Lucknam Park is a 5-star hotel located not far from Bath. It’s a country house, set in acres of green land that includes a hotel, spa, restaurant and brasserie. Afternoon tea is served in The Drawing Room, which overlooks the enviable 500 acres of greenery. It’s a great venue, with great food, and of course, that view.
Afternoon tea here is a fairly formal affair, but not as formal as, say The Ritz. Here it is refined and luxurious, but not fussy. There is a real mix of people here, from those staying at the hotel to those who are having a welcome break from shopping in Bath.
We decided to sample the Champagne Tea as we were in the mood for something sparkling. It started with a selection of finger sandwiches, including egg and cress, thick cut ham and tomato and salmon.
Each was nestled comfortably between slices of fresh bread, and was assembled with skill enough to make them look as good as they tasted. It takes flair to make egg and cress interesting, but these were lovely. The same could be said for the ham and tomato and the salmon. Fresh ingredients done well.
Next up where scones with fresh cream and jam. The scones were home-made, as was the jam. They were still slightly warm, which helped melt the butter and cream into them.
We sampled tea from the extensive tea menu for completeness. We had English breakfast, Assam and finished with green tea. Each was fresh, vibrant and had a very distinct taste.
"Afternoon Tea at Lucknam Park, fresh ingredients done well."
The pastries were a mixture of cakes, pastries and biscuits that were small but perfectly formed. Each was the right balance of sweetness and taste that balances tea well. Green tea and cake doesn’t always mix, but here they mixed perfectly.
The champagne was house champagne, and was light and only slightly yeasty. It drank well, and is definitely a brand I would try again. One glass never seems to be enough, whatever type it is.
Afternoon Tea at Lucknam Park was a nice way to spend a couple of hours. It’s relaxed, decadent and the nice side of selfish that I for one, could get used to.
The Bill: £27 per head
