by Katie Thompson
After a day of Christmas shopping, exploring Norwich’s twinkling streets or for a pre-panto treat, afternoon tea is always a special way to spend your afternoon. And here in Norwich, there’s an abundance to choose from, whether it’s three traditional tiers or a creative magical theme. Even better, throughout November and December the city’s afternoon teas come with festive flair!
Here are our recommendations for the best festive afternoon teas in Norwich this Christmas. Noting please that you must book in advance -we don’t want you missing out!
At The Last, you’ll be spoilt with a high-end afternoon tea experience that brings a touch of the West End to Norwich. Christmas is a great time to treat yourself, after all!
Their offering includes a wonderful selection of 12 loose-leaf teas (and complimentary refills). Expect to see indulgent winter flavours including warm scones with British plum jam, almond mince pies with brandy butter and a creamy dark chocolate and salted hazelnut gateaux. And no afternoon tea is complete without something sparkling, so why not sip on The Last’s champagne or even a special sparkling tea? They’re sure to tempt you!
The Last’s Christmas Afternoon Tea is available between 27 November and 30 December from £35pp, with the additional champagne and sparkling tea available at a surcharge.
Sip on The Last’s champagne or special sparkling tea!
Where else will you find a fabulously festive Nutcracker-themed afternoon tea if not The Assembly House?
Here, you can lose yourself in a fairytale tower of delicious treats! From tempting sandwiches, savouries and scones to imaginative cakes and pastries, relish Assembly House favourites like their three cheese toastie and unique creations including The Nutcracker Prince’s Moonlit Forest Gateau Opera and Sugar Plum Fairy Trifle. We can see why it’s back for its third year!
The Nutcracker III Christmas Afternoon Tea is available between 9 November and 5 January from £32.50 per person and £18.95 for children under 12 years.
Afternoon tea is a quintessentially English tradition and no more so than at the Maids Head, the country’s oldest hotel. Throw in some Christmas cheer with their Festive Afternoon Tea and you’ve got the perfect winter treat!
The Maids Head’s traditional afternoon tea is bursting with seasonal flavours, from dainty turkey and stuffing sandwiches to delicate rum and chestnut macarons. When paired with black garlic pomme Dauphinoise and blood orange Jaffa cake this menu is undoubtedly an ‘ooh!’ moment! And you can enjoy it in luxury in a cosy lounge or the stylish WinePress Restaurant from 1 December for £30 per person. Yum!
Where better to enjoy a Christmassy twist on this much-loved tradition than the Britons Arms? At the top of Elm Hill, possibly Norwich’s most famous street, a charming place full of festive spirit, sits this historic independent coffee shop and restaurant.
Serving up their special Christmas Afternoon Tea throughout December, you’ll tuck in to popular Yuletide flavours like turkey and stuffing, brie and cranberry, and mince pie. And there’s added seasonal flair for all the usual suspects, too, including a cranberry and candied peel scone and pigs in blanket sausage roll (yes please!).
The Britons Arms afternoon tea costs £18 per person- why not add a glass of mulled wine or local sparkling wine for £6?
The Britons Arms adds a Christmassy twist to traditional flavours
After a refreshing winter stroll in the glorious grounds of the Norfolk Mead Hotel, a historic Georgian country house only a 25-minute drive from the city centre, enjoy their wonderful Christmas Afternoon Tea and unwind with a cosy seat by the open fire.
Norfolk Mead’s elegant offering uses locally sourced produce to elevate traditional treats and seasonal flavours. Here, you can enjoy your favourite finger sandwiches and freshly baked scones with an appetizing array of sweet treats. We’ve got our eye on the sticky toffee, ginger and coffee cake, but it wouldn’t be Christmas without a (Cointreau) mince pie!
Enjoy all this and more for £24 per person from 1 December to 6 January.
Unwind with Norfolk Mead’s Christmas Afternoon Tea by the open fire
Barnham Broom’s ever-popular afternoon tea has had a merry makeover for the Christmas season!
Their traditional three-tiered tea will feature all your favourite classics, including soft finger sandwiches, enticing savouries and homemade scones topped with the appropriate amount of clotted cream and jam. Meanwhile, their scrumptious cakes have been given a festive flair- we’re sure even Father Christmas would be tempted!
And it’s only a 25-minute drive from Norwich, so take your time and relax by their log fire while you sip from a range of specially selected loose-leaf teas. Barnham Broom’s Christmas Afternoon tea is available from 22 November at £26.95 per person.
When you’re tucking into Festive Afternoon Tea in Park Farm Hotel’s sumptuously decorated Drawing Room, it’ll be hard not to feel even a little excited for Christmas.
Here you can celebrate in style with three tiers of delightful sweet and savoury treats that have been given a seasonal transformation. Expect delectable sandwiches followed by fabulous scones and mouthwatering cakes! Why not make it extra special with a glass of fizz and upgrade to a Prosecco, Champagne or Christmas cocktail?
Park Farm’s Festive Afternoon Tea is available daily throughout December at £23 for adults and £16 for children.
Barnham Broom’s afternoon tea has had a merry makeover!
