Celebrate Afternoon Tea Week at Bedford Lodge Hotel

This Afternoon Tea Week (11 -17th August), Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa invites guests to step into the elegant world of a beloved British tradition, one with meaningful ties to the hotel's own rich heritage. To mark the occasion, all guests booking Afternoon Tea at Squires Restaurant (from £33) or the indulgent Afternoon Tea Spa Day (from £80) during Afternoon Tea Week will receive a complimentary glass of Billecart-Salmon Champagne, adding an extra touch of sparkle to this quintessentially British experience.

Set in the heart of Newmarket, Suffolk, this award-winning hotel was once home to Anna Maria Russell, Duchess of Bedford, who famously helped popularise afternoon tea as a social custom in the 1840s. Her afternoon ritual of tea, sandwiches and cakes soon caught on across British high society, turning a personal pause into a cultural institution.

Afternoon Tea with Historic Charm

Today, Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa continues to honour that tradition with a luxurious Afternoon Tea experience served Wednesday to Sunday in the stylish Roxana Bar and the elegant Squires Restaurant. The menu features an assortment of finger sandwiches, including Suffolk ham with English mustard, coronation chicken on tarragon bread, and smoked salmon on whole wheat, alongside savoury treats like parmesan scones with truffle mascarpone and local Newmarket sage sausage rolls. No afternoon tea is complete without freshly baked scones with clotted cream, and a beautiful array of seasonally inspired patisserie, such as Yuzu Meringue Tart and Dark Chocolate Pistachio Pot.

Guests can enjoy the full Afternoon Tea for £33 or toast the occasion with a glass of Champagne for £46.50. Guests booking their experience during Afternoon Tea Week will receive a complimentary glass of Billecart-Salmon Champagne.

Spa Meets Tradition:

The Afternoon Tea Spa Day Those seeking deeper relaxation can book the Afternoon Tea Spa Day, which includes three hours' access to the award-winning Spa at Bedford Lodge Hotel, with its hydrotherapy pool, rooftop hot tub, sauna, and experiential showers, followed by Afternoon Tea served in the tranquil Spa Lounge or Spa Garden.

• £80 midweek | £90 weekend
• Includes spa access from 10am and full Afternoon Tea
• Guests booking their experience during Afternoon Tea Week will receive a complimentary glass of Billecart-Salmon Champagne.

A Legacy of Refinement

Originally an 18th-century hunting lodge for the sixth Duke of Bedford, Bedford Lodge Hotel has evolved into a four AA Red Star boutique retreat, surrounded by rose gardens and overlooking some of Newmarket's many famed training yards. Today, the hotel features 80 individually styled rooms, the 5-Bubble-Rated Spa, a health and fitness club, and the celebrated Squires Restaurant.

Noel Byrne, Chief Executive of Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa, says: "Afternoon Tea is woven into our hotel's story. It's a pleasure to continue the tradition with the elegance and attention to detail that guests expect from Bedford Lodge Hotel. Whether you're joining us in the restaurant or as part of a spa experience, it's the perfect way to celebrate this charming British ritual."

Afternoon Tea Details:
When: Wednesday – Sunday
Where: Squires Restaurant or Roxana Bar
Time: 2.30pm – 4.00pm
Price: From £33 per person | Champagne Afternoon Tea: £46.50
Booking: Essential – bedfordlodgehotel.co.uk

Spa Afternoon Tea Day
Spa access + Afternoon Tea
From £80 pp (Tues–Thurs), £90 pp (Fri–Sun)
Book at bedfordlodgehotelspa.co.uk