Quintessential Charm
In just the last few years we have seen the revival of afternoon tea, hugely fashionable in the 1840’s, and all things gin, the country’s nectar in the 1700’s.
Traditional afternoon tea at Colwick Hall is an established foray but has mushroomed to the gatherings of a ballet group to a teacher’s reunion, plus the boom of baby showers. To meet the demand, we have also expanded the experience. Starting with finger sandwiches are delectable fillings on crust free soft loaf, to an interlude with savouries. This intermediate course adds a quirksome dimension, particularly the espresso soup, and is well loved by our customers. Cakes and sweets carry huge appeal being baked and decorated with perfection. The kitchen team go to phenomenal lengths and also cater for many dietary needs, such as vegan, vegetarian, gluten free and lactose intolerance (we just ask that you let us know in advance).
Armed with phones, many images of the food and the cherub ceiling or one of the many lines of the romantic poet Byron are captured and shared on insta stories. The experience yet continues with the advent of our themed afternoon teas. Currently running is Bare Necessities where sweet treats head to the jungle VIP, and come midsummer, there is the revolutionary Bollywood afternoon tea. A hint of spice cooled down with a chilled lassi, the menu is set to meet the summer heat and also on offer is a variety of chai tea.
The Byron’s bar is well stocked with speciality gins from rhubarb to lavender, picnic strawberry to honeybee gin, and flavoured tonics to suit your taste. Just as the experience of food grows on us, so has the partnering them with a suitable flight of drinks. Right now, the bar tenders highlight the Elephants March ~ an elderflower gin and prosecco edition to accompany our Bare Necessities afternoon tea. For juniors and tee-totallers, the soft drinks selection is a swinging affair from Dandelion & Burdock to Rose Lemonade. And on those scorching days a man-cub ice cream float topped with cream and popping candy. With half-term and Whitsun, the second May Bank Holiday, on the horizon, why not treat the family by securing your jungle swing.
Hence as history has a funny way of repeating itself, we bring back afternoon tea but this time in themes to suit the season partnered with a drinks experience to match.