Starting this month (August), the Library Tea Room at Auckland Castle will be offering a unique version of the traditional, English treat specifically designed for ages 12 and under.
The specially adapted afternoon tea, which will be available daily until 3pm, includes a selection of simple sandwiches, such as ham and cheese, as well as a fruit scone with homemade jam, chocolate cake and a raspberry jelly.
Served on a silver tea stand, just like the adult version, the traditional accompaniment of tea or coffee is replaced with hot chocolate and marshmallows for younger visitors, imaginatively served in a teapot to offer the same, grown-up effect.
All of the cakes and bread are homemade at the Tea Room using organic flour, milk, cream, butter and eggs, with a range of gluten and dairy free options, as well as vegetarian alternatives available for those with specific dietary requirements.
Charlotte Walton, Catering Manager for Auckland Castle, said: “Afternoon Tea has enjoyed a real resurgence in recent years and we often see children sharing with their parents or looking on in awe at the adults taking tea around them.
“We thought it would be a far better idea for young visitors to be able to enjoy their own afternoon tea experience and have created a specially adapted version that they can enjoy alongside their families, or even as a stand-alone group.”
The Library Tea Room at Auckland Castle, which is free to access, is open seven days a week from 10am until 4pm. While Auckland Castle closes to daily visitors from September 30 to allow for major restoration works, the Library Tea Room will remain open until December 2016.
Afternoon Tea for adults or young people is available until 3pm daily but must be booked 48 hours in advance.
Prices start at £9 for ages 12 and under or £18 per person for the adult Afternoon Tea, which includes a selection of innovative sandwiches, as well as chocolate and hazelnut scones, lime and ginger cake, fig and date fancier with balsamic Chantilly and rhubarb and custard marshmallow.
For more information, or to book, please call 01388 743 797 visit www.aucklandcastle.org, or pop into the tea room and talk to a member of staff.