Set in the New Forest, afternoon tea at Burley Manor offers a classic take on the tradition with a rustic, country house hotel feel and rural surroundings. Looking out over the neighbouring deer park, the setting is serene, marking it out as a perfect spot to enjoy classic and familiar British flavours, fluffy scones, and more.
Inside, the setting reflects the manor’s historic character without feeling tired or overly formal. Expect soft lighting, muted tones and a mix of classic and modern furnishings and views out towards the surrounding New Forest. It avoids the stiffness of more traditional hotel tea rooms, instead feeling approachable while still retaining its signature of country house polish.
Afternoon tea menus at Burley Manor follow a familiar structure, beginning with a savoury finger sandwich selection that includes salmon with dill and crème fraîche, beef with horseradish, cucumber with cream cheese, and coronation chicken served in a brioche roll. These are straightforward, well-balanced bites that stick closely to classic British combinations.
The sweet tier offers some quite refined options using quality ingredients. Think locally sourced honey cake and salted caramel, apple and tonka bean mousse on sable Breton, pistachio Paris-Brest, and a rich 85% dark chocolate rocher. Naturally, you can expect these dinky desserts and patisserie to be really beautiful too. Afternoon tea guests can also expect freshly baked plain and fruit scones, served alongside homemade strawberry jam and Dorset clotted cream. What’s more, almost everything on the menu can be made gluten-free.
To wash it all down, Burley Manor offers a broad selection of tea infusions, ranging from the classics like English breakfast and Earl Grey to herbal options like peppermint, camomile and lemongrass and ginger. Sparkling English wine or cocktails can also be added, giving a more celebratory feel to afternoon tea at Burley Manor.