Everyone knows I love Afternoon Tea and the Beatrix Potter inspired afternoon tea at the New Park Manor Hotel in the New Forest is definitely a treat, not just for grown ups but also for the kiddies too.

The hotel is set within the most stunning grounds and we arrived early so the children could have some fun in the outside play area while we sat and watched the deer grazing on the heathland nearby.

Although we could have dined on the terrace in the sunshine something told me it wouldn’t last long and so we chose to eat in the lounge instead. We were offered a variety of teas and coffee which then arrived promptly with our cutlery and napkins. When the adults tea stand arrived at the table I had to bat the kids away and tell them to just sit and wait patiently for theirs which luckily came shortly.

I won’t lie, I would have actually quite happily devoured the kids afternoon tea and I can confidently say that they loved every bite. They had little sandwiches, a hummus and crudities flowerpot, carrot and orange juice, scone with jam, Peter Rabbit gingerbread which came with a little piping bag for decorating, chocolate brownie with cute carrots on top, rhubarb and custard macaron and Jemima Puddle Ducks mini eggs in a miniature wheelbarrow.  Everything was beautifully served on a lovely wooden tray with fake grass.

Ours was a struggle to eat but boy did we give it a good try! My husband is not normally one for afternoon tea but said that this was by far his favourite with the delicious finger sandwiches and the individual lamb pie which I agree was exceptional. With the savoury bites now all gone it was time to slowly make our way through the fresh scones with jam and clotted cream (we only managed one each), Benjamin Bunny’s carrot cake with a mascarpone and orange frosting, Mr McGregor’s stolen vegetables with a dark chocolate mousse and chocolate crumb soil inside and Mrs Tiggywinkles rhubarb and custard crunch which was served in a little glass pot. By the time we finished we were good for a nap but the sun was now out again and the children couldn’t wait to get back out in the garden to play with the others who were dining and staying at the hotel.

If you are staying at the hotel then you’ll be familiar with The Den which is full of toys and activities for the children and the team were more than happy for our children to have a look around. Under normal circumstances the indoor room would have been utilised more but because of Covid-19 they had moved many of the toys and activities outdoors and the children enjoyed archery on the lawn and even had a go at mocktail making. I have made a note that my daughters one would be delightful with a good shot of vodka in haha.

We loved our afternoon at the New Park Manor Hotel and can’t recommend it enough. It is worth noting that the chef uses Beatrix Potter’s 168 year old gingerbread recipe for the bunny and they have kindly shared the recipe below for anyone who would like to make it at home.

The Beatrix Potter inspired Afternoon Tea runs up until the 20th of September 2020 and I have no doubt it will be a popular one so I’d definitely recommend booking in advance.  For more details, please visit the New Park Manor Hotel. 

Dorsetmums was invited to the New Park Manor Hotel for the purpose of a review however all words are my own.

The Green House Hotel has always had a very good reputation and I know their afternoon teas are legendary which is why this outstanding review won’t come as a surprise.

We visited on a very dreary wet day which was a shame because the garden looks beautiful but I wasn’t too disappointed with us dining in the Arbor restaurant which has a feature tree as a centrepiece.  Since we are still in pandemic times we had a temperature check on arrival and there was an appropriate one way system in place plus the tables were nicely spread out so no one was on top of each other.

Our waiter was very friendly and attentive and asked us if we would like a glass of English Oak Rose before or during our afternoon tea.  After a hectic morning we opted to have it asap and I’ve now made a note to look out for this delicious wine which is actually made on the English Oak Vineyard in Lytchett Matravers.

We didn’t have to wait long before our sandwiches and English Breakfast tea arrived.  We had a lovely choice of sandwiches with cheese and pickle, ham and mustard, tuna and cucumber and egg mago which were on a mix of fresh white and brown bread.

Then came the wow factor! Our afternoon tea was delivered on a stunning wooden stand with the scones, jam, lemon curd and clotted cream on the side.  Our waiter was very professional and explained that we had a potted crème brulee, millionaires cheesecake, lemon tart and that the one of the scones was plain and the other dark chocolate chip.

I have always had a sweet tooth and after we finished our sandwiches we started with our favourite treats and I was pleased that the portions weren’t tiny but equally not massive so that I could enjoy each one without having to be rolled out the door.  I started with the millionaires cheesecake which was divine with caramel so sweet and slightly salty, I've never tasted anything like it before before.  I’ve actually found myself thinking of that piece of cheesecake far too much since our visit and I’ve considered tracking the chef down and holding her to ransom for more!

The dark chocolate chip scone was lovely and I topped it with lemon curd and the plain scone was equally as light and fluffy and tasted delicious with lashings of strawberry jam and cream.  The crème brulee cup had a hard crispy sweet shell which cracked open to reveal the silkiest crème underneath.  Last was the lemon tart which was equally as pleasant as the rest and all washed down with several cups of refreshing tea.

I literally couldn’t fault one thing, our waiter checked back to ask if we were ok a few times and offered us more tea which we politely declined since the pot first given allowed for several cups.  When we finished I asked if everything was homemade and I was informed that they have 2 very talented pastry chefs who make a number of cakes and desserts daily and therefore each visit would probably see you try something new each time.

All diets can be catered for with 24 hours notice which includes dairy free, gluten free, vegan options and allergies.  During the pandemic they even offer a collection service for anyone who would like to have a party at home or a posh picnic on the beach or park nearby.

The Green House Hotel is a luxury boutique eco-hotel which is located on Grove Road just a few minutes from the beach.  The Arbor is a multiple award winning 2 rosette restaurant with the Head Chef Andy Hilton specialising in seasonal cooking using local, organic, Fairtrade produce from artisan suppliers.

Whether you book for lunch, dinner, afternoon tea or even hold a large celebration there (when things are back to normal) then I know you will receive a first class experience.

For more information or to book your table please visit The Green House Hotel.

Dorsetmums was invited to The Green House Hotel for the purpose of a review however all words are my own.