Afternoon Tea Week

12-18 August is Afternoon Tea Week. It's the chance to celebrate this most English of traditions - not to mention being a perfect excuse to have a lovely scone or two!

Whether you're on the hunt for a decadent way to spend an afternoon, treating a loved one to a spot of indulgence, or want something truly out of the ordinary, there's plenty of choice.

Here are just some of the places in Portsmouth where you can get your afternoon tea fix.

Queens Hotel

The Queens Hotel in Southsea offers afternoon teas that are as opulent as the building itself. Within the luxurious Edwardian surroundings you can pair your sandwiches and scones with Prosecco, English sparkling wine, or Laurent-Perrier Champagne. Of course, if you'd rather keep it traditional there are local teas available, or delicious coffees instead.

Don't just take our word for it. A previous diner wrote on TripAdvisor: "Just had the most gorgeous afternoon tea at the Queens Hotel in Southsea. We were given a selection of teas to choose from, and the Portsmouth tea was excellent."

   

Tenth Hole

You know you're in for some quality sweet treats when booking an afternoon tea at The Tenth Hole in Southsea. The café and tearooms - located just off the seafront - has become renowned for its incredible cakes; locals and visitors alike pop in regularly for a post-walk treat or the chance to get some 'cakeaway'.

All this means the afternoon tea - served every day from 2pm - comes with a very high pedigree. On the menu: scone with clotted cream and jam, a selection of sweet treats, savoury bites, and your choice of Tea Mountain tea.

One TripAdvisor reviewer had this to say: "Lovely variety of cakes; superb sandwiches. Couldn't fault any of it. Definitely visit again, hopefully soon."

Another wrote: "A must on every trip to Portsmouth!"

   

Spinnaker Tower

When the Spinnaker Tower says it offers high tea, it means it in every sense of the word! Treat yourself to a selection of sweet and savoury treats from The Clouds - situated on View Deck 2 some 105 metres above sea level.

Matching spectacular views with equally stunning food, the Spinnaker Tower high tea experience is one that won't be forgotten in a hurry and the ideal way to mark a big occasion or special event.

As one reviewer on TripAdvisor wrote: "My husband booked a trip to the tower with high tea for my birthday. We had a window seat reserved and were able to enjoy the views whilst having a lovely tea. It was presented very nicely and we were waited on by two very attentive young ladies. I would certainly recommend a trip to the Spinnaker… you won't be disappointed."

   

Parade Tea Rooms

Over on Southsea Common (and at Gunwharf Quays) you'll find the Parade Tea Rooms. At the Gunwharf branch you can enjoy a small cream tea, comprising a fruit scone, clotted cream and strawberry jam, all washed down with some freshly brewed Whittard's tea.

Or, go the whole hog and get a full afternoon tea at the Southsea tea room - served 2pm to 4.30pm. Here you'll get a fruit scone, clotted cream and strawberry jam, plus a choice of sandwiches, as well as cake or macaroons. You can keep it traditional with Whittard's tea, or if you're celebrating there's the option of a bottle of Prosecco or Champagne instead.

The Parade was described by one reviewer on TripAdvisor as providing: "afternoon tea how it should be".

They went on: "[It's] a hidden gem with views over the Common and within walking distance to the sea. The food is amazing, staff are spot on, great customer service, so clean you could eat your cake off the floor! The afternoon tea is a bargain. Sandwiches presented in a way Harrods would be proud of."

   

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