Suffolk &amp; Cambs


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">MUDDY&#8217;S PICK OF THE FESTIVE TEAS: <a href="https://www.bedfordlodgehotel.co.uk/festive-afternoon-tea/">Bedford Lodge Hotel</a>, Newmarket </h3>



<p>Fancy a side order of history with your three-tier treat? Afternoon tea was created by none other than Anna Maria, the Duchess of Bedford and wife of previous owner of Bedford Lodge, so you could say this Suffolk hotel is where it all started. That also means Head Chef Lee is rather proud of the hotel&#8217;s teatime offering and he goes all out, especially at Christmas. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="2248" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/11/Full-Afternoon-Tea-bedford-lodge-.jpg" alt="three tier festive afternoon tea with teapot and plate of cakes at Bedford Lodge Hotel Newmarket " class="wp-image-36988" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/11/Full-Afternoon-Tea-bedford-lodge-.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/11/Full-Afternoon-Tea-bedford-lodge--534x800.jpg 534w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/11/Full-Afternoon-Tea-bedford-lodge--667x1000.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/11/Full-Afternoon-Tea-bedford-lodge--267x400.jpg 267w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/11/Full-Afternoon-Tea-bedford-lodge--1025x1536.jpg 1025w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/11/Full-Afternoon-Tea-bedford-lodge--1367x2048.jpg 1367w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/11/Full-Afternoon-Tea-bedford-lodge--350x525.jpg 350w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>This year you can expect turkey and cranberry mayonnaise granary sandwiches, Newmarket sausage rolls, orange and milk chocolate baubles, authentic stollen cake, Newmarket cake and after eight mint macarons. We tasted this dreamy festive confection last week and can confirm it&#8217;s absolutely first class, with melt in the mouth scones served with a choice of lemon curd or jam and cream and the prettiest little cakes you could wish for. The service is top notch too, with our waitress more than happy to accommodate some sandwich switches and always on hand to top up the tea. We loved that the sandwiches (and amazing sausage roll) were served first, followed by the sweet treats. It all takes place in the smart Squires restaurant, home to several twinkly Christmas trees and ambient lighting. Festive afternoon tea perfection! </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://parkerstavern.com/afternoon-tea/">The University Arms</a>, Cambridge </h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/11/afternoon-tea-parkers-tavern-cambridge.jpg" alt="close up of festive afternoon tea at parkers tavern cambridge with snowman macaron" class="wp-image-37028" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/11/afternoon-tea-parkers-tavern-cambridge.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/11/afternoon-tea-parkers-tavern-cambridge-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/11/afternoon-tea-parkers-tavern-cambridge-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/11/afternoon-tea-parkers-tavern-cambridge-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/11/afternoon-tea-parkers-tavern-cambridge-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Cosy up by the roaring open fire in the library of the University Arms hotel and tuck into a decadent seasonal feast featuring festive finger sandwiches and Christmas spiced scones, accompanied by ‘Rudolph the red nose rocher’, double citrus mince pies, eggnog cheesecake, yule log and a snowman macaron. Make it a truly festive celebration with a glass of sparkling wine from local vineyard Saffron Grange on the side. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-swan-hotel-lavenham"><a href="https://theswanatlavenham.co.uk/christmas/festive-menus/festive-afternoon-tea/">The Swan Hotel</a>, Lavenham </h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="999" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/11/Festive-Afternoon-Tea-swan-lavenham-.jpg" alt="festive afternoon tea with snowmen and reindeer cakes at the swan Lavenham " class="wp-image-36986" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/11/Festive-Afternoon-Tea-swan-lavenham-.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/11/Festive-Afternoon-Tea-swan-lavenham--800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/11/Festive-Afternoon-Tea-swan-lavenham--1000x666.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/11/Festive-Afternoon-Tea-swan-lavenham--400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/11/Festive-Afternoon-Tea-swan-lavenham--788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>For a truly elegant affair in the cosiest and most Christmassy of settings it has to be the festive afternoon tea at The Swan Hotel in Lavenham. Available from 27 Nov &#8211; 30 Dec this is a fun take on the traditional with cute Rudolph mincemeat frangipane tarts and chocolate orange snowmen macarons. The menu also includes turkey and cranberry sandwiches and festive scones. It&#8217;s all served course-by-course on fine bone china in the gorgeous Gallery restaurant or by the roaring fire in the cosy lounge. Push the boat out and add on a glass of Moët to start off the festive celebrations. £27.50 per person or £44.50 with a glass of Champagne. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.theangel.co.uk/media/1729/festive-afternoon-tea-2023.pdf">The Angel Hotel</a>, Bury St Edmunds</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1248" height="780" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/11/The-Angel-Afternoon-Tea-suffolk.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-37108" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/11/The-Angel-Afternoon-Tea-suffolk.jpg 1248w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/11/The-Angel-Afternoon-Tea-suffolk-800x500.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/11/The-Angel-Afternoon-Tea-suffolk-1000x625.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/11/The-Angel-Afternoon-Tea-suffolk-400x250.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/11/The-Angel-Afternoon-Tea-suffolk-840x525.jpg 840w" sizes="(max-width: 1248px) 100vw, 1248px" /></figure>



