberry tart and plenty more. Follow our expert tips on how to make a strawberry cheesecake: View Green Video on the source website
Preserving and pickling: ultimate expert guide
Elspeth Biltoft, owner of Rosebud Preserves, gives expert tips on preserving and prolonging the life of seasonal fruit
Welcome to our expert guide to preserving. Elspeth Biltoft, owner of Rosebud Preserves, gives expert tips and tricks on prolonging the life of seasonal fruit, and pickling guru Freddie Janssen shares top tips for making pickles at home. Discover everything you need to know about preserving, then check out our chutney recipes, jam recipes and pickling recipes to get started. When to make preserves Of all the types of preserving, one of the most popular is making jams, jellies and marmalades of seasonal fruit. Plan your year and make a few jars of lots of different things to discover what you really love. Start in early spring with forced rhubarb paired with stem ginger and orange. In June, pop a couple of handfuls of fresh elderflower into a muslin bag to add to sharp gooseberry jam. Each summer there’s a profusion of soft fruits just waiting to be preserved – raspberries, strawberries and blackcurrants for classic jams, or redcurrants for vibrant jelly. English plums, greengages and damsons make great early autumn preserves. Pick wild crabapples and rowan berries for jellies to accompany roast meats. Make jelly from new-season Bramley apples, then add any of your favourite chopped herbs to capture their vibrancy. If you want to truly start your jam from scratch, check out our autumn foraging guide for tips on picking blackberries, elderberries, sloes and more from hedgerows and parks. Close the year and start the new one with a selection of citrus fruits to make tangy marmalade. Include the classic ‘in-season’ bitter Seville oranges from Spain. What equipment to use for preserving Use a heavy-based stainless steel preserving pan with a top wider than its base if possible, to help the evaporation process. A 10-litre pan should be big enough for your needs. It should only be half full after the sugar is added, to allow for a rolling boil without boiling over. You will also need the following preserving equipment: a heatproof bowl, plate, sieve, jug, funnel, wooden spoon, slotted spoon, sugar thermometer, new jars and some matching lids and labels. How to sterilise jars for preserving To sterilise jars quickly, wash them in hot soapy water, rinse and put in a oven heated at 160C/fan 140C/gas 3 for 10 minutes. This ensures they are clean and hot just as you are ready to start filling. Alternatively, put the washed and rinsed jars in a low 50C oven while you make the jam. Techniques and top tips for preserving • Fruit should be dry, fresh and slightly under-ripe (to ensure sufficient natural pectin). • There’s no need to add pectin – just generous quantities of fruit and a little fresh lemon juice or grated sour apple according to your recipe. • Try golden granulated cane sugar instead of white sugar from sugar beet. It is less sweet and imparts a subtle hint of molasses to the jam. • Stir sugar on a low heat until it is thoroughly dissolved, then turn up the temperature to achieve a rolling boil. • Check regularly for the setting point, lifting the pan off the heat each time. Use a sugar thermometer to test for set. • When the jam is ready, pour into a heatproof container to prevent further cooking and spoiling. Remove any ‘scum’ with a slotted spoon before jarring, as it looks unsightly. • Leave preserves containing pieces of fruit, peel or herbs for about 10 minutes to distribute evenly before jarring. • Jar and lid while hot. • Always use new jars and metal lids rather than cellophane tops in order to create a vacuum to help preservation. • Label with the preserve’s type and date. Techniques and tips for pickling Guru Freddie Janssen gives his tips for making perfect pickles. People tend to be intimidated by pickling and fermenting as they think there are lots of rules and percentages you need to know about. Trust me, you don’t! You also don’t need to spend hours hunting out impossible-to-find specialist equipment because you’ll probably have pretty much everything you need somewhere in your kitchen cupboard.The majority of the recipes in my book, Pickled, are refrigerator pickles. These are made by soaking (mostly) raw, fresh ingredients in a vinegar-based brine with sugar and salt, and flavoured with spices and herbs. Now for the science bit; the salt pulls out the moisture, meaning that bacteria stands no chance of developing and the acidity in the vinegar helps to preserve the natural crunch of your fruit and vegetables by stopping bacteria growing. Because the pickles aren’t cooked or fermented, it’s quick and leaves them delightfully crunchy, for instance classic dill cucumber pickles or rosemary pickled plums, but also more unusual ones like pickled watermelon and pickled nashi pear. The awesome thing about pickling and fermenting is how humble ingredients (vinegar, salt, sugar, fresh produce) are transformed into something extraordinary. You just combine the ingredients then wait – either a couple of hours or a few months – for the magic to happen in the jar. Fresh produce Buy the freshest, most seasonal produce you can. There’s no point preserving a vegetable that’s lost its crunch and freshness. Garlic Garlic in brine can turn bright blue – don’t worry! It might look like a scary chemical reaction but it just means that the garlic is old. It won’t harm the pickle. Salt Use kosher, sea or pickling salt rather than normal table salt, which contains caking agents such as iodine, which can cloud the brines and inhibit the growth of beneficial bacteria during fermentation. Spices Avoid buying ready-made pickling bags. It’s far more interesting to experiment and add your own spices. Yellow mustard, coriander and fennel seeds are a good place to start, but try things like szechuan peppercorns with pickled watermelon, kaffir lime leaves and lemongrass with shallots, or chipotle chillies with eggs. Vinegar I use apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar, and my personal favourite, rice wine vinegar. Rice wine vinegar has a lower acetic acid content, and is sweeter and milder in flavour. You can also add flavour to your vinegar or brine by adding things like elderflower, shiso, liquorice or pineapple weed – don’t be afraid to experiment! Looking for a simple jam recipe? Click here for our pear and vanilla jam recipe.
