Experience Afternoon Tea at Chewton Glen

(Reviewed as part of a press visit - see disclaimer)

Nestled in the Hampshire countryside, set on 130 acres you'll find Chewton Glen - an 18th-century luxury country house perfect for romantic escapes, afternoons with friends and spa breaks. The 5-star Relais & Châteaux Hotel and Spa sits on the edge of the enchanting New Forest and promises an experience like no other. 

Famed for its luxury Treehouses and delectable Afternoon Tea, the hotel is also home to a world-class spa and an award-winning restaurant. Service is traditional but friendly with modern twists making it perfect for all ages while still being wholeheartedly luxurious. 

I can't wait to show you more... 

I spent a whimsical afternoon with a friend at Chewton Glen recently and with Spring in the air, the sun shining and deer hopping through the forest it was the perfect way to start the weekend. There's nothing more quintessentially British than enjoying an Afternoon Tea and nowhere does it quite like Chewton Glen. From the white table cloths and sparkling glasses to garden views and impeccable service - it's a spot any foodie lover should experience at least once.

You're greeted by exceptional greenery and beautiful gardens as you arrive at Chewton Glen - we visited at the height of wisteria season so the entrance was covered with the most delicate lilac petals. The hotel has quite a distinct grandeur with deep red velvet carpets, stunning floral displays and art decorating the stone walls. 

We were taking our Afternoon Tea in The Dining Room - sunshine streamed through the windows, white table cloths were upon each table and we were greeted with the warmest smiles. Our table looked out upon the perfectly cut lawn and it was just idyllic. 

The quintessential English custom of Afternoon Tea is one of my favourite ways to catch up with friends and Chewton Glen's offering was spectacular. As we took our seats we were served ice-cold sparkling water while our server spoke us through the menu. We opted for the tea with English Sparkling wine adding a little luxury to the afternoon. Produced using the finest, estate-grown grapes from vineyards in the South of England, Nyetimber was the perfect pairing for the afternoon. 

After perusing the Tregothnan tea menu, we were served an array of delectable finger sandwiches, dainty delicacies and warm scones crowned with West Country clotted cream, jam and lemon curd. 

To start we enjoyed a savoury profiterole with Warm Old Winchester cheese and shavings of Truffle followed by a selection of savoury finger sandwich favourites such as Smoked Ham and English Mustard Mayonnaise on granary bread; Flambards Egg, Mustard and Cress on white bread; Smoked Salmon and Horseradish Butter on brown bread; and Coronation Chicken, Golden Raisins and Coriander on brioche. 

Available as fruit or plain, the scones are baked fresh and are brought to your table upon request. I'm usually a clotted cream and jam kinda gal but lemon curd on a warm scone? DELICIOUS!

The sweet pastry tier includes Matcha Green Tea and Apricot Cupcake; Mascarpone, Praline and Espresso Éclair; and Amalfi Lemon Meringue Tart, each as scumpticous as the next. The tea service ends with a slice of homemade cake from the trolley presented in a gift box to take home, either Victoria Sponge or Chocolate and Salted Caramel.

It's quite an experience and exceptionally tasty - probably one of the best afternoon teas outside of London that I have experienced. I can't wait to visit with my mother and grandmother.

We spent a blissful few hours enjoying the food, soaking up the sunshine and touring the estate. It's quite a phenomenal property and set so close to the sea you can almost smell it. 

The patio and pool areas are perfect for relaxing and hidden amongst the wooded valley you'll discover thee famous Treehouses. With private parking, concierge and mini kitchenettes the Treehouses are perfectly self-contained with the added bonus of peace, privacy and all the luxuries you would expect from a 5-star hotel. Expect daily breakfast hampers and a delicious room service menu should you prefer total privacy - a complete dream.

Chewton Glen was just wonderful from start to finish and it's somewhere I am desperate to try again, maybe a spa day next time or a little escape away from Mum life - we shall see.

With most of the ingredients used having travelled less than 100 yards from their very own Kitchen Garden, it's such a conscious spot to enjoy food. The indulgent Afternoon Tea is served between 12pm and 4pm in The Dining Room - you could always sit outside if the sun is shining too.

Bookings can be made via their website or by phoning Chewton Glen directly.

It's an experience you won't forget when visiting Hampshire.