Afternoon Tea At Summer Lodge Dorset

The British foodie fondness for Afternoon Tea treat is alive and well and very much here in Dorset.

Part of the Red Carnation Hotel Group this excellent rural retreat of a countryside hotel located fairly centrally in this popular southern seaside county.

Offering sandwiches, scones, cream and jam or should I say jam and cream? Plus, fancies all washed down with the tea of your choice.

On the day we were to partake afternoon tea at The Summer Lodge turned out to be one of the very few this year where rain stopped sadly any exterior seating selections.

Because, the delightful gardens and sheltered garden dining spaces were washed out by showers we had to seek a cosy interior option.

However, this  countryside hotel has numerous places to indulge in this very British of customs that as a nation we are well known for.

Hosted by the attentive staff we were swept into sumptuous seating in a comfortable quiet corner for the afternoon.

Summer Lodge Hotel, Evershot, Dorset.

Opting for a glass of champagne to start the event off was a good choice, giving time to also drink in the smart relaxed interior of the hotel.

There are numerous options regarding the menu.  With more savoury choices also available too.

Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free and even Halal options are available but with 24 hrs notice.

Our choice was the traditional afternoon tea option. Consisting of delicate selection of finger sandwiches, freshly made scones, cream and jam.

Topped off by the crowning glory on the three tier tea stand an array of colourful cakes and fancies. And this is where the amazing talents of the pastry chef certainly comes to the fore. Almost far too lovely and delicate to eat!

Taking Afternoon Tea 

However, that was not the case as these delectable fancies went down a treat with us both!

The history of the afternoon tea is interesting and part of British cultural life.

Thought to be invented in the mid-1800s by the Duchess of Bedford, as a light upper-class snack to bridge the gap between lunch and dinner generally served around 4pm.

Whereas, High Tea was a more working-class affair.  Developed as an early evening meal for labourers returning home from work and eaten between 5pm 7pm. Usually consisted of hearty food, hot dishes and meat pies etc. All washed down with strong tea. Rather than the delicate upper-crust version.

It was a shame that we could not take full advantage of the well tended grounds. Hopefully if you are luckier with the weather then do make sure to explore the gardens.  And then pick your perfect tea time spot.

Impeccable Service At Summer Lodge

Service was impeccable, friendly and courteous.

For us it was not one of those ‘special’, special occasions. However, the hotel enjoys making those times even more perfect and are happy to know about them in advance when you book.

We were just happy to sample a being spoiled experience and close to home too.

An escape from the bustling and hectic tourist coastal town where we live. Purely for us in order to sample a relaxing country treat at the end of summer.

Although, your wedding anniversary, birthday or exam success  are surely reason enough too?

For us it was just what we needed and Summer Lodge delivered that experience on three plates, two glasses and a delicious pot of Earl Grey tea.

Red Carnation Hotel Group

Having afternoon tea here in Dorset at Summer Lodge which is just one hotel within this international first class grouping of Red Carnation Hotels.

Their chain could take you to Ireland, Scotland, Switzerland, South Africa and Guernsey. Plus in London they have 6 elegant hotels to choose from.

I have over the years stayed at a number and find them all operating at really high standards of service within the hotel and hospitality sector.