The best afternoon teas in Torquay
Contemporary afternoon tea
While classic afternoon teas are firm favourites (see below), afternoon teas can also be decidedly 21st century affairs. Lincombe Hall’s Sweet Tier is very on-trend. The Instagramable treats include exquisitely presented dark chocolate tartlets; hazelnut truffle; blackberry mousse; almond sable; crème brûlée macaron; caramel ganache and olive and poppy seed cake. One of the best afternoon teas in Torquay, and all for just £25.
Classic afternoon tea
For some though, you simply can’t beat a classic afternoon tea. But it has to be done right – the scones warm, freshly-baked and the perfect texture; tangy-sweet strawberry preserve and stand-your-spoon-up-in-it Devon clotted cream.
That’s what you get with Lincombe Hall’s Sweet Tier (£25), which includes both raisin and plain versions of our very own, perfectly-cooked scones.
The practice of taking afternoon teas was introduced by Anna, Duchess of Bedford, in around 1840, who found she got peckish between lunchtime and the then traditionally very later dinner. At Lincombe Hall we feel she’d approve of our classic in-between-meals meal, and that she’d agree they’re one of the best afternoon teas in Torquay.
Savoury afternoon tea
For some though, a sweet post-lunch, pre-dinner meal doesn’t appeal. So at Lincombe Hall we’re delighted to offer savoury version of the best afternoon tea in Torquay. A firm favourite among foodies, our Savoury Tier (£25) includes smoked salmon roulade; brioche; dill; caviar pork and black pudding sausage roll; and egg mayonnaise and honey glazed ham and mustard sandwiches. All presented to perfection and utterly delicious to eat.
A tipple & afternoon tea
And of course an afternoon tea doesn’t have to actually include tea. Whether you dislike the classic cuppa, fancy a coffee kick, or prefer the comfort of a hot chocolate, at Lincombe Hall we’ve got you covered with the full range of great hot drinks.
Or if you fancy something a little stronger, we can add a tipple to the best afternoon tea in Torquay. Go glamorous with Prosecco, suave with G&T, or warm up with a wee dram of whisky – ideal after a winter walk beside the Bay.
Spa & afternoon tea
For many an afternoon tea is all about indulgence. And the other things you do that day can really enhance the experience. At Lincombe Hall we’re proud to have a simply superb luxury spa—with treatments and facilities at the pinnacle of spa tech and knowledge.
Many of our spa days include one of our delightful afternoon teas, so you can make a day of it. Indulge and unwind, experience a wonderful massage or facial, then enjoy some of the best afternoon teas in Torquay.
Exploring & afternoon teas
You might like to explore a bit of Torbay in search of the best afternoon tea in Torquay. With more than 20 beaches and secluded coves, we have a wealth of places to discover, with plenty of tea stops along the way.
Babbacome Downs is a fine spot to take a coastal stroll and hop on a 1920s cliff railway to beautiful Oddicombe Beach. It’s also where you’ll find Angels, a sea-view cafe with a wide range of afternoon teas.
Or head inland to the charming Cockington Country Park and discover tranquil parkland and woods, a pretty village and a craft centre, studios, and historic Manor House, where you can take afternoon in the old library.
Cream first afternoon teas
Wherever you opt to have your Torquay cuppa and scones, there’s one crucial thing to remember: this is Devon, so the cream has to go on first. Whether you put cream or jam on the scones first is an issue that’s hotly debated between foodies in Devon and their more westerly neighbours, Cornwall.
The Cornish way is to put the jam on first, to protect the cream from the warm scone. As every Devonian knows though, the Cornish are just plain wrong - the cream is like butter after all, so it simply has to go first. Of course if you’re visiting and prefer to put the jam on first that’s absolutely fine - we can cope. You just might like to keep it a bit quiet in the tea room.
Mini breaks and holidays & afternoon tea
As you can see, there’s a wealth of ways to enjoy the best afternoon teas in Torquay. And a wealth of ways to work off the calories too - from cliff-path hikes, beach strolls and sea swimming, to sailing, kayaking, visiting historic sights and exploring excellent attractions. In fact there are so many superb things to do in Torquay that it makes sense to spend more than a day.
And the ideal place to take your afternoon tea-themed break is Lincombe Hall hotel. De-stress in our luxury spa with top facilities and tranquil treatments. Delight in our beautiful rooms and pretty grounds. Head out for a stroll beside the shore. Feast on the freshest seafood and best local produce in our acclaimed restaurant. And treat yourself to Torquay’s best afternoon teas.
Mother's Day Afternoon Tea at Lincombe Hall
Available for Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th March only, our Mother's Day Afternoon Tea has been specially designed by our in house pastry chef, Jordan. Experience the ultimate Afternoon Tea for your Mum and you with a glass of bubbly, scrumptious Afternoon Tea and a Temple Spa gift set for Mum (worth £21).
Delicious sweet, Devon and savoury tiers of pastries and sandwiches include:
* Smoked Salmon Roulade, Brioche, Dill & Caviar
* Lemon and Blueberry Tart, Torched Meringue
* Hazelnut Financier, Chocolate Cremeux
* Lincombe Scones, Rasberry and Rose & Plain, West Country Clotted Cream and Strawberry Reserve
