Coombe Abbey has never been a venue that does things by halves. Its Sunday Lunch-Inspired Afternoon Tea is yet another example of the estate’s flair for theatrical dining and playful indulgence.
Served on Sundays (of course!) in the hotel’s light-flooded Garden Room, the experience feels special on this summer’s afternoon. It’s the kind of setting that encourages you to slow down, lean in, and savour.
But was this creative twist on two much-loved British traditions a quirk too far? No. It was a fun experience.
Where most afternoon teas begin with dainty sandwiches, on the day we were there, a serving board of delights was presented to us consisting of a miniature Yorkshire pudding filled with tender slices of roast beef and creamed horseradish sauce. They’re warm, crispy (just how I like them!) and unapologetically hearty – an affectionate nod indeed to the enjoyed Sunday ritual.
Alongside them, lemon and thyme roast chicken, maple glazed pigs in blankets, duck fat roast potato truffle, cauliflower cheese gratin, cheese scone, chicken and stuffing sandwiches and, some may say surprisingly, a mini fish and chips supper! It’s a line-up that feels generous, if not perhaps well-balanced, with each item echoing the flavours of classic English dishes without being completely true to the Sunday Lunch theme per se.
This didn’t worry me in the least as each culinary component was a real treat for the tastebuds – and, as someone whose always had more of a savoury tooth, this is my preference to the usual cakes and patisserie overload of your standard Afternoon Tea fare.
That said, of course, some sweetness is always welcome after Sunday Lunch – and a (as they should be but rarely are) very crumbly apple crumble and cube of sticky toffee pudding with butterscotch sauce satisfied our craving without feeling like overload.
Service is polished but personable, with staff leaning into the playful concept while maintaining the Abbey’s signature sense of occasion. Hot drink refills are prompt and bottomless, and I was particularly impressed with their extensive coffee blends menu – not just the tea stealing the show here!
All in all, Coombe Abbey’s Sunday Lunch-Inspired Afternoon Tea is a charming reinvention of two beloved traditions. It’s imaginative without being overly gimmicky, indulgent without being overwhelming, and firmly rooted firmly in the estate’s talent for storytelling through food.
There are several Afternoon Tea themes currently on offer at Coombe, including Abbot’s, Monk’s, Knight’s and even a version for the children! (What a great idea) But this one certainly wins in the ‘unique’ stakes.
And don’t go under the illusion that you’ll leave feeling less satisfied than after the standard Sunday Lunch. In fact, go hungry to get the best from it.
Sunday Lunch Inspired Afternoon Tea is served on Sundays in four sittings between 12.15pm and 3pm, priced at £45 per person, with pre-booking recommended due to high demand.
For more information or to book, visit HERE.
