Afternoon Tea Week: Staffy’s Sweet Treat Stops – The Best Afternoon Teas in Staffordshire
Paws at the ready! Afternoon Tea Week has arrived (10th-16th August), and Staffy has been trying out some of the best afternoon tea experiences in Staffordshire & Stoke on Trent, sampling delicious treats, stunning settings and unforgettable tea-time indulgence.
With elegant waterside hotels and grand country estate restaurants to afternoon tea aboard a heritage steam railway, Staffordshire and Stoke-On-Trent are home to some of the finest afternoon tea experiences in the country.
Come and catch up with friends, celebrate a special occasion or simply treat yourself, these Staffordshire afternoon tea spots have all earned Staffy's seal of approval and are well worth a visit.
The Moat House, Acton Trussell 
Overlooking the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal, this beautiful manor house serves afternoon tea in its Orangery Restaurant, where freshly baked scones, delicate sandwiches and tempting sweet treats are accompanied by peaceful waterside views.
Staffy's verdict: Five-paw luxury! Between the delicious treats and tranquil canal-side setting, this charming spot deserves a top place on your Staffordshire tea trail.
The Granary Restaurant, Weston Park
Nestled within the spectacular Weston Park estate, The Granary Restaurant offers an afternoon tea experience surrounded by history, heritage and beautiful parkland. Many of the ingredients used are grown in Weston Park's own Walled Garden, bringing fresh, seasonal flavours to a delicious selection of finger sandwiches, warm scones and handcrafted patisserie. Afternoon tea is served Monday to Saturday, making it the perfect excuse to spend a day exploring one of Staffordshire's most stunning estates.
Tea, treats and a wander around the estate? Now that's a day out worth it according to Staffy!
The Tawny, Staffordshire Moorlands 
For those who like their afternoon tea with a touch of luxury, The Tawny offers an award-winning experience in the Staffordshire Moorlands. Served in The Plumicorn restaurant, guests can enjoy elegant finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones and handcrafted sweet and savoury delicacies paired with speciality teas and sweeping countryside views.
Fancy cakes, fancy views and a fancy excuse for a second scone? Paws-itively brilliant!
Churnet Valley Railway Cream Tea Experience, Staffordshire Moorlands 
Who says afternoon tea has to stay still?
Hop aboard the Churnet Valley Railway and enjoy a traditional Staffordshire Cream Tea while travelling through the spectacular Staffordshire Moorlands. Served in beautifully restored heritage dining carriages, the experience includes freshly baked scones, locally sourced jam and cream, cakes and unlimited tea or coffee while the countryside rolls past your window.
Afternoon tea and a steam train adventure? Staffy's tail is wagging for this one!
National Memorial Arboretum 
This year is particularly special at the Royal British Legion National Remembrance Gardens (RBL National Remembrance Garden) as it celebrates its 25th anniversary. To mark the occasion, visitors can enjoy a special anniversary-themed afternoon tea available in the Remembrance Centre Restaurant until 11 September. Featuring freshly prepared sandwiches, scones, homemade cakes and a bespoke anniversary loose-leaf tea blend, the menu takes inspiration from the Arboretum's landscape and stories, using locally sourced and seasonal ingredients.
Sweet treats, beautiful surroundings and plenty to discover along the way? Staffy thinks this one is well worth making time for.
Denstone Hall Farm Shop & Café 
Nestled in the beautiful village of Denstone, Denstone Hall Farm Shop & Café, winner of Visit Staffordshire's Tea Room & Coffee Shop of the Year, serves up a delicious afternoon tea bursting with freshly baked scones, tasty sandwiches and irresistible homemade bakes, all crafted using the finest local produce.
Staffy's verdict: There must be a little baking magic in the kitchen here. Every bite was a winner!
Italian Gardens Tea Room, Trentham Estate 
In the heart of Trentham Gardens, the Italian Gardens Tea Room provides a picturesque setting for afternoon tea, with delicious savoury bites, tea-time favourites and views across the gardens and lake.
A wander around The Staffy Trail followed by afternoon tea? Now that's a recipe for a tail-waggingly good day out.
Please note: admission to Trentham Gardens is required to access the tea room.
Hoar Cross Hall
Staffy believes some places deserve a round of a-paws, and Hoar Cross Hall is definitely one of them.
Set within the stunning surroundings of Hoar Cross Hall, this elegant experience combines seasonal finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones and exquisite pastries, all served in the beautiful Library. It's the perfect choice for those looking to add a touch of luxury to Afternoon Tea Week.
The Dog & Doublet Inn
The Dog & Doublet Inn stands out for its unique take on a much-loved tradition, offering guests the choice of a Classic Afternoon Tea or its popular Rustic Twist Afternoon Tea. Whether you prefer delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones and sweet treats, or a heartier selection with a rustic flair, there's something to suit every taste. Combined with the inn's picturesque canalside setting, warm hospitality and cosy atmosphere, it's an afternoon tea experience that feels both indulgent and memorable.
Staffy thinks this is tea-riffic!
Thyme Kitchen
Looking for something beyond the traditional afternoon tea? Thyme Kitchen puts a contemporary spin on the classic experience, pairing delicate sandwiches and freshly baked sweet treats with savoury favourites like smashed avocado toast topped with feta and chilli flakes. It's a creative take that's sure to impress food lovers.
Ready for Your Next Refreshment Stop?
Staffordshire and Stoke is full of delightful ways to celebrate Afternoon Tea Week and Staffy certainly hasn't finished exploring yet... and judging by the crumbs around his paws, he's having a very good time doing it.
If you're feeling inspired to plan your own tea-time treat, explore more fantastic afternoon tea experiences in Staffordshire and discover even more tempting places to eat across the region.
And if you're looking for ways to make the most of the summer holidays, why not combine a sweet treat with one of Staffy's favourite seasonal adventures? Take a look at Schools Out for Staffy for family-friendly attractions, events and great days out happening across Staffordshire this summer.
Which sweet treat stop will you be visiting first?