Make entertaining easy with these dessert ideas, from make-ahead fridge cakes to 15-minute puds for last-minute guests and tarts using store cupboard staples
Looking for easy dessert recipes to entertain guests? Need a quick cake recipe ready in less than an hour? Try one of our easy ideas below. For more easy dinner-party desserts, choose from our collection of make-ahead fridge cakes and bakes to whip out last-minute. For more dessert inspiration, check out our best vegan desserts, French desserts and Italian desserts. Now learn about Polish sweet baking. Quick and easy dessert recipes Classic tiramisu Whip up our smart, authentic version of this classic Italian dessert, made with mascarpone, marsala and savoiardi biscuits soaked in coffee and Tia Maria. It only takes 30 minutes, plus chilling time. White chocolate panna cotta with stewed rhubarb This classic, creamy dessert is enriched with white chocolate, which provides a perfect contrast to the sharpness of the rhubarb. Lemon and lime tart Make your next lemon tart an epic one with Edd's Kimber's coconut macaroon tart case, filled with a zesty lemon and lime curd. Toffee apple croissant tart Croissant dough makes a brilliant stand-in for pastry in this free-form tart. The caramel sauce combines with the juicy apple to make a luscious filling. Mauritian coconut flan A staple at every Mauritian gathering, coconut flan evokes a sense of home and family. Shelina Permallo’s version uses simple storecupboard ingredients for its golden caramel top, bringing a taste of the island to any table. Lemon posset The perfect way to get ahead for dinner parties or entertaining. Get the shots of limoncello ready to really take this pudding to the next level. Lime cheesecake You only need a handful of ingredients to make this zingy lime cheesecake. Chocolate molten cake Is there anything more comforting than a melt-in-the-middle chocolate pudding? Timings are key here, to ensure the molten chocolate centre. Oreo mug cake This recipe combines all the best elements of a classic British roast wrapped up in a crisp, fluffy, giant Yorkshire pudding. Don’t forget the rich gravy on the side for dipping. S'mores Made with just five ingredients in less than 10 minutes, this take on the classic barbecue treat features the all-American pairing of peanut butter and jam. Hazelnut meringues with chantilly cream Toasted hazelnuts bring a sweet and nutty depth to these meringues, topped with creamy vanilla chantilly cream and a sprinkling of golden nut brittle. Cherry clafoutis Make this dessert with whichever berries or fruits are in season – cherries, blueberries and even pears work well. Effortless madeleine 'baba' Make this pretty madeleine ‘baba’ for two – it’s a cheat on a rum baba that’s deceptively simple to make. Espresso martini tiramisu Need a showstopping dessert? Make our creamy tiramisu with espresso, Kahlúa and vodka. Easy and indulgent, if this doesn't wow your guests, nothing will! Espresso martini cheesecake Great when entertaining a crowd, this cheesecake can be made days ahead – simply pour over the boozy coffee syrup to serve. Clementine posset Perfect for a dinner party or special meal, these silky clementine possets only need 15 minutes of hands-on time. Salted caramel and pecan cheesecake pots These mini cheesecakes are simple to make and perfect for a quick and easy dessert to end your dinner party. Brioche bread and butter pudding Rich brioche makes the perfect base for this classic pudding. Swap the lemon zest for orange zest if you prefer. Healthy apple crumble A healthier take on classic apple crumble, this easy dessert recipe tops soft cinnamon apples with a butter-free granola (which also makes a brilliant breakfast). Chocolate orange pots These olive oil chocolate pots are seriously creamy and indulgent but easy to put together. A decadent dessert requiring only seven ingredients. Croissant bostock with boozy cherries Usually a piece of brioche topped with frangipane and baked, this twist uses a croissant base, while kirsch-spiked cherries add a boozy note. Turkish delight pan brownies Spoon these melting, turkish-delight-spiked brownies straight from the pan and serve with generous dollops of ice cream for the perfect indulgent dessert for friends. Espresso panna cotta Check out our recipe for silky smooth