Afternoon tea week takes place from 9th – 15th August. It’s an event that celebrates the great British tradition of afternoon tea and coincidentally serves as the ideal time for businesses to reward employees for their hard work and boost their morale at a time when they may be feeling a little burnt out.
There’s a lot of benefits that come from celebrating events like this. From a brand-building perspective, celebrating afternoon tea week injects a little fun and creates an opportunity to highlight your culture, as it demonstrates that you are finding new and innovative ways to keep your employees engaged. Rewarding and recognising teams reinforces that your company is a great place to work, and treating your team to an afternoon tea is something all employees will cherish, and will no doubt reflect positively on your team culture and engagement.
It’s inspired us to gather some of our favourite afternoon tea experiences that we recommend HR leaders and team managers to gift to their collegues as a little thank you for all their hard work.
Cream Tea at Harrods
There’s no better place for your employees’ to celebrate afternoon tea week than Harrods. With over 150 years of service to its name, it’s all about tradition with a touch of luxury. Taking their seats in Harrods Terrace which is bathed in natural light, your employees will enjoy a pot of tea of their choice from a selection of over 14 Harrods fine teas alongside an assortment of scones, preserve and cream.
Champagne Afternoon Tea at the Luxury Cowley Manor, Cotswolds
Rewards like an afternoon tea encourage your workers to really take the time to switch off so they can return to work feeling refreshed. Located in the heart of the Cotswolds, Cowley Manor is the ideal place for them to unwind with over 55 acres of Grade II listed gardens. They’ll be served an exquisite selection of traditional sweet and savoury delights, alongside a glass of Champagne, artisanal teas and freshly ground coffee.
Japanese Inspired Afternoon Tea at Issho, Leeds
Why not use afternoon tea week as a time to inspire your employees to experience the charm of a traditional afternoon tea with a Japanese twist. The restaurant’s stunning décor, beautiful bar and cityscape views has made it one of Leeds’ hotspots. Issho’s afternoon tea boasts sweet and savoury delights alike with exquisite Japanese flavours, accompanied by both traditional Japanese and English teas.
Gin Afternoon Tea at Metrodeco Tea Salon, Brighton
Whether you want to send the team together for some bonding time or give it to your employees to spend quality time with their family, Brighton-based Metrodeco have earned rave reviews for their gin afternoon tea. It’s a nod to the bygone era by bringing back vintage kitsch to the present day with antique furniture and a 1930s soundtrack. Amazing sweet treats, patisserie and artisanal bakes are accompanied by an extensive tea menu. Only a short walk to the beach, it’s sure to provide your team with an unforgettable day out.
Afternoon Tea with Cocktails at the Iconic Lyaness Bar, Sea Containers London
Afternoon tea week is the prime time for your colleagues to treat themselves to an afternoon well spent at the award-winning Lyaness Bar, situated within Sea Containers London. Offering a playful yet comforting approach to the familiar afternoon tea, they’ll tuck into a selection of English teatime favourites with a bold Lyan twist. The fantastic food will be paired with three bespoke cocktails carefully created with a cook’s approach to maximise flavour.
Afternoon Tea at the Luxury 5* Lowry Hotel, Manchester
Give your people the chance to add a touch of luxury to their afternoon tea week celebrations by sending them to the 5* Lowry Hotel in Manchester. The hotel’s flagship River Restaurant’s take on Britain’s favourite dining tradition features an array of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and strawberry preserve, pastries and dainty fancies. Oh, and the stylish surroundings only add to its charm. Each moreish mouthful can be washed down with a tea and infusion from the extensive selection.
Flowering Jasmine Afternoon Tea at The Grove, Norfolk
Regarded as one of Norfolk’s best, your colleagues can mark the occasion with an afternoon tea with a difference at The Grove. Served in either the restaurant, lounge, conservatory or gardens, they’ll dine on an assortment of sweet and savoury treats including freshly baked scones and decadent brownies. The pièce de résistance is a light and fruity tea with a special jasmine pod, which unfurls in the tea glass to become a beautifully scented flower.