Nothing So British As Afternoon Tea

"If your are cold, tea will warm you;
If you are too heated, it will cool you;
If you are depressed, it will cheer you;
If you are exhausted,it will calm you."

Here's a man who liked his tea. We're sure 19th Century Prime Minister William Gladstone, who quoted the above, would have given his approval of the afternoon tea served at Holdsworth House. For 50 years the historic hotel in Halifax has been serving up traditional afternoon tea on a collection of silver tiered cake stands. 

Afternoon tea is one of those things that never really goes out of fashion, but more recently the platters are an increasingly regular sighting and have even made it onto the wedding menus of many Yorkshire brides.

Not to be confused with cream tea, afternoon tea is a filling selection of sandwiches, elegantly cut into slender fingers, homemade cakes, pastries and fancies and the best homemade scones, jam and clotted cream that you can muster up.

Introduced in Britain in the 1840s afternoon tea was the meal that bridged the gap between lunch and dinner, which might not be eaten until 8pm onwards. It became popular amongst society ladies especially, as a way of gathering socially and entertaining guests.

Since 1963 Holdsworth House has been rocking the afternoon world with its stunning version, using an eclectic collection of vintage crockery to add a wonderful charm and elegance to this grand affair. Everything is home baked and created with precision and attention to detail - just as the Victorians would have wanted.

Today you don't need to don a dinner jacket or gloves. Smart casual is the attire of choice.

We have a choice of two afternoon teas - the traditional afternoon tea and the new 3 Kings Christmas Afternoon Tea with some delicious seasonal spices and fruits hitting all the right notes.

If you're wondering about what to buy friends and relations for Christmas, then afternoon tea really is the classy gift to give this year. At Holdsworth House tea for two is from £25.50.

You can buy the afternoon tea for two experience as a gift voucher. Valid for 1 year from the date of purchase.

Afternoon Tea Wedding

Tea for two went out of the window yesterday when Holdsworth House took centre stage at an afternoon tea wedding for 60.

Instead of a traditional sit down meal guests enjoyed a magnificent treat of slender sandwiches, crusts off of course. Guests were seated across 3 interconnecting restaurant rooms, creating a wonderful atmosphere. Speeches then took place in the Long Bar with a few tipples.

The bride had acquired a beautiful collection of glass cake stands for Chef and his team to adorn with homemade goodies:  Tier 1 was dressed with watercress leaves and sandwiches - succulent salmon and cucumber, sweet pickle and cheese, tender beef and horseradish . Tier 2 featured home baked mini lemon meringues and (oh so melt in the mouth chocolatey) fudge cakes. Tier 3 shone with beacon like scones and jars of fresh strawberries and cream.

In fact there were over 80 scones freshly made and served warm.

This was a wedding with a difference, very 'on trend' with the afternoon tea and superbly delivered ;)

Afternoon tea cake stands being prepared with precision.

Getting ready for the drinks reception.

The historic restaurant filled with superb ideas from the bride and groom.

Sandwiches being prepared just before serving.

The Panelled Room being set for afternoon tea, just candles to add.

The Restaurant, awaiting the wedding guests.

Behind the scenes jars of strawberries and cream are being created

The masterpieces being put together in the kitchens.

Freshly baked scones keeping warm.