A delightful afternoon tea should have that ‘je ne sais quoi’ about it. To put that star quality into words, we use a 10-step rating process. It might sound a little extra, but we know there are a lot of elements that make a great afternoon tea. Here’s a snapshot of our process…
1. Background check
We won’t recommend just any spot for a cream tea. We do a full background check to make sure the venue is up to scratch. We look at user reviews on sites like TripAdvisor and Reddit to make sure the venue has a good code of conduct and high standards.
2. Price point
Next is the price point. This will vary depending on the type of afternoon and the area that the venue is in. However, we look at average prices within the market to make sure you’re not overpaying. And where the price is more premium, it has to be 100% justified.
3. Scone quality
What would an afternoon tea be without scones? We review the quality and texture of the scones on offer. Are they freshly baked? Slightly warm? Or cold, straight out of a packet? For us, flawless scones should be home-baked and rustic with a comforting, crumbly texture.
According to Roddas, the perfect scone should be ‘4-7 cm in diameter’ – but we think the bigger, the better.
4. Cream and jam choice
There’s so much variety when it comes to cream and jam. Unless stated otherwise, we look for an extra indulgent clotted cream and sweet, sticky strawberry jam. We prefer both to be homemade, but if not, the brands on offer need to have a good reputation. The amount of cream and jam also needs to be generous – if we have to ask for more, it’s not a good sign.
5. Range of sweet treats
Next we look at the range of sweet treats on offer. This is so often overlooked. We don’t accept stale cupcakes or dry brownies. We want the sweet treats to be just as heavenly as the scones on offer. Again, our preference is something homemade, bitesize and irresistible.
6. Tea quality
Which is the perfect tea? We don’t pit them against each other, but we do look for a range of teas on offer. The best high teas will offer choices like Earl Grey, Assam, Darjeeling, Oolong, and English Breakfast as well as herbal teas. They should come in a teapot, as standard.
7. Character and style
No afternoon tea is the same. Each has a unique combination of sweet treats and scones on offer. We look at how the afternoon tea has been curated and the overall experience. Plus, we look at what the point of difference is for each tea. Does it have a unique theme? What about the afternoon tea makes it so memorable?
8. The venue
Even the very best afternoon tea can be ruined by a poor venue. We look at how the venue adds to the experience. We look for calm, peaceful spaces that are put together and a pleasure to be in.
9. Dietary requirements
Afternoon teas should be inclusive for everyone. We look at the entire afternoon tea menu and assess if it ticks all dietary requirements. For top marks, an afternoon should offer vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free options.
10. Overall experience
Finally, we look at the overall experience. How has everything come together and does it meet our expectations? A big part of this is whether something is ‘repeat-visit-worthy’ and if we would recommend it to a friend.
How we calculate our scores
For each criteria, we give a score out of 10. We then combine these scores to give a number out of 100. We aim to revisit each venue within a 1-2 year period. This is to ensure our reviews and rankings are up to date and are as accurate as possible.