Lovely Idea for a Sunday Afternoon in London
I was chatting with a fabulous wedding gown designer yesterday and closed out our email convo with my good wishes for her lovely weekend. She replied with her Sunday plans, which I think are marvelous – so check this out. How many flavours of awesome could this possibly be?
Afternoon Tea at Cliveden House (with old friends)
Just driving up to the entrance makes you want to pull on your gloves, recheck your hat, and rustle up to the door in your most lovely frock, doesn’t it? Is there a better place to meet for a relaxing afternoon of catching up and perhaps a bit of naughty chat about the rest of the world? You know who I’m talking about – the “commoners” outside this enchanted place (you’ll say with a touch of faux-sadness). Tsk, tsk!
Just outside of London, on the serene River Thames, Cliveden is now a luxury hotel – but once it belonged to the Astors, a lovely home with magical grounds and gardens that are now part of the National Trust.
You are encouraged to enjoy the magnificent beauty of the gardens, then glide into the home for a luxurious tea service, quietly and efficiently served by an attentive but discreet staff. How special do you feel?
In their own words: In March 2009 Cliveden was awarded The Tea Guild award of excellence for the second consecutive year. The award is in recognition of Cliveden’s commitment in achieving the very highest standards in the service of tea and complimentary foods.
Our fine three tiered selection includes a variety of finger sandwiches, warm scones with home-made jams and clotted cream, a selection of miniature cakes, pastries and delicacies and even our renowned Cliveden fruit cake. There is also a wide selection of teas, including our very own Cliveden blend, or for true decadence, why not enjoy a glass of our house champagne?
The house champagne totally did me in – I’m SO there!
Read more about Cliveden House here – and check out their reviews on Trip Advisor here. Who knows? If you are in the area, it should make for a lovely stay.
(Hmm…they do weddings, too! More on that later – my “Jentuitions” tell me this is THE place for a totally elegant wedding venue!)
And while you’re waiting on that – why not take a vicarious tour of Cliveden House via YouTube?
Footnote: I did not get paid to write this. I have not been to Cliveden personally. My curiosity got the best of me when it was mentioned. However, if they’d like to invite me for a personal tour – who could resist? 
