Well let's just say that it was not what I was expecting...
It was SO much better!
Seriously. For some reason I was expecting stuffy and highly traditional as Coworth Park is part of the Dorchester Collection. In my mind that meant that it would be akin to the totally traditional Dorchester itself, but thankfully I was proved wrong.
We arrived an hour early for our afternoon tea, planning to have a nice walk around the grounds and see that iconic sight of the hotel set behind the meadow. The drive through the grounds to the main building showcased the vast space in all of its beauty with wild flowers growing as far as the eye could see, and the grand and imposing building of the hotel itself.
Upon entering the building I was surprised. From the outside the hotel appeared a lot smaller than I'd imagined it would be, yet as I stepped inside I was greeted by vast amounts of space with a light, open feel. The friendly doorman went to sort out our table for us so that we could go off for our walk, but actually they had our table ready and waiting an hour early. Could they read our minds?!
So in we went. The drawing room is tastefully decorated in a fresh, yet traditional style. Stuffiness is non-existent with the daylight flooding in through the adjoining conservatory, the powder blue walls and the delightfully comfortable chairs. There is also a harpist, but you will be thoroughly disappointed if you were expecting him to churn out Beethoven. Peter Andre is more up his street.
We weren't sat down for long before our first waiter introduced himself and offered us a glass of Champagne. Unfortunately for me I was driving, as Coworth Park serves Veuve Cliquot as their bubbly of choice with afternoon tea. Not to fear though, as our waiter had the bright idea of serving us a delicious mango non-alcoholic cocktail which went down a treat.
Next we had a second waiter - a lovely little Irish chap - who timed our afternoon perfectly, waiting until we'd nearly finished our mocktails before presenting the tea itself. We'd also chosen a delicious Elderflower tea to accompany our treats, which was delightful.
As I was expecting a truly traditional afternoon tea, I was once again delightfully surprised. Whenever I have afternoon tea I always try to save the best until last, so naturally I began with the cucumber sandwiches and ended with the delicious ham and mustard, although none of the four varieties were exactly displeasing!
Next up to the scones, both plain and fruit, snugly wrapped up in their napkin to keep warm. These were perfectly sized and wonderfully soft, accompanied by homemade jam and some kind of compote. I must admit that I didn't take too well to the compote, but many others seemed to enjoy it so I shan't complain!
At the penthouse we found four tasty treats. A pink grapefruit and pistachio tulip (I had this first, but should have had it nearer to last!), a pretty looking lemon tart with poppy, a slice of raspberry rose battenburg and finally a blood orange and geranium jaffa cake.
Needless to say, we were completely stuffed to the brim! However our delightful little Irishman offered to pop some extras in a little box for us to take home. In hindsight I shouldn't have declined such a kind offer, but at the time I was blinded by overindulgence!
Eventually we made it out of our chairs, said goodbye to the harpist and headed off for our walk. I shan't drag on with words, but instead let you see the photos for yourself. Although I will just stop to mention how truly amazing the bathrooms were in this place!! Vanity stations in every cubicle and all of the hand cream you could ever want!! Top marks to Coworth Park!!
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| Some busy bees working away on the lavender! |
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