Join us on Saturday 26 November at 2pm for a very special Afternoon Tea sitting, as we are joined by Gillian Walnes Perry MBE, writer, speaker and lecturer as she shares her expertise with a talk on The Social History of English Afternoon Tea.

The talk includes the introduction of delicious tea menu items; the customs and etiquette surrounding afternoon tea; examples of the finest silver and porcelain tea ware; the surprisingly risqué connotation of afternoon tea gowns; the rise of public tea rooms and tea dances; the ancient symbolism of birthday celebrations and the current nostalgic popularity of vintage afternoon teas. Afterwards, we invite you to join us for a special venue tour so that you can look around our magnificent building at your leisure.

Afternoon Tea £35 per guest or £49 with a glass of Champagne
IoD Members Afternoon Tea £30 per guest or £42 with a glass of Champagne

Start off with a selection of savouries including smoked salmon rillette, Atlantic prawn cocktail blinis, cucumber and chive cream cheese finger sandwich and a coronation chicken brioche bun, alongside a cream tea of freshly baked scones with lashings of clotted cream and Galloway fruit preserve. Follow-up with the main event, a confectioner’s staple of indulgent delicacies including a mini caramel choux, blackberry macaroon; and Searcys signature Victoria made by our expert pastry chef.

For little ones, there will also be a Children’s High Tea with a Galia melon, orange and pomegranate salad, sandwiches and cakes, rolls, scones, and special sweet pastries with popping candy, rainbow frosting and cake pops.

Accompany your traditional afternoon tea experience with a selection of JING teas including classic Earl Grey or peppermint, or for some fizz, upgrade to a Champagne pour of Searcys Selected Cuvée Brut.

Gluten free and vegan options are available and your dietary requirements will be noted when making your booking.