Timelessly elegant, afternoon tea is a beloved tradition and the perfect way to celebrate, indulge and enjoy time together.
Served in our historic and opulent drawing room, with a grand fireplace originally commissioned for Buckingham Palace and overlooking gentle Northumbrian parkland, Afternoon Tea at Matfen Hall is an experience to cherish all year round.
Head Pastry Chef, Laurèns Le Gal carefully curates each menu to reflect the changing seasons, showcasing the best fresh and locally sourced produce. And our summer menu is an intricate and celebration of the fresh sweetness of this sunshine season.
Served with your choice of fragrant, loose-leaf Newby Tea or chilled Laurent-Perrier Champagne, there are a variety of pairing options to bring out the flavours of each tier and elevate your afternoon tea. Carefully considering the character of each course, we have created tea pairing notes to partner the flavours of our summer menu, read on to personalise your experience with the ideal choice.
Savoury Tier
Starting with the savoury, classic finger sandwiches featuring oak smoked salmon and fresh free-range eggs from a local family farm are paired with a braised leg or lamb roll and an aged comté gougere. Their bold flavours are the perfect partner to the rich, earthy and strong-bodied essence of traditional Ceylon or Assam tea.
Scone Tier
Handmade, fresh and light – our scones offer the perfect interval between the rich savoury and delicate dessert courses of afternoon tea. A Black Bomber Cheese Scone with whipped black butter is followed by an airy Lemon Buttermilk Scone, accompanied by clotted cream and homemade summer berry jam. Classic Earl Grey Tea is the ideal pairing partner for this course, complementing the tart lemon and mellow cream with natural Sicilian bergamot oil. A local brew, Earl Grey originated in Northumberland, first made for Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey. England’s Prime Minister in the 1830s, you can visit his ancestral home at Howick Hall during your stay.
Patisserie Tier
The dessert and patisserie tier is a bravura performance of graceful flavour and intricate beauty. From Strawberry & Cream with whipped white chocolate ganache and Peach & Lemon Thyme bavaroise with almond frangipane to Chocolate & Apricot with apricot whipped cream – each creation takes the senses on a journey through abundant hedgerows, orchards and lemon groves to capture the true flavours of summer. Considered the Champagne of teas, Darjeeling’s subtle muscatel notes make it the perfect companion to this deft and delicate selection. Or, pair your afternoon tea with a tasting flight of Laurent- Perrier Harmony, Brut and Rosé Champagne for a truly indulgent experience.
Perfect for celebrations and special occasions, enjoy an Afternoon Tea to treasure with at Northumberland’s only 5-star hotel. Start planning your luxurious experience here.