AFTERNOON tea is a quintessentially British pastime.
Whether rain or shine, there’s nothing better than a relaxing afternoon enjoying some much-beloved staples, from delicious scones topped with rich cream or jam to fluffy finger cakes and a warm cup of your favourite char.
With its stunning countryside, beautiful villages and engaging historic seat, Cheshire has a wide variety of establishments with tantalising menus to choose from. So if you’re planning a lovely weekend break, a birthday celebration - or just fancy a splendid afternoon treat - there’s something for everyone.
New Care Homes, a care home operator based in the North West has commissioned a study to find the Best Places to Enjoy Afternoon tea in Cheshire.
They gathered a variety of information including the number of establishments, from cafes to stately homes, that serve afternoon tea, the cost of a standard afternoon tea session and the percentage of ‘Excellent’ ratings on Trip Advisor to discover the best places for afternoon tea in Cheshire. Each venue was then ranked in order to find the best value and venue to visit.
According to the results, Vale Royal Abbey is the best place to enjoy a spot of afternoon char. Located near the village of Whitegate, this former medieval abbey is surrounded by the stunning Cheshire countryside on all sides, making it a wonderful escape for the day. With prices starting at £21.95, a 4.5 Trip Advisor Score and a 67% ‘Excellent’ review share, Vale Royal Abbey should be top of your list for a spot of tea.
In 2nd place is Inglewood Manor Hotel. located close to Ledsham just outside of Ellesmere Port, Inglewood Manor is a stunning Edwardian country house located at the heart of 38 acres of exquisite countryside. Afternoon tea is served in two suites that provide a great view of the garden and grounds.
In 3rd place is the Queen Hotel Chester. Located in the heart of Chester, the historic seat for the region, the hotel is right across from the train station and boasts an illustrious history Since opening in 1860, this magnificent Italianate hotel has hosted guests such as Charles Dickens, Cecil Rhodes, Lillie Langtry and members of the royal family.
Speaking on the results, Dawn Collett, Commissioning Director at New Care Homes who commissioned the study said:
“Popping out for afternoon tea is often considered something that only the older generation do, but this couldn’t be further from the truth.
Day-to-day life can be stressful and can often leave us feeling like we don’t get to spend time with the ones we love as much as we would like to. Spending some time with friends and loved ones and getting out and about can provide a much needed boost for our mental health and wellbeing.
From celebrating great news and milestones to just catching up with friends and family, afternoon tea is a wonderful pastime that people of all ages and backgrounds can enjoy - whether that’s with your favourite cup of tea or even with a nice glass of champagne!”
1. Vale Royal Abbey, Whitegate
Prices from £21.95 | Trip Advisor: 4.5 | 67% ‘Excellent’ Reviews
2. Inglewood Manor Hotel, Ellesmere Port
Prices from £22 | Trip Advisor: 4.5 | 65% ‘Excellent’ Reviews
3. The Queen Hotel Chester
Prices from £19.95 | Trip Advisor: 4 | 52% ‘Excellent’ Reviews
4. Oddfellows, Chester
Prices from £24 | Trip Advisor: 4.5 | 61% ‘Excellent’ Reviews
5. Peckforton Castle, Tarporley
Prices from £22 | Trip Advisor: 4 | 52% ‘Excellent’ Reviews
6. Grosvenor Pulford Hotel, Chester
Prices from £28 | Trip Advisor: 4.5 | 61% ‘Excellent’ Reviews
7. The Mere, Knutsford
Prices from £30 | Trip Advisor: 4.5 | 63% ‘Excellent’ Reviews
8. The Gardener's Cottage, Tatton Park
Prices from £29 | Trip Advisor: 3.5 | 40% ‘Excellent’ Reviews
9. Cottons Hotel, Knutsford
Prices from £30 | Trip Advisor: 4 | 45% ‘Excellent’ Reviews
The Results*
Rank
Name
Address
City
Price
Trip Advisor
Excellent Review Percentage
1
Vale Royal Abbey
Whitegate, Northwich, Cheshire, CW8 2BA
Whitegate
£21.95
4.5
67%
2
Inglewood Manor Hotel
Badgers Rake Lane, Ledsham, CH66 8PF
Ellesmere Port
£22
4.5
65%
3
The Queen at Chester Hotel
City Road, Chester CH1 3AH England
Chester
£19.95
4
52%
4
Oddfellows
20 Lower Bridge St, Chester, CH1 1RS
Chester
£24
4.5
61%
5
Peckforton Castle
Eddisbury, Cheshire, CW6 9TN
Tarporley
£22
4
52%
6
Grosvenor Pulford Hotel
Wrexham Road, Pulford, Chester CH4 9DG England
Chester
£28
4.5
61%
7
The Mere, Knutsford
Chester Road, Knutsford WA16 6LJ England
Knutsford
£30
4.5
63%
8
The Gardener's Cottage, Tatton Park
Tatton Park, Knutsford WA16 6QN
Tatton Park
£29
3.5
40%
9
Cottons Hotel, Knutsford
Manchester Rd, Knutsford WA16 0SU
Knutsford
£30
4
45%
___END________________________________________________________________
Note to Journalists/ Editors
Established in 2009, New Care Homes is a care home operator providing ‘New Generation’ care facilities. Clinically proficient and working in conjunction with the CQC, their facilities offer the highest standards of safety, comfort and understanding, provided by a dedicated team of professional, person-centred and compassionate care teams.
As an operator that champions a progressive and holistic approach to caring, New Care champions the highest standard of care in facilities across the UK. They consistently support and implement new research and initiatives to provide the most effective standards in pastoral and elderly care, respite care and nursing.
*Data accurate as of 25/08/23
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