The Walwick Hall afternoon tea experience is the most traditionally British, luxurious afternoon tea I think I’ve ever had. No doubt many afternoon teas were enjoyed over the last month with the Queen’s Jubilee providing the perfect excuse, but if you’re looking to sip tea and nibble on finger sandwiches, while having a lovely afternoon in Northumberland then look no further than the Walwick Hall afternoon tea offering.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary Walwick Hall afternoon tea as part of my recent stay with them at Chesters Stables.

Walwick Hall recently renovated a lot of their public areas at the start of this year, with big colour changes being made to the lobby area, the Drawing Room, the Bar, the Dining Room and the Lounge. Plush is the best word to describe it, with rich colours, soft luxurious textures, and a very bold look. It’s gorgeous, I love what they’ve done with the place whilst still retaining that old school country feel.

The Walwick Hall afternoon tea is served in the Drawing Room, or on the terrace if the weather permits. It was a bit windy during my visit, so I was shown through to the Drawing Room and to a table by the window overlooking the beautiful view. 

The tables are low level, and rather than being sat on dining chairs you’re in the most comfortable armchairs or sofas, you literally sink into them and instantly relax. It’s all in the details, with the ornate silver candle holder, a vase of flowers and your teacup, saucer and some cutlery laid out for you. 

The staff will ask what sort of tea or coffee you’d like, with everything on offer including English breakfast tea, Earl Grey, peppermint, green and other flavours, as well as the usual coffee choices. If you’re having the champagne afternoon tea this will also be brought over to you.

The Drawing Room has been done out beautifully, really airy and light, with pale blue, silver and white making up most of the colour scheme. The giant stag artwork is on one wall, opposite the huge fireplace that will make it so cosy and warm during winter. 

There were a number of people in, including a big family celebrating a grandmas birthday on the sofas in front of the fire, a few groups of women putting the world to rights, and the odd couple. It was a lovely atmosphere with the occasional clink of a teacup and spoon or champagne flutes. 

The three tiers of afternoon tea arrived, and the staff talk you through each layer. Savoury included three sandwiches including roast beef with horseradish mayonnaise, cured salmon and cream cheese, and egg mayonnaise. You also get a mini quiche with red onion and cheddar, and a sausage roll with apple and onion seeds. Honestly it was all delicious but the sausage roll was incredible.

Second layer is the two variations of scones, a cheddar cheese served with garlic butter – sounds odd but it totally worked, and a fruit scone with thick clotted cream and jam. I usually skip one of these so I have room for the sweet course but they were served warm and I found myself polishing them both off with no regrets. 

The sweet selection was so fancy, with a chocolate rocher type thing with raspberry, a mango and vanilla whipped cream tart, and a chocolate filled with a sort of praline and fruit affair. I’ve definitely not described these correctly, but they were all so good. Normally I end up so full I can’t touch the sweet selection, and I much prefer savoury but these were all gone too.

I think it really helps that you aren’t in any rush, it’s not a conveyor belt of people coming in and out. You’re left to enjoy your food and your drinks without feeling like they’re hurrying you out. The staff will occasionally check in to see if you need anything, to pop the cork on the next bottle of champagne or prosecco, or fill up your teapot. They’re very attentive and efficient.

If you don’t manage to finish all the food, they will box the rest up for you to take away, but if you’re hungry you would get through it all if you take your time and enjoy the surroundings. Once I’d finished I had a look at the other rooms they’ve redecorated, and had a wander out onto the terrace. It is such a lovely place to enjoy, but my favourite room aside from the Bridgerton-esque Drawing Room was the bar.

Its deep pink, purple and yellow colours might sound brash but it really worked, with the dark wood bar and the patterned cushions. I stayed for a cocktail before heading off as it was such a nice room to sit in. It’s one of those places you could easily spend a few hours even if you aren’t staying there, as it’s an escape from reality for a while. It would make a lovely present or treat for someone especially for an occasion.

To book for Walwick Hall afternoon tea, you are required to give at least 24 hours notice, and you will be asked for a prepayment. You can choose from three options, the Tattinger Afternoon tea at £45 per person, the Traditional afternoon tea at £24.95 per person, and the Noveltea afternoon tea for £45 per person.

Find more information including the full detailed menu and the contact number to book online here. You can also see my reel of the afternoon tea at Walwick Hall here.