REVIEW: AFTERNOON TEA AT COWORTH PARK
I had only been to the five-star country house hotel in Ascot once before - to deliver cake pops to the Chocolate Room for a wedding. I didn't get chance to have a nosey around then, but this time, I was determined to experience what Coworth Park had to offer and to taste some of the chocolate from that room!
I remembered the impressive approach... immaculate sweeping lush-green grounds and an imposing white country house set amongst them. Part of the Dorchester Collection, Coworth Park is definitely posh but not stuffy. The decorative style is
a mix of the traditional and modern, with elegant floral cushions and tableware, understated colours and eccentric, modern artworks, sculptures and fittings. Altogether, it feels grand yet contemporary.
My sister, Kristy (pictured), and I arrived early for afternoon tea, so we headed straight for the bar. We took a seat overlooking the croquet lawn and were made to feel at home by the friendly, down-to-earth staff.
After enjoying a catch-up over a glass of pink champers, we were called into the drawing room, where afternoon tea is served. It enjoys stunning views over the terraces and grounds, and the spacious, light room had big open fireplaces to lounge in front of.
The list of teas was extensive, but Kristy finally decided on the Coworth Park afternoon blend (muscatel Darjeeling, peach Formosa Oolong, and a hint of Lapsang and China Keemun) and I opted for the caramel and chocolate one. I instantly fell in love with the Wedgewood tablewear in pretty pink and blue - I shall be putting that on my Christmas list.
We were served a selection of traditional English finger sandwiches - cream cheese and cucumber, smoked salmon, beef and horseradish and thick-cut ham. We wolfed them down - they were delicious - and were offered more, but the fruit scones looked too tempting to put off any longer. Tucked under a napkin to keep warm, they came with strawberry jam, a plum compote and a very generous amount of clotted cream.
I think they were easily the best scones I'd ever tasted. We decided to have another glass of the fruity champagne to complement the pastries, the best of which were the eccles cakes with cream and raspberry roulade. They melted in your mouth - simply amazing!
After sitting there gossiping for over two hours, setting the world to rights, we decided we ought to make a move, so asked for the bill. One word of warning: check which champagne you're ordering! We had unknowingly ordered the most expensive and dissolved in fits of giggles as we put our credit cards down to pay, whispering things like don't tell the hubby!
It was well worth the price though - we had a truly unforgettable afternoon. Coworth Park is an incredible place, but seeing is believing so you should really check it out for yourself...
Monday to Friday, Coworth Park Afternoon Tea is priced at £20 per person, or £27.50 per person including a glass of Veuve Clicquot Champagne (additional glass of champagne at £14 each).
On Saturdays and Sundays, Coworth Park Afternoon Tea is priced at £29 per adult, or £42 per adult including a glass of Veuve Clicquot Champagne (additional glass of champagne at £14 each).
Prices include VAT but exclude 12.5% service charge
For more information or to make a reservation, please contact Restaurant Reservations at Coworth Park on 01344 876600 or email restaurants.CPA@dorchestercollection.com.
Visit http://www.dorchestercollection.com