Afternoon tea at Castleton Farm is the ideal way to kick back and relax with an indulgent touch of decadence.
It’s a popular tradition both in the UK and beyond. It’s a luxurious and leisurely experience, frequently enjoyed on special occasions, celebrations, or as a treat.
See it as an opportunity to catch up with friends or family over endless cups of tea or coffee and pick your way through a delicious selection of savoury and sweet handmade treats.
To be honest, it’s not just a culinary experience. You may not be aware you’re indulging in a tradition embodying elegance and relaxation that has endured for centuries.
Fashionable trend
The afternoon tea has a fascinating history that dates back to the early 19th century.
It’s often attributed to Anna, the Duchess of Bedford, who lived during the early 1800s. The story goes that the duchess would get hungry between lunch and dinner, which in the upper echelons of society was typically served quite late. To curb her hunger, she started requesting a pot of tea and some light snacks in the afternoon.
This practice soon became a fashionable trend among her social circle and gradually evolved into what we now know as afternoon tea.
Delicate slices
At Castleton, afternoon tea typically consists of a selection of sandwiches and savoury pastries, scones and a variety of cakes, tarts and traybakes.
The sandwiches often include fillings like cheese and pickle, tuna and cucumber or ham. Scones are a key element, and they are served with whipped cream and jam. The cakes and pastries can range from delicate slices of carrot cakes to dainty custard creams and indulgent chocolate traybakes.
While the basic components of afternoon tea remain fairly consistent, there have been regional and creative variations over the years. We’ve been known to offer themed afternoon teas ourselves, with seasonal variations and unique twists on the traditional offerings.
As we’re licensed, we can always add some extra sparkle to an occasion with our prosecco afternoon tea.
In case you’re thinking we only cater for adults, we do offer children’s afternoon teas. We have a special offer over the October holidays so keep your eyes peeled for more news on that.
And of course because we’re Castleton Farm, we also have a gluten-free and vegan version with plant-based sandwiches and treats.
Give the gift of afternoon tea
You can let our helpful servers take the strain in the café or you can kick back with our takeaway afternoon tea to collect and savour at home. Or why not take it with you as a gift for a friend – you’ll become a very welcome guest.
Many people choose to indulge in afternoon tea for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries and bridal showers.
There is also the option of an afternoon tea voucher, where you can give someone the gift of catching up with people they love over a dainty and delicious spread.
Afternoon tea has a broad appeal and is enjoyed by people of all ages, backgrounds, and social classes. While it has historical roots in aristocratic circles, it has become more accessible over time.
So make some time to kick back and spend quality time with a Castleton afternoon tea.
Castleton afternoon teas are available at £20 per person or £17.95 as a takeaway. The sparkling version (including your own mini-bottle of prosecco) costs an additional £5.95.
Book your table or place your order 24 hours in advance so we can carefully prepare your delicious spread: just give us a call on 01561 321155.
(Takeaway afternoon teas are also available to order on our website with 24 hours notice.)
