Review - Afternoon Tea Ox Pasture Hall Hotel, Yorkshire

You all know how I love an Afternoon Tea, and what better place to enjoy one than at a Country Hotel in Yorkshire. Last week during a short break to Yorkshire my sister and I were given the opportunity to indulge in Afternoon Tea at Ox Pasture Hall Hotel, Scarborough.

Table laid for Afternoon Tea at Ox Pasture Hall Hotel, Scarborough

We were seated in the Courtyard Restaurant for our Afternoon Tea as there was a function taking place in the lounge.  There was gentle classical playing in the background adding to a relaxing atmosphere. Having enjoyed many Afternoon Teas I can honestly say the right music really does make a difference. The table was laid ready for us including a vase of fresh flowers and 3 tier cake stand. It was not long before our tea arrived, served in a silver style teapot, along with another pot of hot water, the china was all matching as you would expect.

Finger sandwiches make for a perfect Afternoon Tea

Menu

***Finger SandwichesRoast Beef, Egg, Tuna***CakesFruit SconesPastry fruit tartGinger CakeShortbreadLemon cheesecakeSponge cakeServed with cream and a selection of jams

Afternoon Tea at Ox Pasture Hall Hotel, Yorkshire

We chose a Taylors Afternoon Tea decaffeinated to accompany our sandwiches and cake.  We also opted for plain sandwiches, strictly no smoked salmon for us, all served  as finger sandwiches with no crusts, all of which tasted lovely.

The scones were served still warm, a definite requirement for a good Afternoon Tea. I much prefer my scones crusty and bigger than a 50 pence piece, so was delighted to see these very homemade scones - just how I like them.   Before you say anything about the jam being an a jar, if it is good enough for Fortnum and Mason! 

Scones and Cream at Ox Pasture Hall Hotel

Afternoon Tea cakes at Ox Pasture Hall Hotel

The Shortbread tasted very short and buttery and complimented the cup of tea perfectly. I was pleased to see the tea served was Taylors of Harrogate, nice to see a Yorkshire hotel championing a fellow Yorkshire supplier, particularly when it is such a well respected brand in the UK.

There were particular things about the serving of the scones that showed it is the attention to detail, those little extras that make an afternoon tea special.  I loved how the chef served the whipped cream in a small espresso cup decorated with a strawberry, so much nicer than just in a small bowl. The butter served as flower shaped pats.

It would be nice to have a menu on the table accompanying the afternoon tea, or have the array of cakes explained. You can refer back to a menu as you are enjoying your Afternoon Tea, it is easy to forget when you are told what the cakes are.My highlights:-  

• Linen tablecloths and napkins
• Cream served in Espresso cup
• Flower butter pats
• Relaxed atmosphere
• Delightful cakes

Hollyhock in bloom

Even in November the courtyard garden looked tidy and ornate. It is not the easiest time of the year to make a garden look attractive, leaves endlessly falling to the ground, flowers coming to the end of their season. But my hat goes off to the gardener at Ox Pasture Hall it all looked very neat and tidy and there were even some flowers still out, Roses and Hollyhock. In the Summer Afternoon Tea is served on the terrace overlooking the garden, which must be delightful.

Welcoming Ox Pasture Hall Hotel, Yorkshire

Read my review of my stay at Ox Pasture Hall Hotel, Yorkshire.
Disclosure: I was offered 1 nights accommodation for 2, breakfast, afternoon tea and dinner for the purposes of reviewing my stay.  I was under no obligation to give a positive review, opinions expressed above are my honest opinion.