Afternoon Tea at Peak Edge

[PR invite] Luxury, boutique hotel, Peak Edge has recently started offering a sumptuous afternoon tea. Last Saturday I spent the most glorious afternoon in the company of a very good friend, sampling the delights . From the proper linen napkins, to the speciality loose leaf tea, to the incredible spread of dainty delights, this was an afternoon to savour in a truly gorgeous setting on the edge of the Peak District national park, but easily accessible from Chesterfield and Matlock.

I was warmly welcomed by Chloe, the Restaurant Manager and waited for my lovely friend who was running a little late, in the refined, country casual surroundings of the cosy bar areas of the Red Lion. The bar area is deceptively large but has been so cleverly designed, that you can always find the perfect spot. It’s also somewhere I have always felt very comfortable, even waiting alone. You can be dressed to the nines or rock up after a bracing country walk and the reception is the same – welcoming, attentive and relaxing.

Afternoon tea is served in the Garden Room restaurant of the Red Lion. Somehow this room manages to be both light and airy and gloriously cosy, with plenty of comfortable booth sitting. There are floor to ceiling windows looking out on to the surrounding countryside of the Peak District National Park.

We were presented with a tea menu, all of which I understand is sourced from the well-respected Chesterfield based, Northern Tea Merchants. There were a range of speciality, green and fruit teas (or you can choose coffee). There’s also the option to add a glass of fizz. Both of our teas (English breakfast for me, and gunpowder for my tea connoisseur friend) were loose leaf, and fresh hot water was brought without us asking.

Our eyes lit up like Christmas trees when a beautifully presented tea stand was placed before us. Freshly cut, dainty finger sandwiches were accompanied by a Walton Lodge sausage roll. I’m not normally too fussed by a sausage roll, but this one may have changed my mind! A very generous portion of well-seasoned sausage meat encased in light, flaky pastry. It was delicious!

For those not au fait with Walton Lodge, it is the farm belonging to the owner of Peak Edge. Located less than a mile away from the hotel, much of the produce comes from the estate.

Next up were freshly baked scones, probably my favourite part of an afternoon tea! There was a decent sized plain and fruit scone each, served with an incredibly generous portion of Derbyshire clotted cream and homemade plum jam (again, made from fruit from Walton Lodge orchards). The scones were delectably crumbly with a hint of vanilla.

Then followed an irresistible selection of cakes and patisserie. The rustic Walton Lodge honey cake was drenched in honey harvested from local bees. This was beautifully contrasted by a rich, dark chocolate delice, a cherry and vodka Bakewell sponge slice and a deliciously light, lemon and olive oil macaron.

We had a wonderful time. The food, tea and service were absolutely spot on. The ambiance is unrivalled – all the spoils of luxury without any hint of stuffiness. Gather your girlfriends, or invite your grandparents, this is not one to miss!

Go for:

Relaxed rural chic, a delectable afternoon tea in stunning surroundings.

Details:

Red Lion Restaurant at Peak Edge Hotel, Darley Road, Stone Edge, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S45 0LW

£30 per person. Afternoon tea is served Saturday afternoons only. Bookings required at least 48 hours in advance, with a £10 per person deposit required for all reservations. Book here.

Gluten free and vegetarian options available but must be booked in advance (add a note to your online booking).

Ample free parking in hotel car park.

Look out for a special festive version of afternoon tea served every Saturday in December.