espresso panna cotta. This dessert is an ideal way to end a dinner party – it's gluten-free, looks impressive and is ready in no time! Baked figs with amaretto Jammy figs are roasted with amaretto in this warming autumnal dessert. We suggest serving with creamy mascarpone and crumbled amaretti biscuits for extra indulgence. Chocolate sponge cake This moist chocolate cake is a super simple dessert for all those chocolate lovers out there. Serve with a dollop of cream for ultra indulgence. Check out more baking recipes. Malted milk chocolate traybake If you like chocolate-covered malted milk biscuits, you'll love this cake. A mixture of Horlicks powder and Maltesers creates the classic flavour. Poached pears with chocolate sauce A fancy dessert idea that makes the most of Williams pears, smooth dark chocolate sauce and pedro ximénez sherry. And it only takes 25 minutes to make! Pear tarte tatin Making a classic tarte tatin may be the ultimate pudding showstopper, but combine it with ripe British pears and you’re reaching perfection. Apple and almond galette Use shop-bought pastry to recreate this sweet and nutty galette recipe, straight from the kitchen of The Grand Duchess in London. Classic creme brûlée Smash through the crunchy caramel top of this classic French pud and you'll reach a velvety, vanilla-infused baked custard underneath. Dessert board Try this simple dessert board that’s great for feeding a crowd, it features shop-bought desserts, and you can design your board to suit your guests. Affogato chocolate mousse If you're hosting a dinner party and looking for an indulgent dessert that can easily be made ahead, try these creamy, gluten-free puds – ready in 15 minutes. Baked egg custard Our recipe for baked custard is a great way to end a meal – velvety smooth and infused with vanilla, it's finished with a grating of nutmeg. Nougat and pistachio ice cream Elevate your dinner party effortlessly with this no-churn ice cream. Amp up the fancy factor with chocolate-dipped ice cream cones. Raspberry chocolate pots You only need three ingredients to whip up this silky and decadent pudding – and none of them need any fussing with. Classic banana split With just five everyday ingredients, this old-school dessert couldn't be easier: serve bananas with hazelnuts, vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce and cocktail cherries. Brioche ice cream sandwiches Ice cream is stuffed into sweet brioche buns to make an effortless dessert. Chocolate torte Friends will be impressed by this decadent dessert, combining chocolate with a moreish base of biscuits and hazelnuts. Christmas tart Fill a shop-bought tart case with brandy-soaked dried fruit and two types of almond for an effortless festive dessert, best eaten with brandy butter. Warm molten chocolate and salted caramel tarts Serve these decadent chocolate tarts with vanilla ice cream to impress dinner party guests. The recipe is from Italian restaurant Luca. New York cheesecake This creamy baked dessert makes the perfect make-ahead dessert – it’ll also go down a treat with everyone at the table. Easy treacle tart This simple yet moreish recipe for the classic treacle tart is perfect for Sunday lunch with family and friends. It only requires five ingredients, most of which are store cupboard staples. White chocolate mousse with blackberries Planning a dinner party? This simple yet sophisticated dessert from The Bath Arms in Wiltshire is made with easy-to-find ingredients and is ready in less than 20 minutes and honeycomb. Nutmeg custard tart London restaurant Fenn’s silky, nutmeg-spiced custard tart, lifted by a sweet and slightly tart apple compote, is a tailor-made dinner party dessert that’s guaranteed to impress everyone at the table. Butterscotch budino A sophisticated dessert that’s sure to impress your guests, check out this sweet Italian custard dish flavoured with butterscotch, a kick of whisky and a salted caramel topping. Matcha tiramisu Sweet mascarpone cream and bitter matcha are a match made in heaven in this vibrant dessert. You'll only need five ingredients for this no-cook recipe. Calvados-poached pears with cardamom custard and sesame brittle Looking for a stylish autumnal pud? Look no further, these calvados-poached pears – served with sweet-savoury sesame brittle and lashings of silky