Afternoon Tea Week; best venues for group bookings

Happy Afternoon Tea week! While no-one should need an excuse to stop for a cup of tea, this annual event, running from 8th to 14th August, provides one if you need it.

Groups can take inspiration – for now and for in the future – from this list of venues where afternoon tea takes priority, from a vintage bus in London to a traditional tea shop in Manchester. And best of all, each venue takes group bookings.

The Glasshouse, Scotland

Take your group off to Edinburgh for afternoon tea at the luxurious five-star hotel, The Glasshouse, where group booking is available for up to 80 people.

The building was formerly the Lady Glenorchy Church, and today houses the Observatory Restaurant which provides stylish surroundings in which diners can enjoy a meal while experiencing views of Calton Hill. Guests can also access a two acre roof top terrace.

The Glasshouse has put an original twist on the traditional afternoon tea with a menu featuring savoury delicacies like pastrami and soft cheese roulade, and sumptuous sweet treats such as black forest pavlova and raspberry marshmallow pie.

BB Bakery Bus Afternoon Tea Tour, London

Groups of between 20 and 32 can book to take afternoon tea while on the move, on a double decker vintage bus in London.

Pistachio macarons, mini cupcakes, vanilla choux, and fruit tarts are all on the afternoon tea menu onboard the bus, and groups can enjoy sampling these while spotting sights such as The London Eye, Big Ben, The Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace.

Bexleyheath Marriott Hotel, London

Located just three and a half miles from Dartford, Bexleyheath Marriott Hotel serves up its sophisticated afternoon tea in its chic lounge area or in the stylish Copper Restaurant.

Guests can indulge in a selection of finger sandwiches, freshly baked fruit or plain scones and an array of cakes and pastries, with the option to add a glass of Moët & Chandon Champagne.

Groups of up to 80 can make a booking for afternoon tea at this hotel, and there is a free group planning service too.

The Granary, Northamptonshire

Enjoy a more rustic afternoon tea experience at The Granary; a rural hotel nestled in the historic Fawsley Estate. Served in the quaint tearoom, afternoon tea at The Granary comprises a selection of home-made treats from fresh, local produce, alongside a range of whole-leaf teas.

The menu sees sandwiches and cakes topped off by ice creams and desserts, whilst gluten-free cakes and cookies are also available.

Available from 2pm to 5pm every day of the week, the hotel terrace offers uninterrupted views of the Fawsley country estate. Groups of up to 40 can make a booking.

King Street West, Manchester

Groups of up to 75 people can enjoy the old world charm of a traditional tea room and restaurant at King Street West in Manchester.

Blended with all the contemporary flair that one would expect from a city centre eatery, this traditional afternoon tea venue serves both a range of simple British classics and a selection of continental twists.

Afternoon tea is available every day of the week, with the choice of several menus that include a selection of loose leaf teas and sandwiches such as a topside of beef and horseradish, egg mayonnaise, and smoked salmon and cream cheese.