A Garden Retreat Treat: Afternoon Tea at Ruxley Manor
Treat yourself to a refined yet relaxed Afternoon Tea experience at Ruxley Manor’s Mulberry Tree Café, nestled among the lush greenery of the garden centre. This charming spot is perfect for springtime visits and summer days alike, offering cosy indoor pods and al fresco seating.
Seasonal Delights in Every Season
Spring (March–July)
Experience the fresh spring-themed menu served in outdoor pods, featuring treats such as lemon drizzle cake, seasonal scones, and delicate patisserie to enhance the cheerful spring ambience.
Summer (July–November)
The summer menu brings bright flavours with berry tarts, zingy lime macarons, and minty savouries which is an ideal match for warm afternoons .
Autumn & Winter
Autumn and winter pods offer a cosy retreat amid cooled air and festive décor. The menu continues with comfort items like hearty scones, rich brownies, and warming drinks in pods kept snug with heaters.
What’s Included & Pricing
Adult Afternoon Tea – £29.99 per person
Includes:
Savoury finger sandwiches: egg mayo, prawn cocktail
Warm Rodda’s Cornish clotted-cream scone: sultana, cherry, or plain
Selection of sweet bites: mini carrot cake, chocolate brownie, cinnamon doughnut
A hot drink of your choice
Child Afternoon Tea – £16.99 per child
Designed for younger appetites, this includes a simplified selection of sandwiches, scone with cream and jam, sweet treats, and a hot chocolate or soft drink.
Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or allergy-friendly options are available on request, just mention your preferences when booking.
Seasonal menus are refreshed four times a year to capture the essence of each period, guests enjoy themed flavours and décor whether visiting in spring, summer, autumn, or winter.
Exclusive Pod Dining Experience
Your booking includes exclusive use of one pod for 90 minutes, with table service, background music, and climate control (heating or cooling) depending on the season. Pods seat up to six guests, making them perfect for intimate gatherings.
Who Will Love It
This experience suits:
Families, with dedicated child tea and easy parking
Friends and couples, enjoying a relaxed yet elevated tea
Solo visitors, seeking a calm afternoon in a green setting
Diet-aware guests, as vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available upon request
Garden birth‑days and events, offering a seasonal backdrop and pod privacy
The flexible atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor options ensures comfort regardless of weather.
Booking & Practical Details
Availability: Daily throughout spring, summer, autumn, and winter; book early as same-day bookings are not accepted
Pod use: Each pod must meet a £45 minimum spend
Extras: Prosecco, wine, Champagne, and cocktails can be ordered via QR code inside the pod
Accessibility: Pod openings fit wheelchairs; please request ramp access if needed
Why It’s Worth It
Ever‑green appeal, with menus and décor rotating seasonally
Exclusive, snug dining inside a private pod or under the open sky
Great value, with generous portions and unlimited drinks
No prep or cleanup, just show up and savour the experience
Ruxley Manor delivers a cheerful, flexible Afternoon Tea suited to every season all in the heart of a garden centre. Whether savouring a spring blossom-themed treat, basking in summer sunshine, warming up in autumn, or relaxing in a cozy winter pod, each visit promises comfort, taste, and a little indulgence.
Reviews

We loved our afternoon tea in a private pod—thoughtful setup, great food, and excellent staff service.

Individual plates with sandwiches, scones, cakes, soup and jellies—everything was delicious, with endless tea and fantastic service.

Fantastic festive food and unlimited tea—our table was beautifully set, and the children were delighted.

Party-size portions for kids, but overall disappointed—too many sweet treats and not worth the high price.

Service great post-Covid, though limited food and long queues made the visit uncomfortable.
Cranachan Café
For a Scottish-inspired Afternoon Tea in Glasgow, Cranachan Café offers a warm and welcoming experience in Princes Square. Guests enjoy mini oatcakes with Scottish cheddar, haggis sausage rolls, and smoked salmon on homemade bread, alongside buttermilk scones with clotted cream and raspberry jam.
Sweet treats include Cranachan cheesecake, Dundee cake, and millionaire’s shortbread, paired with Scottish teas or a dram of whisky. A relaxed, home-style alternative to luxury tea, perfect for locals and visitors alike. Advance booking recommended.
Panoramic 34
Enjoy luxury Afternoon Tea 300 feet above Liverpool at Panoramic 34. With floor-to-ceiling views, savour elegant sandwiches, warm scones, and artisan desserts. Choose from fine teas, or upgrade with Champagne or cocktails. Ideal for special occasions in a refined setting. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available. Booking essential due to high demand and limited seating.
Rails Restaurant
Located in King’s Cross, Rails Restaurant offers a modern take on afternoon tea, blending British tradition with French patisserie. Guests enjoy savoury delights such as truffle egg mayonnaise on brioche and Comté cheese croissants, followed by warm scones with clotted cream and French-inspired pastries, including raspberry & rose macarons and dark chocolate ganache cake.
A curated tea selection complements the experience, with Champagne and cocktail upgrades available. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free menus ensure an inclusive stylish and contemporary afternoon tea.
James Martin Manchester
Indulge in a refined Afternoon Tea at James Martin Manchester, set within the stylish Manchester235 Casino. Enjoy artisan sandwiches, scones, and patisserie-style desserts with Champagne or cocktail upgrades available. Perfect for special occasions in a chef-led, elegant setting. Vegetarian and gluten-free options offered. Adults only due to venue policy.
The Waldorf Hilton
The Waldorf Hilton’s Afternoon Tea, served in the elegant Homage Restaurant, offers a whimsical "Beauty and the Beast"-inspired menu featuring creative savouries, themed patisserie, and freshly baked scones. Plant-based and gluten-free options are available, along with a dedicated children's menu. Harp music and refined surroundings make it ideal for special occasions or a relaxing treat. Served daily from early afternoon. From £59 per person.
Ladurée Japan
Ladurée Japan offers a refined Afternoon Tea featuring signature French pastries, seasonal Japanese influences, and iconic macarons. Served in elegant salons from Ginza to Shinjuku, the menu includes savouries like foie gras brioche, sweets such as Ispahan and Plaisir Sucré, and over ten premium tea blends. Special themes like Hello Kitty Afternoon Tea add a playful touch. Ideal for relaxed indulgence or special occasions, Afternoon Tea is served from 2pm. Reservations are recommended.
You can also follow us on Pinterest for more afternoon tea inspiration
Disclaimer : We often review or link to products & services from Amazon or other affiliate partners. If you click on one of our product links and make a purchase, we may earn a small commision.