A TEA room in Northwich, themed on Alice in Wonderland, has been named the best place in the UK to enjoy afternoon tea.
Davenport’s Tea Room won the Tea Guild’s Top Tea Place Award 2013 for its scones, made from a closely guarded 1930s recipe, charming décor, extensive range of loose leaf tea and welcoming staff.
Alice in Wonderland author Lewis Carroll (Charles Lutwidge Dodgson) was born less than two miles away and Davenport’s Tea Room is steeped in British traditions with lace table cloths and fine bone china.
Now in their 28th year, the UK Tea Council’s Tea Guild Awards are considered the Oscars of the tea industry. To seek out the finest tea experience in the UK, a team of expert inspectors undertake clandestine afternoon tea assignations in tea rooms and hotels across Britain.
The judges - who all dine anonymously and pay like regular clientele - follow strict guidelines and criteria that cover every aspect of the afternoon tea experience.
Head of the Tea Guild Irene Gorman said: “Davenport’s Tea Room in Cheshire offers a truly special tea experience and this award is very well deserved. The attention to detail, quality of food, lovingly prepared by their team who seek to ensure, where possible, that all food is sourced locally, and whose excellent knowledge and service of teas served, is second to none. The very friendly welcome and relaxing and pleasant ambiance helps make afternoon tea a real pleasure.”
Owner Belinda Davenport said: “We love catering for afternoon tea at Davenport’s and all the staff are passionate about making each guest’s visit special. It is fantastic to be honoured by The Tea Guild in recognition of our hard work and commitment to preserving the tradition of afternoon tea.”