<p>The Angel Hotel is always a good bet for a delightful afternoon tea experience, but their festive offering really ups the ante with treats like Roast Norfolk turkey sandwiches, Brie and cranberry muffins and sausage rolls alongside brandy and hazelnut pavlova and ginger treacle sponge. The hotel puts on an excellent show at Christmas too &#8211; all twinkly lights and towering trees! From £24pp.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.browns-restaurants.co.uk/festive-afternoon-tea#/">Browns</a>, Cambridge </h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="674" height="700" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/11/browns-festive-afternoon-tea.jpg" alt="afternoon tea on modern three tier stand with Champagne bottle and glasses " class="wp-image-37100" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/11/browns-festive-afternoon-tea.jpg 674w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/11/browns-festive-afternoon-tea-385x400.jpg 385w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/11/browns-festive-afternoon-tea-506x525.jpg 506w" sizes="(max-width: 674px) 100vw, 674px" /></figure>



<p>Do good while your gorge yourself with Brown&#8217;s festive afternoon tea that donates 50p from every tea to homeless charity Shelter. The indulgent tea includes a delectable selection of savouries, warm scones, mini cakes and puddings with optional cocktails and Champagne. And of course, the setting is elegant as it comes. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://ravenwoodhall.co.uk/festive-afternoon-tea">Ravenwood Hall Hotel</a>, Bury St Edmunds </h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-style-default"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1200" height="630" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/11/Festive-Afternoon-Tea-at-Ravenwood-Hall-Hotel-750x390-1.jpg" alt="cosy traditional lounge with red interiors and afternoon tea on the table " class="wp-image-37103" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/11/Festive-Afternoon-Tea-at-Ravenwood-Hall-Hotel-750x390-1.jpg 1200w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/11/Festive-Afternoon-Tea-at-Ravenwood-Hall-Hotel-750x390-1-800x420.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/11/Festive-Afternoon-Tea-at-Ravenwood-Hall-Hotel-750x390-1-1000x525.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/11/Festive-Afternoon-Tea-at-Ravenwood-Hall-Hotel-750x390-1-400x210.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/11/Festive-Afternoon-Tea-at-Ravenwood-Hall-Hotel-750x390-1-900x473.jpg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure>



