My wife Lisa and I have had a long-held affinity for Lumley Castle. Over the years, it's played host to various different occasions including overnight stays, birthday outings, private dinners and corporate soirees.
Bizarrely though, we were still yet to try their afternoon tea offering despite hearing repeatedly of its merits. We pitched up one late Summer afternoon to set the story straight. Of course Lumley Castle is no ordinary hotel with its lavish period décor and staff in medieval dress. Its imposing stature is a real fixture in the County Durham landscape whilst onsite it’s all fortified turrets and clandestine courtyards.
This historical backdrop really enhances the sense of tradition and tea can be taken in either the regal Black Knight Restaurant or the plush library bar. It’s served 7 days a week and offers great value with Grand Afternoon Tea (basically, the works) available for just £14.95. In terms of tucker there’s a nice broad selection of sandwiches, scones and cakes. The requisite finger-cut sandwiches are all fresh and dainty with a choice of fillings including Ham & Dijon mustard, Poached salmon cream cheese & cucumber, cheese savoury with vine tomato and Roast beef & rocket with red onion marmalade. Simply delicious.
Also making up part of the stand were some sumptuous raisin scones which were served with lashings of butter, clotted cream and strawberry preserve. Top of the shop were a delectable array of cakes and other sweet treats. These included a nutmeg egg custard tart, chocolate caramel cupcake, the zesty Blueberry & lemon cake, the rhubarb raspberry & white chocolate fool and a strawberry macaroon with white chocolate ganache which Lisa declared “absolutely divine.” All of this can be washed down with various different teas. We decided on the traditional English breakfast yet Earl Grey, Assam, Herbal et al are all of course available.
The service throughout was seamless and superfriendly with the staff happy to offer vegetarian and gluten free options to those who desire them. Afternoon tea at Lumley Castle is also available in a number of different permutations as guests can pair the standard offering with different accompanying drinks. Lisa -who has more than a penchant for fizz – went all-out for the champagne afternoon tea whilst Pimms and prosecco options are also available. New for 2017 is the “Hendrick’s Afternoon Tea”. Served in a mock Victorian teapot, out goes the Darjeeling and in goes a slug of Hendrick’s gin alongside a choice of Fevertree tonic. I thought this was an inspired idea and will definitely be earmarking an afternoon to sample it in the notso-distant future. Dining out at Lumley Castle really is a class act and this definitely extends to their polished afternoon tea offering. I’m so glad we finally got round to it.
For more information please visit www.lumleycastle.com
