I mentioned that I was planning a Lake District road trip on Instagram recently and was thrilled when a PR reached out to invite me to review afternoon tea at Rothay Manor Country House Hotel.
The luxury boutique hotel is a Grade II listed country house located on the outskirts of Ambleside, which is one of the most popular towns to visit in the Lake District.
Their fine dining 3 AA rosette awarded restaurant is headed by Chef Dan McGeorge who has just won a coveted ACORN award putting him in some pretty stellar company including Marco Pierre-White and Gordon Ramsey –– and he’s only 29!
From the outside, Rothay Manor is very impressive. The two-storey building has a beautiful patio and well-tended gardens that spill down a grassy slope. On the day of our visit, the lawn was dotted with Alice-in-Wonderland-esque vintage white bistro chairs and tables.
As much as I would have loved to take afternoon tea on the lawn, the weather had other ideas so we stepped inside to dine in one of the lounges.
Afternoon Tea near Ambleside
We were welcomed into the elegant lounge by a lovely waiter named Craig, who couldn’t have made us feel more at home. He spoke to us about how the summer months had gone this year at the hotel restaurant (non-stop). It was so good to hear about a business that’s thriving post-lockdown!
The lounge is finely decorated but very quiet. We almost felt we had to whisper! Some low background music wouldn’t go amiss, but overall the atmosphere at Rothay Manor is one of relaxed quietude.
We were offered menus with a litany of teas and coffees. I tried the Rwandan roast and Tom got a little adventurous (for him, anyway) and ordered the caffeine-free rooibos tea. It came as it should: leaves and a tea strainer.
Next, the big reveal: our afternoon tea was brought out on the classic three-tiered cake stand.
Tom being a typical bloke, he’d been concerned that the sandwiches wouldn’t fill him. No chance of that!
Surprisingly generous-sized finger sandwiches filled the bottom tier. We had two each of the following: coronation chicken, smoked salmon, egg mayonnaise and a mouthwatering ham sandwich, as well as a meaty cold sausage roll.
The scones were fruit and plain, served with strawberry jam and clotted cream. They were bigger than your average afternoon tea offering!
The selection of miniature desserts was very unique. A pistachio-topped battenberg slice, chocolate gateaux, mini tarts and individual rhubarb trifles.
We left Rothay Manor suitably stuffed and very sedate after our large afternoon tea! I’d say it’s best suited to couples or people looking for a super relaxed but premium experience in gorgeous surroundings.
Afternoon tea at Rothay Manor is available from 14.00-16.00 Monday to Saturday, and 15:30-17:00 on Sunday, at £24.50 per person. Advance bookings only.
As mentioned at the beginning of this post, our afternoon tea at Rothay Manor was a complimentary experience that was arranged in return for this blog post. This post is not sponsored.
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