A Marvellous Afternoon At Matfen Hall

Following a busy year at university, a relaxing spot of afternoon tea with my Mum was just what I needed and Matfen Hall proved to be the perfect place.

Situated in the heart of Northumberland, Matfen Hall offers various amenities, including fine dining in the elegant library restaurant, light bites in the airy conservatory bistro and relaxation in the Aqua Vitae spa. Accommodating for numerous events including weddings, celebrations and corporate meetings, on this occasion, we decided to sample the hotel’s afternoon tea offering and what a treat it was.

After a warm welcome, we were swiftly ushered to enjoy our afternoon tea in the hotel’s library restaurant and were instantly impressed by the room’s atmosphere. With breath-taking views overlooking Matfen’s picturesque 27-hole golf course, the cosy and intimate venue really did exude comfort and relaxation. Having already sampled the hotel’s renowned Sunday Lunch offering, we were keen to try a wholly different dining experience, with focus on the finest locally sourced ingredients. Already feeling at home, we waited with anticipation for the afternoon of indulgence that was in store.

Served daily from 12 til 4, Matfen Hall takes a unique and individual approach to traditional afternoon tea. With classic afternoon tea at only £18.50 per head, as well as a savoury Gentleman’s alternative, we decided to push the boat out with the prosecco afternoon tea. It’s always 5 o’clock somewhere! The hotel also provides a unique children’s menu, as well as various spa packages often including afternoon tea. We were also thrilled by the accompanying selection of coffees and loose-leaf teas which, sourced from the renowned local brand Ringtons, ranged from the classic English Breakfast to more adventurous fruity and herbal blends.

Feeling famished, we were delighted by the arrival of our food. A platter of finger-cut sandwiches, various types of scone and a plethora of cakes and sweet treats formed the line-up.

Opting for the sandwiches first, we devoured an array of delicious British classics including both honey roast ham and egg mayonnaise on soft white bread, as well as tasty cucumber and cream cheese on a malty wholemeal loaf. Eagerly glugging our glass of prosecco on the side, we tucked into the sandwiches with gusto and were soon starting to feel the taste-buds tingling.

Next up were the heavenly scones and they certainly hit the spot. With a selection of warm plain and fruit scones, we fervently spread sweet homemade jam and rich clotted cream on top. Although falling notoriously off the summer diet wagon, this was comfort food at its absolute finest.

Despite feeling replete, we were still greedy to sample the delectable cake selection. As a chocolate fanatic, I immediately savoured the chocolate cheesecake, comprising a luscious layer of creamy filling slavered on top a digestive crumbly base. Meanwhile, my Mum tasted the zingy raspberry & apricot mousse as well as the fruity lemon tart. Complemented by a spongy ginger cake slice, the desserts were absolutely exquisite and rounded off a thoroughly pleasurable afternoon spent at Maften Hall.

With delicious food and impeccable service throughout, I can certainly see why afternoon tea has become a firm favourite amongst customers at Matfen Hall. Whether you’re a mother and daughter like us in need of a catch up, or looking to treat a loved one, afternoon tea at Matfen is not to be missed.