cardamom-infused custard – will be just the ticket. Blood orange and amaretti trifles Our individual trifles make a quick and easy dinner party dessert using seasonal blood oranges, and they're ready in just 15 minutes. Lemon self-saucing pudding (Lemon surprise pudding) This zesty pudding is easy to whip up and can be ready in an hour. Make one simple mixture and as it cooks it separates into a light sponge on top and zesty lemon curd beneath. Cheat's ginger, salted caramel and rum cake Transform simple ginger loaf into this boozy cake in just 25 minutes by soaking in rum and caramel then layering with boozy caramel cream. Black treacle financiers These delicate black treacle financiers are served at the close of the set menu at The Water House Project, an ethically focused fine-dining restaurant in east London. Salted peanut and honeycomb rocky road These salted peanut and honeycomb rocky road squares are a great twist on a classic and will please everyone. Plus, they're really easy and only take 15 minutes of work. Chocolate tahini and baharat pots The woody spices in baharat (a Middle Eastern spice blend) work beautifully with dark chocolate and nutty tahini in this rich and super-simple dessert. Vegan brownies Bake a batch of our decadent vegan chocolate brownies for an indulgent teatime. Our unique recipe is super chocolatey, so vegan and non-vegan friends and family will enjoy. Check out more vegan desserts here. Vegan chocolate mousse Silken tofu is the secret ingredient for this smooth and creamy (and totally vegan) chocolate mousse recipe. It makes a quick and easy yet impressive dessert. Healthy chocolate cake We've given classic chocolate cake a healthy twist by using sweet potatoes, sticky dates and almond milk. Using dark chocolate and cacao powder gives it a wonderful richness. Chocolate soufflé This easy-to-follow recipe will guarantee light, fluffy and chocolaty soufflés for your loved ones. Salted caramel popcorn soufflés Popcorn and salted caramel combine in these showstopping soufflés. This recipe comes from Miro in Mayfair. Vegan lemon drizzle cake A delicate, zingy vegan lemon cake made without eggs, milk or butter! The key to that lemony tang is a decent lemon extract (we use Nielsen-Massey). Rum-roasted pineapple and spice pie The vegan pastry in this comforting pie is deliciously crisp and crumbly, with extra texture from the chia seeds. Plus, it's packed with rum-soaked roasted pineapple and plenty of spice. Chocolate éclairs Take your éclairs to the next level with this step-by-step recipe. Fluffy choux buns are given a crispy craquelin topping, then filled with whipped cream and covered in a chocolate glaze. Try more French desserts here. Vegan apple crumble All you need to do is swap butter for melted coconut oil to make a totally vegan apple crumble. Check out classic apple crumble here. Vegan sticky toffee pudding Let warming spices and a rich toffee sauce (made with homemade cashew cream) do the talking with this vegan sticky toffee pudding recipe. Bakewell tart Create a classic British bakewell tart with step-by-step help. Try this recipe with other seasonal fruits such as strawberries or cherries, if you like. Eton mess A classic English dessert that makes the most out of succulent, sweet British strawberries by combining them with meringue and cream. This heavenly pud is ready in just 10 minutes. Boozy knickerbocker glory Nothing says summer quite like our boozy knickerbocker glory with Pimm's jelly. This will be a hit with adults! Dip the wafer in icing or melted chocolate, then in sprinkles, if you like. Cranachan This super simple raspberry dessert is the perfect light end to a meal. Made with just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up glasses of cranachan for a crowd in just fifteen minutes. Blueberry and mascarpone slice Use ready-made puff pastry and make the blueberry compote ahead for a speedy assembly job here. This dessert is ready in just 35 minutes and is ideal for your next summer dinner party. Kashmiri saffron baba Matching white chocolate with saffron, cardamom, coffee and dark rum, this decadent pudding is sure to impress guests. Rose and pomegranate meringues Ruby-red pomegranate seeds and fragrant rose water are the stars in this festive meringue dessert, served with fresh mint and edible rose petals.
