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From finger sandwiches and fluffy scones to elaborate cakes and chilled Champagne, here’s where to indulge in the most deliciously decadent afternoon teas in North Norfolk.
MORSTON HALL
Best for sparkle and a Michelin star
Under the experienced eye of chef/proprietor Galton Blackiston, country house hotel Morston Hall continues to excel. It’s got a Michelin star, no less, and often features in ‘Best Restaurants in the World’ lists. Not surprisingly, the afternoon tea doesn’t disappoint. It’s served in the light-filled sun lounge, where guests can enjoy views of the manicured gardens as they make their way through multiple tiers of sandwiches, scones (best lathered in clotted cream and homemade preserve) and delicate cakes and pastries. Add a glass of Morston Hall Grand Resérve Champagne for extra glitz.
£34 per person
Morston Hall, Morston, NR25 7AA; morstonhall.com
BRIARFIELDS HOTEL, TITCHWELL
Best for a classic afternoon tea by the sea
Set along the coastal road between RSPB Titchwell and the sweeping fairways of Royal West Norfolk at Brancaster, Briarfields Hotel is perfectly placed for soaking up big skies and far-reaching marsh views out to sea. Their afternoon tea is a real treat, a laid-back yet indulgent spread of freshly made finger sandwiches, warm scones, savoury bites like cheese twists and sausage rolls, and a tempting selection of mini desserts. For something a little extra, add a glass of prosecco and settle in for a slow, coastal afternoon. Afterwards, step straight out into nature, wander through the reserve or head to Brancaster Beach for a bracing walk to round off the day.
£24 per person
Briarfields Hotel, Titchwell, PE31 8BB; briarfieldshotelnorfolk.co.uk
SANDRINGHAM
Best for royalists and traditionalists
Afternoon tea at Sandringham – the monarchy’s country retreat since 1862 – is fit for a king or queen. The menu is seasonal and local, served on pretty botanical porcelain inspired from a collection belonging to Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother. Expect such delights as Cley smoked salmon mousse in a homemade cracker stack, Sandringham scotch egg and freshly baked scones made using flour from the estate. The sweet-toothed will love the dainty desserts, including creme patisserie with winter berries and gingerbread cheesecake. There’s a pared back menu for children (£16.50).
£30 per person
Sandringham Estate, Sandringham, PE35 6EN; sandringham.co.uk
BLAKENEY HOTEL
Best for tea connoisseurs and coastal views
Afternoon tea at the Blakeney Hotel is served in the upstairs lounge with its squishy armchairs and enormous window offering a bird’s eye view across the small harbour to the marsh beyond. Tea takers can select from a menu that includes more unusual choices such as Jade Sword Green and Jasmine Silver Needle, while a stand comes laden with finger sandwiches, scones and cakes. It’s particularly magical at Christmas, when the hotel is bedecked in hundreds of twinkling lights, adding to the yuletide vibes. They require 24 hours’ notice, so do book ahead.
£19 per person
Blakeney Hotel, Blakeney, NR25 7NE; blakeney-hotel.co.uk
BYFORDS
Best for a quirky and quintessential experience
Nestled in a charming Grade II‑listed Georgian building in the heart of Holt, Byfords offers a quintessentially English afternoon tea experience. Served daily from 2 pm to 5 pm (bookings require at least 24 hours’ notice and a £10 pp deposit), their Classic Afternoon Tea includes an elegant tiered stand brimming with freshly made finger sandwiches, fluffy scones with clotted cream and jam, decadent cakes, and a pot of perfectly brewed tea or coffee
Byfords, Holt, NR25 7NE; byfords.org.uk