Traditional Afternoon Teas and Cream Teas at Birkinshaw's

So many of you enjoyed our Afternoon Teas in the five years the tea room was open.  now we are closed but here is our historical Tea information so you can vicariously enjoy one of our Teas!

At Birkinshaw's, we know a thing or two about Afternoon Tea. We understand that it needs to be special, it needs to be tasty, and it needs to be exciting.

Our individually prepared afternoon teas include Cream Teas and the traditional English Afternoon Tea*. For those unfamiliar with these quintessentially English customs, a Cream Tea would be freshly made scones served with either butter or, indulgently, with jam (jelly) and clotted/Devon cream. This is then accompanied with tea or coffee. *for prices and full details see pages 5 and 6 of our Menu.

The Afternoon Tea, by contrast, is a full meal, served on a traditional three tier tea stand. Foods may include savoury treats such as delicate finger sandwiches, mini quiches, maybe a veloute or gazpacho, the essential scones and some lighter cakes, desserts and pastries. All this is served, of course, with tea or, these days, also coffee or a cold drink.

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We offer a range of Afternoon Teas  including: The Birkinshaw, our classic, house special; The Maritimer, an Atlantic region-themed tea brimming with regional produce; The Lady Clara, our luxury afternoon tea served with a complimentary chilled Prosecco; The Bertie, a more savoury-leaning afternoon tea, devised for a gentleman's palate, but ideal for anyone with not much of a sweet tooth.

The Mistress Emily, a more modern take on the afternoon tea offering elements of traditional and fusion cuisine able to adapt more easily to gluten-free and dairy-free dietary requirements;  and The Children's Afternoon Tea... children love a party tea and we love it too. Why not treat a special girl or boy to a fancy tea time at Birkinshaw's? Fun, child-centered foods served with their choice of milkshake, our own dreamy chocolate milk, pink lemonade and more.  

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While Cream Teas are available daily, the Afternoon Teas need to be booked at least 2 business days in advance I.e.. If you book on a Saturday, your next available day is Wednesday or Thursday, depending on the time of booking. As our Afternoon Teas are prepared to order, we can usually cater for specific dietary requirements - vegetarian or gluten-free. Please let us know at the time of booking and allow a minimum of a week ahead for booking.

All Afternoon Teas are for a minimum of two people* and are served from 2pm. We require a 30% deposit at the time of booking for groups of over 6. Please contact us now to reserve your table.

 NOTE: if you cancel your Afternoon Tea booking less than 24 hrs prior, 75% of the full charge is payable to cover ingredient wastage and irretrievable costs incurred.

​ For Special Event Afternoon Teas, cancellation under 2 days incurs a cost of 50% of the total cost.

*except the Children's Afternoon Tea which can be booked for one child or more, and the Mistress Emily which is available for one.