Surprise mum with one of our impressive yet achievable bakes. Whip up a batch of blackberry cupcakes, treat her to a boozy gin and tonic bake or keep it classic with our best-ever Victoria sponge
Looking for Mother's Day cake ideas? Want the best cupcakes to treat your mum? Check out our recipes below to impress, then take a look at our Mother's Day menu ideas. Serve your Mother's Day cake on one of these show-stopping cake stands, or treat mum to breakfast in bed with our easy brunch recipes. Now try our favourite vanilla recipes and floral recipes. Mother's Day cake ideas The best victoria sponge Keep it simple and treat mum to a classic jam and cream victoria sponge sandwich that is lighter than air. Hummingbird cake Pineapple and banana meets heady spices in this glorious American cake recipe, sandwiched together with a cream cheese buttercream. Lemon and elderflower almond cake Serve up a pretty, seasonal bake with elderflower cordial soaked almond sponges, creamy lemon curd filling and edible flowers to decorate. Rich chocolate cake with brown butter frosting We’ve covered this rich, dense chocolate cake in a caramelly, nutty brown butter icing – perfect for any special occasion. Coffee, chocolate and walnut cake Can't decide whether to make mum a chocolate or coffee cake? We've made it easy and combined them both into one fanastic bake. The combination of coffee and walnut is a classic but the addition of chocolate adds another layer of flavour to this beautiful cake, ready in just one hour. Orange drizzle cake Make time with mum more special with this effortless yet delightful cake. It’s subtler but sweeter than a lemon drizzle cake and is best made a day in advance for the drizzle to soak in. Carrot cake loaf Make this carrot cake loaf extra-special with brown butter soft cheese frosting, if you like, or simply leave it off if you’re short on time. Gin and tonic cake This double lemon, gin and tonic cake combines two of our favourite things. It's easy to make and sure to please mum – a new way to enjoy g&t. Persian love cake Recreate this beautiful Persian love cake for mum. It's wonderfully fragrant thanks to cardamom, nutmeg and pistachios. Prosecco cake Try this Victoria sponge, which combines elements of a lemon drizzle cake and a buck's fizz cocktail. It’s great for a special occasion or simply to have with your afternoon cuppa. Brown butter pear cake Treat your mum to this indulgent seasonal bake. To get the nutty flavour in this cake you need to cook the butter until the milk solids turn golden, then cool and cream with the sugar as in a standard cake method. It takes a bit longer but is worth it for the flavour. Carrot cake cheesecake Celebrate Mother's Day in style with this perfect combination – classic carrot cake meets a creamy indulgent cheesecake. Packed with plenty of spice, the zest of an orange and crunchy pecans, this recipe is sure to impress. Biscoff cake Make this triple-layered bake for a special mum this Mother's Day. Red velvet cake Brighten your chocolate cake with a deep red tinge in this classic American cake recipe, covered in silky-smooth cheese frosting for extra indulgence on Mother's Day. Salted caramel cake Both the sponge and buttercream are flavoured with salted caramel in this epic cake recipe, topped with nuggets of fudge and lashings of salted caramel sauce. Lemon curd layer cake A showstopping, lemony sponge cake with a delicious lemon curd icing and topped with beautiful edible crystallised violets and primroses, the best way to impress mum. Banoffee cake A show-off way to celebrate Mother's Day! We've taken a popular banana cake and given it a banoffee pie make-over. Our cake is packed with bananas, covered in creamy caramel buttercream and topped with caramelised bananas for extra indulgence. Jamaican ginger and caramel cake Does your mum love a boozy bake? This layer cake is a real showstopper and makes for the perfect Mother's Day celebration cake. We've taken it to the next level with rum and drizzled it with caramel and sandwiched it with caramel buttercream. Courgette and coconut layer cake Why not change things up and impress mum with our magnificent courgette cake? This super moist and moriesh layer cake is packed with fluffy cream cheese icing and topped with crunchy coconut chips, a modern take on the British classic carrot cake. Chocolate almond cake with amaretto cream Looking to surprise mum with a majestic chocolate cake? Take your chocolate cake up a notch with this Italian-inspired almond cake with dark melted chocolate and a hint of coffee. Topped with velvety amaretto cream, this cake is pure indulgence. Clementine layer cake Show mum you love her and take this classic victoria sponge up a notch – instead of jam and cream it is layered with a homemade clementine curd (you can use shop-bought if you prefer) and a champagne-spiked cream. Rhubarb and ginger upside-down cake A pink patchwork cake, flavoured with sweet forced rhubarb, two types of ginger, and white chocolate. Delicious served with thick clotted cream, what a way to celebrate Mother's Day! Blackberry and yogurt cake Make blackberries the star of this pretty cake with fresh fruit baked into the sponge and a vibrant coulis drizzled over freshly whipped cream, it's sure to be a hit with mum! Passion fruit layer cake An easy-to-make springy sponge cake layered with the tangy, fresh-tasting sweetness of a passion fruit icing. This cake would make a lovely afternoon tea treat on Mother's Day or a great alternative to classic a victoria sponge. Grapefruit and poppy seed angel cake with white chocolate frosting This grapefruit and poppy seed angel cake with white chocolate frosting is a great twist on a classic and looks stunning. Make it to show mum you care on Mother's Day. Lemon and blueberry poke cake Lemon and blueberry is a classic combination and will sure to be a hit with the whole family to celebrate Mother's Day. It's easy to make but tastes and looks delicious. Blackberry and chocolate cakes These indulgent show-off mini cakes are very easy to make and are perfect to treat mum throughout Mother's Day. Peruvian chocolate or a dark blend will work best with the blackberries in these cakes.
