Afternoon tea is becoming so popular at the moment. It’s a delectable treat that we don’t allow ourselves every day. Whether it’s a celebration or simply a catch up with old friends, it’s a tradition that we love!
The tradition of afternoon tea began in the early 19th century, when the Duchess of Bedford, experiencing a ‘sinking feeling’, requested that a light afternoon tea be served in her private rooms.
The Duchess found the experience so satisfying that she soon invited her friends to join her. This led to afternoon tea becoming a regular indulgence.
We have picked 5 of the best local places for you to enjoy your treat!
Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness
Situated just 6 miles from Daviot
Best for a smaller budget at only £10.95 per person.
On the menu:
Delicious finger sandwiches, tempting scones, delectable cakes for those with a sweet tooth, a range of organic teas and Fairtrade coffee.
With this budget you can afford to splash out on a taxi! For an extra £5 you can include a glass of Prosecco!
Call 01463 257124 to book your table.
Bunchrew House
At the other end of the scale is the truly luxurious Afternoon Tea served at Bunchrew House, situated just 10 miles from Daviot. To book, call 01463 234917
At £25 per person it is quite pricy but they really go to town with the menu!
Peppered Beef Pastrami, Pickles & Mustard on Brioche, Hand Rolled Pork & Apple Pastry, Smoked Salmon, Cream Cheese & Chive on Beetroot Knot Goat’s Cheese & Pesto Tartlet, Plain & Raisin Scone with Clotted Cream & Jam, Banoffee and Date Chocolate, Lemon & Marshmallow Macaron
Choux Nessie with a Cream & Salted Caramel Filling, Mango Cheesecake,
Matcha Green Tea Roulade, Garden Carrot Cake, Indulgent Dark Chocolate & Orange Battenberg, Almond & Marmalade Financier, Served with your choice of teas or coffee.
Once again Prosecco is an optional extra for £5 more!
Culloden House Hotel
Just 8 miles away from Daviot, Afternoon Tea at Culloden House Hotel starts at £15.95 per person.
At the time of the Jacobite uprising in 1745-46, Bonnie Prince Charlie used Culloden House as his lodging and battle headquarters prior to the fateful battle on Culloden Moor.
For any “Outlander” fans, Culloden House featured heavily in Outlander towards the end of series two.
Reserve 24 hours in advance by calling 01463 790461. Dress code enforces a strict no trainers or collarless shirt policy!
There is no sample menu but the photograph surely looks tempting!
Simpsons Garden Centre
If you are looking for something a little less formal, you can’t go wrong with Simpsons Garden Centre. Priced at £18 for two people or individually at £9.99 per person. Simpsons is just 4.5 miles from Daviot Lodge.
A sumptuous hand-made selection of sandwiches using delicious and fresh award winning ‘3 Little bakers’ bread – generously filled using locally sourced ingredients.
A mouth watering collection of fresh mini cakes, pastries and petit fours:
Fresh Meringues, Mini E’clairs and Profiteroles, Macaroons, Mint Choc Chip Brownies, Honeycomb Cheese Cake, Coconut Ice, Frangipans, Home Made Marshmallow Slices, Passion Fruit and White Chocolate Slice
Finish your afternoon tea with home made scones in miniature, served with luxurious fresh double cream and home made jam – lovingly made in the highlands.
An extra £4.95 gets you a delicious glass of.....
Yes you guessed it, Prosecco!
Dobbie’s Garden Centre
Amazing value for money, situated 5 miles from Daviot with something for the children this time also, is Dobbie’s Garden Centre. Be sure to check out the sinks in the toilets also!!
Dobbie’s traditional Afternoon Tea includes:
A selection of Handmade Sandwiches, 3 Mini Cakes, Chocolate Dipped Strawberries, Homemade Plain and Fruit Scones served with Jam and Clotted Cream. Mini Cakes include Victoria Sponge, Fudge Brownie plus Lemon and Lime Cheesecake. Pot of freshly brewed tea or filter coffee with complimentary refills. All for £8.50
Step up to their luxury afternoon tea for an additional tier featuring Savoury Vol-au-Vents including Mushroom Duxelle and Coronation Chicken with Crisps to garnish. A little extra at £11.00
For the kids afternoon tea:
Handmade Flower Shaped Sandwich, Crunchy Carrots and Celery with a Cream Cheese dip. Star Shortbread Biscuit, Chocolate and Nutella Clock Cake or Mini Victoria Sponge, plus Chocolate Dipped Strawberries. Fromage Frais, Chocolate Dipped Marshmallow and Grapes. £5.95.
Booking in advance is recommended which can be done here: http://www.dobbies.com/event-booking/events-by-venue/?v=17