If you’re after a traditional, no frills afternoon tea to impress, Rudding Park is a good shout. Tucked away on the outskirts of Harrogate, Rudding Park Hotel & Spa serves up a real treat, and would pair perfectly with a lovely long afternoon walk amongst their picturesque grounds.
Prices start at £27.50 per person; £35.50 with a glass of prosecco; and £39.50 with a glass of Tattinger; we opted for the latter. Served up in the conservatory, it includes three tiers of the customary offerings; sandwiches, scones; and sweet treats. Finger sandwich offerings included smoked salmon and cream; honey roasted ham & salad; savoury cheese; and egg mayonnaise & cress. All were delightfully delicate and flavoursome, although the egg mayo wasn’t my favourite, which was slightly disappointing, as it tends to be my favourite sandwich… however I had no issues with the rest – and there was a good amount of food offered for the two of us.
The scones were quite obviously freshly baked (always a nice touch) and were accompanied by a selection of preserves and a really decent dollop of clotted cream – again a must, and no complaints here. The top tier treats do vary from season to season, I believe; but our offerings consisted of battenberg – pleasant, but not groundbreaking; a parkin style cake which was OH MY GOD INCREDIBLE – really, incredible; a super chocolatey chocolate pot – I’m sorry, that was terrible, but I can’t remember its “official” name, it was however incredible again – and a gorgeous little raspberry cream biscuit offering, which was a nice touch after the chocolate hit. Rudding Park really got it right here with the mixture of dessert offerings, a really great range of flavours and textures meant you got something new every time, and never grew tired of one particular flavour or texture – probably one of the most well thought out afternoon teas I’ve tried, regarding the top tier.
Afternoon tea at Rudding Park is a real treat. You’re treat like royalty by the staff as soon as you set foot into the conservatory; you’re most definitely not left short of food – and are also given the option to take any remainders home – and there will be remainders – and the whole surroundings and views are worth the trip alone.