Our gluten-free carrot cake is taken to the next level with the addition of pistachios and almonds, plus an impressive toasted marshmallow icing
Bake this gluten-free carrot cake then check out our classic carrot cake, vegan carrot cake, carrot cake cupcakes, carrot cake loaf and carrot cake muffins. Looking for more gluten-free baking recipes? Check out our gluten-free banana bread, gluten-free cupcakes, gluten-free brownies, gluten-free chocolate fudge cake, gluten-free pancakes, gluten-free cheesecake and more. For an easier alternative to marshmallow icing, try our recipe for cream cheese frosting.
Moist chocolate cupcakes with a silky buttercream frosting
Bake a batch of these indulgent chocolate cupcakes, and you'll make friends for life. Top with swirls of homemade chocolate buttercream
Try these chocolate cupcakes, then check out more cupcake recipes such as our vegan chocolate cupcakes, Ferrero Rocher cupcakes, red velvet cupcakes and strawberry cupcakes, as well as our classic vanilla cupcakes. Follow our expert tips on how to ice a cupcake: View Green Video on the source website Check out the olive shop for more chocolate treats from artisan producers to enjoy or buy as gifts.
Looking for a simple midweek meal? Try this super succulent steak salad with plum tomatoes and olives. It's quick, easy and full of flavour
Try this steak salad, then check out more of our best steak recipes, including bavette steak, steak diane and tips on how to make the perfect steak.
BBQ buffalo chicken thighs with wedged ranch salad
Serve chicken thighs with punchy buffalo sauce, fresh and crunchy iceberg lettuce and creamy ranch dressing at your next BBQ
Try these BBQ buffalo chicken thighs then check out our BBQ chicken wings and more BBQ recipes. Cook's tip: This marinade is quite hot, drop the amount of Tabasco by half if you’d like it milder.
A twist on the classic american salmon and cream cheese bagel. This version uses warmed smoked salmon, lemon and watercress on top of crispy bagel. The perfect food for a party
Make this smoked salmon pâté for an impressive starter, then also try our classic smoked mackerel pâté, tuna niçoise pâté, chicken liver pâté and mushroom pâté. For a make-ahead Christmas appetiser, try our Swedish citrus-cured gravadlax, a light, elegant dish that brings Nordic flavours to your holiday table.
Learn how to make chirashi at home. This traditional Japanese dish features an assortment of fresh seafood, vegetables and other toppings on sushi rice.
Try this recipe for chirashi sushi bowls, then check out our vegan sushi bowls, onigiri, salmon sushi sandwiches, maki sushi rolls, wakame seaweed salad and california rolls. Recipe tip: Anything goes on this deconstructed sushi salad, so mix and match your toppings depending on what you have. Slices of omelette, avocado and shredded carrot would all go well.
