Afternoon tea – one of the great quintessential activities of a British weekend. Originally started by the 7th Duchess of Bedford to keep her going between lunch and dinner, Afternoon tea is the ideal way to while away the afternoon with good friends, good conversation and good cake. Over the last year, I’ve become quite a fan.
However, it’s not always easy to find a vegetarian afternoon and almost impossible to find a good vegan option in the North West. So when I find out the Park Royal had started offering both vegan and vegetarian afternoon tea menus, I knew I’d want to check it out. Any excuse to go back to my home-tome of Warrington (or Wazza as I use to know it) is great too!
The Park Royal Hotel
The Park Royal is a 4-star Hotel nestled in the heart of the Cheshire Countryside. Part of the building was built in 1831 as a vicarage to the local church. If you are coming from Warrington you may hit a toll road than charges you a whopping 12p to get across (although if you smile nicely and say you don’t have change you can usually get through without paying!)
As well as a restaurant, the Park Royal offers Spa and leisure facilities making it an ideal mini break from the city.
Afternoon Tea at the Park Royal
Once we arrived we were shown to our table, where everything was waiting for us. We decided to go for both the vegan and vegetarian options to see how they differed – we were not disappointed!
The afternoon tea was served on an alluring stand with an assortment of finger sandwiches, fruit scones, pastries and teas – you can see the full menu further down the page.
On the sandwiches, the vegan options were far superior with the avocado and bean sprout on brown bread. They did not last long at all :-).
The scones were particularly tasty whether you went for the vegan (without clotted cream) or veggie option (with clotted cream). For what it’s worth we added the cream first before the jam.
If there is one part that could be improved it would have to be the inclusion of a full tea and coffee menu to go with the food. A selection of teas to choose from at the start would make it a much better experience.
Overall, we had a great time at the Park Royal and would recommend it to those that want a few more vegan options in the North West. Check it out!
If you are unable to find the menu online check out the full veggie and options below. I will update this if it changes.
Afternoon Tea Vegan Menu
Sandwiches
Avocado, Bean Sprout & Radish on Brown Bread
Tomato, Black Pepper and Onion on White Bread
Spiced Humous & Sweet Potato on Brown Bread
Scones
Vegan Fruit Scones served with a Red Berry Preserve
Cakes and Fancies
Fresh Fruit Skewer
Pistachio & Raspberry Meringue
Dark Chocolate & Strawberry Mousse
Pot of Tea or Coffee
Afternoon Tea Vegetarian Menu
Sandwiches
Egg Mayonnaise & Watercress
English Salted Cucumber with Apple Creme Fraiche
Cheese & Chutney Wrap
Scones
Warm, Plain, & Fruit Scones served with Cornish Clotted Cream & Red Berry Preserve
Cakes & Fancies
Mixed Macaroons
Chocolate Opera with a Brandy Snap Tuile
Lemon & Poppy Seed Cake with Lemon Curd Cream
Warm Madeleines with a Green Tea Syrup
Pot of Tea or Coffee
Both menus are priced at £19.95
Are you a fan of afternoon tea? Let me know in the comments below!
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