Award Winning Afternoon Tea in The New Forest

Please note, leading restaurant guides issue awards to restaurants based on dining from a full menu and will not normally consider afternoon tea when deciding how highly to rate a restaurant. Therefore the above restaurants are not ranked, although it's a safe bet that any restaurant serving award winning food in The New Forest is also likely to provide some of the best afternoon tea in The New Forest! Please also note that for the restaurants listed above, afternoon tea may be offered within the parent hotel/venue the restaurant resides in, rather than in the restaurant itself.

Ah, the New Forest in the south of England – a delightful setting for a leisurely afternoon tea. With its charming villages, stunning countryside, and ancient woodlands, it offers the perfect backdrop for a quintessentially British experience. Amongst the meandering ponies and sweeping greenery, tea aficionados can discover a number of venues proudly serving the finest selection of teas, finger sandwiches, scones, and cakes. One of the most refined establishments is **The Montagu Arms** in Beaulieu, a delightful village in the heart of the New Forest. Known for its luxurious setting and exceptional service, they offer a truly sublime afternoon tea, often enjoyed in the hotel's cosy lounge or manicured gardens. The freshly baked scones with clotted cream and homemade preserves, paired with a fragrant tea blend, are simply divine. Another gem to explore is **Lime Wood**, nestled close to Lyndhurst, which combines rural charm with a touch of elegance. Their afternoon tea is crafted to perfection, featuring seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, ensuring guests can savour the very best of the New Forest. For a slightly quirkier yet equally charming experience, **The Burley Tea Rooms** in the village of Burley brings the joy of a more traditional-come-vintage perspective. Here, the cakes are homemade, and the tea flows freely – making it a wonderful stop after a long walk through the forest trails. Whether you are seeking a luxurious or rustic tea experience, the New Forest is sure to enchant all those who appreciate this most civilised of pastimes.