Felix Nash, founder of The Fine Cider Company, shares the secrets of cider – how it’s made and what to serve it with once you’ve bought it and which ciders to try
Founder of The Fine Cider Company, Felix Nash, shares with us everything there is to know about the cider-making process including different cider styles, the perfect cider season and the ultimate pairing with food. We've also chosen some of our favourite ciders to try for more inspiration. What is the origin of cider? Just as there’s a garden in New South Wales that has the first Granny Smith apple tree, and a garden in Nottinghamshire that has the first Bramley, all domesticated apples can be traced back to the apple forests of the Tien Shan mountains in Kazakhstan. The fruit from these forests was carried along the Silk Road and into Europe. In the 17th and 18th centuries apple juice became prized by the English gentry and was used to make fine ciders. As John Evelyn, a diarist of the time and a peer of Samuel Pepys’ said, cider was “the native English wine”. It was drunk from cider flutes, decoratively etched and engraved, and the best vintages could fetch 60 times the price of common cider. There were even blind wagers, pitching the finest ciders against the best wines available, in which cider often won. What is the best season for cider making? The cider-making process begins in spring, with blossom season. After the blossom is pollinated the fruit grows and basks in the summer sun and ripens through autumn and winter. The apples are then pressed for their juice, which becomes cider over the winter months. As the weather varies year to year, so do the apples, and each season’s cider is slightly different in the same way that vintages of wine are different. What type of apples are used to make cider? Today there are known to be over 7,000 apple varieties in the world and many 100s if not 1000s of them are cider apples These varieties are not good for eating or cooking, but are perfect for cider-making. Just as the small array of apples we know from the supermarket are named, so cider apples have names such as Foxwhelp, Dabinett, and Yarlington Mill. They’re like wine grapes, each with it’s own character. Some are acidic, others mellow, some wonderfully tannic. Industrial cider vs artisanal cider - what's the difference? To legally call something ‘cider’ in Britain it only needs to be made from 35% apple juice. The juice itself doesn’t have to come from cider apples, and it can even be from concentrate. The remaining 65% of the ‘cider’ can be water, caramels, colourings etc., so most of the ciders we drink are a somewhat industrial creation. Rather than being seasonal they’re produced year-round and can be made from start to finish in as little as three weeks. The artisanal end of the spectrum aims to use 100% cider apple juice. Part of what makes the finest ciders taste so good is how long they take to make – their long, slow fermentations often take six to nine months or even over a year. What are the different types of cider? There are many different styles of cider: still and sparkling, dry and sweet. Often the method of production in a certain region has arisen from the properties of the local apple varieties. Where fine cider is concerned, sparkling will be naturally sparkling rather than carbonated. The methods to make cider sparkle naturally go back to the 17th century, before even champagne, when the first glass was created that could take the pressure that sparkling drinks exert on a bottle. It was invented in western Britain and the French titled it ‘verre Anglais’. Aristocrats then began to experiment with making cider and wine sparkle, using cork from Portugal to seal bottles. Browse our picks of the best cider to buy for more inspiration. What is pear cider? The true name for pear cider is perry. And just as there are apples for making cider, there are pears for making perry, for example Thorn and Blakeney Red. Perry pear trees can be over 200 years old and the perry from their fruit exquisite: it was once called the ‘English champagne’ by Napoleon. What to serve with cider? Cider pairs with food perhaps better than any other drink. The marriage of its succulent acidity with the fats in pork is well known, but the same rules apply to a wealth of combinations: cider and cheese, cured meats, shellfish, even game. I sat down with the master cheesemongers at Paxton & Whitfield and came up with the following, perfect pairings of beautiful British cheeses and Herefordshire ciders: Oliver’s Pomona with Barkham Blue Oliver’s Fine Perry with Appleby’s Cheshire Gregg’s Pit Yarlington Mill with Tunworth Butford Organics Aurora with Chilcote Oliver’s Stoke Red with Fosseway Fleece Ciders available from The Fine Cider Company thefinecider.company; cheeses available from paxtonandwhitfield.co.uk. Serving I like to drink ciders as though they’re summer wines. Being lower in alcohol, they are wonderful with lunch and into the afternoon. They’re made slowly and should be enjoyed slowly. For the perfect pour, chill them, but remove them from the fridge 5-10 minutes before drinking, as you will lose taste if they’re too cold. And never use ice, as this will simply water-down the taste. Cider regions There are a number of well known cider-making regions in the world. Somerset is well known, but Herefordshire in fact makes more cider. Devon is historically a wonderful cider county and despite losing 95% of its orchards in the past 50 years, it’s starting to recover and is becoming a region to watch. Beyond our shores, Normandy and Brittany have cider woven into their cultures, as does Northern Spain, where sour, dry, still ciders are made and theatrically poured in small quantities from a great height (like sherry). In the USA, cider is booming, and over the past five years it has started to be treated like wine, with dedicated cider bars springing up. Thanks to prohibition however, cider is not called cider in the US, it’s ‘hard cider’. If you ask for cider you may get juice. editor Laura and sub-editor Hannah tell us why cider is this year's coolest drink and food director Janine has some tips on cooking with it too olive magazine podcast ep56 - Malaysian food, Elly Pear and how to drink cider the right way View oEmbed on the source website
Transform a simple sponge into this showstopping Easter bake with layers of white chocolate frosting and a semi-naked finish. We've decorated ours with broken white chocolate eggs and crunchy mini eggs, but you can get creative with your favourite Easter treats
Make this show stopping white chocolate Easter cake, then check out more our ultimate chocolate fudge cake, classic white chocolate cake and white chocolate and raspberry cake. Use up any white chocolate in our easy blondies. Looking for more impressive Easter dessert ideas? Try our indulgent chocolate Easter cake, Easter cheesecake, Easter cupcakes and Easter rocky road.
