Afternoon Tea at Hodson Bay Hotel: A Relaxed Lakeside Experience
Located on the serene shores of Lough Ree, Hodson Bay Hotel in Athlone offers a delightful Afternoon Tea experience that combines traditional charm with modern comfort. Whether you’re marking a special occasion or simply indulging in a leisurely afternoon, the hotel’s setting provides the perfect backdrop for relaxation and enjoyment.
Traditional Afternoon Tea
Priced at €29 per person, the Traditional Afternoon Tea at Hodson Bay Hotel presents a selection of finely cut finger sandwiches with classic fillings, freshly baked scones accompanied by clotted cream and preserves, and an assortment of sweet pastries and mini desserts crafted by the hotel’s in-house pastry team. Complementing the food is a wide choice of teas, ranging from traditional blends like Earl Grey and Irish Breakfast to more floral or herbal options, ensuring there’s something to suit all preferences.
Afternoon Tea with Bubbles
For those looking to add a touch of celebration to their afternoon, the hotel offers an option to include a glass of bubbly for an additional €8. This enhancement makes it an ideal choice for marking special occasions or simply indulging in a bit of luxury.
Children’s Afternoon Tea
Recognizing that Afternoon Tea isn’t just for adults, Hodson Bay Hotel offers a Children’s Afternoon Tea option. This includes child-friendly sandwiches, sweet treats, and a choice of hot chocolate with cream and marshmallows or a Sunrise Mocktail, ensuring younger guests feel equally pampered.
Setting and Atmosphere
Afternoon Tea is served in the hotel’s Lough Ree Bistro or a dedicated lounge area, depending on the time and group size. The calm and unhurried atmosphere, coupled with views of the lake and surrounding greenery, enhances the sense of escape, making this more than just a meal which is it’s an opportunity to pause and unwind.
Suitability and Group Bookings
Afternoon Tea at Hodson Bay Hotel is designed to be a versatile experience suitable for couples, friends catching up, and multi-generational family outings. The hotel welcomes group bookings, making it a popular choice for birthdays, anniversaries, and bridal or baby showers. With advance notice, dietary requirements can be catered for, including gluten-free, vegetarian, and other specific requests, ensuring that everyone in the group can enjoy the occasion.
Booking and Availability
Afternoon Tea is available daily, but advance booking is recommended to ensure availability, especially at weekends or during peak periods. The hotel occasionally runs seasonal Afternoon Tea themes, particularly around Christmas and key holidays, so guests are encouraged to check the latest offerings when reserving a table.
Why Choose Afternoon Tea at Hodson Bay Hotel
If you’re seeking a well-executed Afternoon Tea in the heart of Ireland, Hodson Bay Hotel delivers both quality and comfort. With its lakeside views, warm service, and attention to detail, it’s an experience that suits everything from casual get-togethers to milestone moments.
Reviews

Myself and my family had a great Afternoon Tea at the Hodson Bay Hotel today. There was plenty of delicious finger sandwiches, rolls, pastries etc, with tea and coffee.

The spa and afternoon tea was wonderful. So affordable and great value for money. The staff were so friendly and attentive and went above and beyond.

Our Kid's Afternoon Tea includes Hot Chocolate with Cream and Marshmallows or our Sunrise Mocktail along with lots of tasty child friendly treats.

Afternoon Tea at the Bay... Savour freshly baked scones, delicious finger cut sandwiches & sweet treats served with your choice of tea or coffee.

Afternoon tea is a casual meet up with a drop of sophistication and a sprinkle of cheeky conversation. There are delicate sandwiches and adorable bite-sized desserts.
The Merrion Hotel
Experience Afternoon Tea as an edible gallery at The Merrion Hotel, where pastries inspired by Irish masterpieces transform tea into a culinary and artistic journey. Served in the elegant Drawing Rooms, guests enjoy Irish smoked salmon on soda bread, buttermilk scones with clotted cream, and art-inspired pastries, such as the J.B. Yeats Raspberry Macaron and William Scott’s Chocolate & Hazelnut Tart.
A premium tea selection complements the experience, with the option to add Champagne. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available. Advance booking recommended for this unique Dublin tradition.
Bettys York
The Belmont Room at Bettys York offers a calm, art deco setting above the main café for a refined afternoon tea. Guests enjoy freshly made sandwiches, warm scones, and handcrafted patisserie, paired with a wide choice of teas or optional champagne. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available with advance notice. Afternoon tea is served Thursday to Sunday by booking only, priced at £39.95 per person. For reservations, call 0800 456 1919 or email heretohelp@bettys.co.uk.
The Dilly, London
Afternoon Tea at The Dilly, London is served daily from 12:30pm to 3:00pm and includes classic sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream and jam, and handcrafted pastries, all paired with a wide tea selection. A special children’s menu is also available, featuring fun treats and kid-friendly drinks. Located at 21 Piccadilly, it’s ideal for families, celebrations, or relaxed afternoons. Priced at £49 for adults and £39 for children
Lanes of London
Located near Marble Arch, Lanes of London offers a modern yet elegant Afternoon Tea experience with seasonal menus. Guests enjoy savoury bites, including smoked salmon with horseradish, alongside classic and fruit scones with clotted cream, lemon curd, and jam. Sweet treats feature chocolate tart with raspberry coulis and lemon & basil cheesecake.
A wide selection of loose-leaf teas is available, with the option to upgrade to Champagne Afternoon Tea. Vegetarian and vegan options can be requested. Served daily from 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm. Reservations recommended.
20. Stories
Enjoy a sophisticated Afternoon Tea at 20 Stories, Manchester’s sky-high dining spot with panoramic city views. Served Monday to Thursday, expect seasonal sandwiches, scones, and handcrafted desserts. Champagne upgrades and vegan options available. With sleek interiors and a rooftop terrace, it’s ideal for special occasions or indulgent escapes.
Sketch, London
Afternoon Tea at sketch London’s Gallery is a stylish affair, set in its iconic pink-hued dining room filled with contemporary art. The menu includes elegant finger sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream and jam, and imaginative pastries. A wide tea selection is offered, with options to add Champagne or an alcohol-free bubbly. A children’s version is also available. Served daily from late morning to late afternoon, it’s a creative and indulgent experience best booked in advance.
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