I’ve been to a lot of afternoon teas over the years, and there has become a trend for crazy themes, so it was refreshing to see that Hythe Imperial Hotel has opted for quaint and traditional, with finger sandwiches, scones and sweet treats.
Afternoon tea at the Hythe Imperial Hotel is located in an elegant salon with Victorian-styled mix-and-match coloured China, overlooking the garden. They also have cute sheds outside that would be perfect for a summer visit.
We visited on a Friday, and it was like we had a private room and server. The service was attentive, without being overpowering, while still ensuring that they replenished our teapots frequently. The hotel staff really made it a perfect location to catch up over cake, as we never once felt rushed or wanting on anything.
We opted for vegetarian sandwiches, which we booked in advance, and received egg, avocado, cucumber and cheese, which was a nice selection. Sometimes with the sandwiches, they are tiny and under-filled, these were both very filling and delicious – especially the egg mayonnaise.
Next up were the scones, we had both plain and fruit varieties served with clotted cream and strawberry jam. First up, they came warm, which means extra brownie points from me, plus they were a great size – so big in fact that we actually took two home with us as with the cakes on offer we just couldn’t manage them both.
While I enjoyed the sandwiches and scones, for me, the afternoon tea at the Hythe Imperial Hotel was all about the top layer of cakes, which were incredible. There was the classics, chocolate brownie and carrot cake, but also something a little different with the elegant mini chocolate French fancies, and my favourite, the clementine tart with raspberries.
To be honest, all the cakes were nice, and we didn’t leave any!!! They were the perfect size and addition to the rest of the afternoon tea.
Overall, the Hythe Imperial Hotel offers a great afternoon tea, not only for its location, I love the fact you can walk down the seafront afterwards, but also for its quality of cakes and price-point. A weekday afternoon tea only costs £19.95 per person, which is great value for what you get.