<p>Ravenwood Hall is simply magical in winter with its cosy interiors and roaring fires. Enjoy it at its magical east with a festive afternoon tea that&#8217;s available every Monday to Saturday throughout December. As well as seasonal sandwiches featuring local produce such as smoked Suffolk sausage and Suffolk gold cheddar, there&#8217;s a Suffolk stout and chocolate cake and blueberry cinnamon scones. Adults: £20, children under 12: £10. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.carriagesofcambridge.co.uk">Carriage&#8217;s of Cambridge</a>, Fenstanton</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="681" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/11/festive-afternoon-tea-carriages-cambridge.jpg" alt="vintage train carriage with afternoon tea " class="wp-image-37097" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/11/festive-afternoon-tea-carriages-cambridge.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/11/festive-afternoon-tea-carriages-cambridge-800x532.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/11/festive-afternoon-tea-carriages-cambridge-1000x665.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/11/festive-afternoon-tea-carriages-cambridge-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/11/festive-afternoon-tea-carriages-cambridge-789x525.jpg 789w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Choo choo all aboard the Polar Express! Yes, this festive offering takes place in a vintage train carriage at the ever-popular Carriages of Cambridge. Transport yourself back to Christmasses past with a traditional tea offering in the smart 1920s style surroundings. Expect cute-as-a-button cakes, dainty finger sandwiches and scones and bubbly served in style in coupe glasses. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.seckford.co.uk/festive-dining/">Seckford Hall Hotel</a>, near Woodbridge</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1369" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/11/festive-afternoon-tea-seckford-hall-suffolk.jpg" alt="mansion house window overlooking gardens with festive afternoon tea in the foreground " class="wp-image-37095" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/11/festive-afternoon-tea-seckford-hall-suffolk.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/11/festive-afternoon-tea-seckford-hall-suffolk-800x730.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/11/festive-afternoon-tea-seckford-hall-suffolk-1000x913.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/11/festive-afternoon-tea-seckford-hall-suffolk-400x365.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/11/festive-afternoon-tea-seckford-hall-suffolk-575x525.jpg 575w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>How about this for the perfect winter&#8217;s afternoon &#8211; a crisp stroll along the River Deben and bit of shopping Woodbridge before heading into the warmth and splendour of Seckford Hall for a festive afternoon tea by the fire. This version is a traditional feast with three tiers of tasty treats including Christmassy cakes and cranberry and orange scones with mulled wine jam. £22.50 per person with vegetarian, vegan, gluten free and dairy free options available.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.mamabearscakebar.co.uk/service-page/the-nutcracker-afternoon-tea?referral=service_list_widget">Mama Bears Cake Bar</a>, Saxmundham  </h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1079" height="1079" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/11/392751344_18085283695390292_1179239455460668368_n.jpg" alt="poster for a nutcracker afternoon tea in suffolk" class="wp-image-37023" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/11/392751344_18085283695390292_1179239455460668368_n.jpg 1079w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/11/392751344_18085283695390292_1179239455460668368_n-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/11/392751344_18085283695390292_1179239455460668368_n-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/11/392751344_18085283695390292_1179239455460668368_n-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/11/392751344_18085283695390292_1179239455460668368_n-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/11/392751344_18085283695390292_1179239455460668368_n-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1079px) 100vw, 1079px" /></figure>



<p>Haven&#8217;t bagged tickets to the ballet this year? Get your Nutcracker fix another -and rather more tasty &#8211; way at Mama Bears Cake Bar in Saxmundham by booking The Nutcracker Afternoon Tea from 1 &#8211; 21 December. Featuring Santa-wiches (see what they did there?!), the cake bar&#8217;s famously beautiful cakes (Ballerina cupcakes, chocolate nutcrackers, candy canes, rocky road and their signature triple chocolate brownie) and melt in the mouth cinnamon scones, it&#8217;s a heavenly seasonal treat. Get booking, slots sell out faster than hot mince pies. £18 for adults, £12 for children. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.gonvillehotel.co.uk/christmas/">Gonville Hotel</a>, Cambridge</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1080" height="1350" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/11/Afternoon-Tea-GH-for-website.jpg" alt="afternoon tea on circular stand with champagne glasses " class="wp-image-37027" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/11/Afternoon-Tea-GH-for-website.jpg 1080w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/11/Afternoon-Tea-GH-for-website-640x800.jpg 640w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/11/Afternoon-Tea-GH-for-website-800x1000.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/11/Afternoon-Tea-GH-for-website-320x400.jpg 320w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/11/Afternoon-Tea-GH-for-website-420x525.jpg 420w" sizes="(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></figure>



<p>Afternoon tea at the Gonville Hotel is always a good idea, but at Christmas it&#8217;s particularly special with a brilliant seasonal menu that includes some amazing sandwich fillings: turkey, cranberry and stuffing; slice of chicken terrine with chutney, roasted Norfolk sirloin with horseradish and a smoked salmon and crème fraîche tartlet (vegan and veggie options available). Save room for the sweets though &#8211; a Paris-Brest with praline cream, a spiced chocolate mousse and Macaroon snowman filled with a chestnut ganache.You might want to book one of the hotel&#8217;s Bentleys to take you to your next destination as you&#8217;ll be far to full to walk or cycle. Festive afternoon tea served from Wednesday to Sunday beginning 29 November.</p>



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‘Tis the season! Best festive afternoon teas in Suffolk & Cambs

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