Celebrate Afternoon Tea Week: Best Places in Peterborough

Where to go, what to order and why we think each one is worth your afternoon

Did you know it’s Afternoon Tea Week this week? Yes, an entire week dedicated to one of Britain’s most beloved rituals.

You might be wondering how Afternoon Tea Week came about, and we’ll get to that. But more importantly, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite places in and around Peterborough to mark the occasion.

At PBO Guide, though, we think afternoon tea can be more than just an occasional outing. It can be a little invitation to slow down, take a breather and make an afternoon of doing very little.

Later this week, we’ll be exploring how you might make afternoon tea a practice rather than simply an occasion – because perhaps we could all do with a little more time to pause.

Where did Afternoon Tea Week come from?

Afternoon tea itself dates back to the 1840s, when Anna, Duchess of Bedford, is credited with introducing a light meal between lunch and dinner. What began as a practical solution to the long stretch between meals eventually became a quintessentially British social ritual.

The classic afternoon tea usually consists of finger sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream and jam, pastries or cakes and, of course, a pot of tea.

So, without further ado, here are our picks for where to celebrate Afternoon Tea Week around Peterborough.

Best Value: Sibson Inn Hotel

The Sibson Inn has an incredible offer which comes down to just £9.50 per person. The offer is available on Wowcher.

Set in a traditional country inn just outside Peterborough, it’s a lovely option if you fancy getting out of the city for a cosy afternoon – please note pre-booking is required.

Best for a Day Out: The Orangery at Burghley House

At £26 per person, you’ll get a selection of sandwiches, homemade scones, cakes and macarons, alongside your choice of tea or coffee. If you’re celebrating, you can upgrade to the Sparkling Afternoon Tea for £31 per person, which includes a glass of Prosecco (perfect for International Prosecco day on Thursday)!

Afternoon tea is served in The Orangery, so you can make a day of it with a wander around Burghley House and its grounds too. Advance booking is recommended!

Best for a Custom Afternoon Tea: The Chalkboard

If you’re looking for something a little more relaxed, The Chalkboard by the River Nene is a lovely option – and their afternoon tea comes with a fun little twist.

For £26pp, you can actually build your own afternoon tea, choosing your bread, two sandwich fillings, a scone and three sweet or savoury treats. They also cater for gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan diets, so there’s plenty of flexibility.

Afternoon tea needs to be pre-ordered by midnight the day before, so make sure you plan ahead!

Best for a Glamorous Afternoon: Bijou

For something a little more stylish, head into the city centre to Bijou on Bridge Street.

Their afternoon tea is currently available to book, with the last sitting at 3pm. It’s a nice option if you fancy making an afternoon of it somewhere a little more glamorous than your average tea room. And at £25 for two people, it’s also one of the more affordable options on our list.

Best for Traditional Afternoon Tea: The Bell Inn, Stilton

Just outside Peterborough, The Bell Inn in Stilton is a lovely choice if you’re after something a little more traditional.

Their Deluxe Afternoon Tea is £27.95pp and comes with finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with cream and jam, mini patisseries and a selection of premium teas.

Afternoon tea is served from 2–5pm daily, and you’ll need to pre-book. If you’re feeling celebratory, you can also add a glass of fizz!

Best for a Special Occasion: Orton Hall Hotel

Set within the grounds of Orton Hall Hotel, this is another option if you fancy afternoon tea somewhere a little more special without heading too far from the city centre.

Their afternoon tea includes the usual mix of finger sandwiches, scones, cakes and tea, with options to add a glass of Prosecco if you fancy making it a celebration.

We’d recommend checking availability and the current menu directly with the hotel before booking.

Best Countryside Setting: The Granary Tea Room

Tucked away at Willow Brook Farm, The Granary Tea Room is a a charming countryside option for afternoon tea just outside the city. This page of theirs highlights what’s included – and the price is just £18.99 per person. The selection includes freshly baked, homemade scones, cakes and even sausage rolls. Did we mention they also have a farm shop?

To book, call: 01780 749483

Worth Knowing: Mulberry Cafe at Elton Hall

Just a little over 15 minutes from Peterborough city centre, Mulberry Cafe is nestled within the historic gardens of Elton Hall.

We’ve been here before and found it cosy, however as we haven’t visited recently and some of the more recent reviews have been mixed, I’d recommend checking the current experience and menu before booking rather than including it as one of our top picks.

Now, put the kettle on

Whether you’re booking a table, making an afternoon of it at Burghley, or simply putting the kettle on at home, Afternoon Tea Week is a good excuse to slow down and enjoy the little rituals that make an ordinary day feel special.

And if you’d rather make a habit of it than a one-week affair, keep an eye out for our next piece – we’ll be exploring how to make afternoon tea a practice, not just an occasion.