Read our guide to making the most of your slow cooker, with top tips and tricks from our food director Janine Ratcliffe
Wondering how to use a slow cooker? Looking for indulgent slow cooker recipes? Check out our best ever, easy slow cooker recipes here and discover our tried-and-tested picks of the best slow cookers to use. Slow cookers have been around since the ’50s, were huge in the ’70s and are now making a comeback as a whole new generation discovers their money-, energy- and time-saving benefits. So, it’s time to invest in a new pot, or drag that old one out of the back of your cupboard, and put it to good work! ***Slow-cooking is energy efficient as a slow cooker uses only about that same amount of energy as a light bulb*** Should you brown meat before using a slow cooker? Some dishes come out perfectly fine without browning the meat first – tomato-based recipes such as bolognese, chilli con carne and curries that have vibrant spices like turmeric will still come out looking delicious at the end of cooking. When making a meaty stock-based stew, however, it’s worth taking the time to brown the meat really well. Slow cookers tend to drain meat of its colour, so it’s important for flavour and appearance that chunks of meat or joints are well caramelised to start with. Some slow cookers have a function to sear the meat in the cooker first, or a removable inner pot that can be put over a hob to save using extra pans. How to adapt you favourite recipes for a slow cooker Most casserole recipes can be adapted to a slow cooker, but they won’t benefit from the evaporation of liquid that occurs when simmering on a stove or in the oven. As a general rule, it’s best to reduce the liquid content by 1/3 if cooking a regular recipe in a slow cooker. To thicken the sauce at the end of cooking, stir ½-1 tbsp of cornflour into a small cupful of the cooking sauce – this can then be stirred back into the pot and cooked for a further 15 minutes until thickened to your liking. How long does a slow cooker take? It’s best to consult the slow cooker manual first because heat and wattage can vary between models, but as a rough guide use the following timings for converting oven and stove-top recipes. How to use your slow cooker in other ways A slow cooker can be used for some surprising recipes. It’s great for making chutneys and jams, and you can even use it to cook porridge overnight so it’s hot and ready as soon as you wake up in the morning. Chuck in a left-over chicken carcass with some veg and water, and you’ll have a rich stock in a just few hours. You can also cook all-in-one puddings, such as rice pudding and steamed puddings. How to use a slow cooker in the summer Don’t restrict yourself to winter soups and stews. There are loads of recipes that can be adapted to suit a slow cooker that would be ideal for a summer lunch. Use your slow cooker all year round with our exciting summer slow cooker recipes here. Think BBQ pulled-pork buns – pork shoulder cooked in its own spicy sauce until meltingly tender, then shredded and packed into soft buns with coleslaw. How about aubergines cooked into a meltingly soft melanzane parmigiana? Or slow-cooked peppers made into a rich peperonata to use for pizza toppings or in warm salads. What is a 'dump bag'? So-called because the ingredients are prepped ahead, bagged and frozen, ready to ‘dump’ straight into a slow cooker. The beauty of cooking this way is that several batches of meals can be prepared ahead, adding marinades and flavourings while freezing to give them even more oomph. Broths, chillies, curries and stews all really suit this style of freezing and cooking. Tips for how to use your slow cooker As slow cookers work at low temperatures it’s important that the ingredients aren’t too chilled when they go in. If possible, let ingredients come to room temperature before adding – just half an hour on the counter before cooking should do it. Try not to keep checking on the food – removing the lid too much means losing warmth, and slow cookers rely on a constant heat for even cooking. Look for models with a transparent lid so progress can be checked without disturbing the food. If you are using slow-cook cuts like lamb shoulder, brisket or belly pork, they often have a lot of excess fat, so trim them as the fat won’t render down as much as with oven cooking. Try our recipe for slow-cooked brisket with red wine, thyme and onions here...
Prep these simple dark chocolate mousse pots ahead and serve with homemade orange shortbreads. This recipe serves four and is ready in just 30 minutes
Try this classic chocolate mousse, then check out our vegan chocolate mousse, raspberry mousse, white chocolate mousse, avocado chocolate mousse and chocolate mousse cake.
Make your own fish fingers featuring cod coated in crispy spiced breadcrumbs. Ready in under 30 minutes, they make for a quick and easy family midweek meal
Try this recipe for homemade fish fingers, then check out our fish finger sandwich, beer-battered fish tacos and haddock goujons.