Last weekend we did something that we never usually do on a grey day and headed to the Hotel Cromwell in Old Stevenage for Afternoon Tea. We were invited to try afternoon tea and since they offer a children’s selection we thought we would attempt a more sophisticated afternoon as a family.
The Hotel Cromwell is recently refurbished and inside the vibe was relaxed and welcoming. The hotel is easy to find, right on the High Street in Old Stevenage and there is a dedicated car park for visitors and guests, so we didn’t have any trouble finding a parking space.
The helpful and friendly staff took us straight to our table, which was surrounded by a cosy sofa. If you’re taking young children and need to be seated at a table with high chair then do make that clear when you are making a booking as there are a range of high and low tables, some with high back chairs, others with low sofas and some are more suitable for a group with young children than others.
We ordered English Breakfast Tea for the grown-ups and apple juice for the children. The scones are baked on arrival so there was a short wait before the afternoon tea arrived. Fortunately, we took our own sticker books and some crayons, so we could keep the children entertained at the table. Then the traditional afternoon tea arrived on a three-tiered cake stand and the children’s afternoon tea arrived on a two-tier slate cake stand.
Hotel Cromwell Stevenage Afternoon Tea In Hertfordshire
Our Traditional Afternoon Tea included a pot of tea and smoked salmon, ham and mustard, egg mayonnaise and cucumber finger sandwiches, plain and fruit scones with generous servings of jam and clotted cream, chocolate brownie triangle with raspberry cream, lemon meringue tart, mini victoria sponge and an apple parfait.
The children’s afternoon tea is fantastic value including cheese, ham and egg mayonnaise finger sandwiches, a plain scone with jam and clotted cream, chocolate brownie triangle with raspberry cream, lemon meringue tart and a mini victoria sponge. Obviously the children went straight for the cakes and scones and didn’t eat any of the sandwiches… but who could blame them!
The sandwiches were fresh with soft bread and delicious fillings. The scones were served straight from the oven, still warm, light and crumbly and the servings of jam and cream were generous.
Both boys were delighted to discover that there is such a thing as a ‘meal’ that consists of scones and lots of different cakes. I love the decadence of an afternoon tea, where the most difficult decision is which cake to eat next. When we’d finished we were all quite full.
The service was attentive and our waiter happily re-filled our pot when we ran out of tea.
The wood-panelled room was traditional with some modern touches and there was a welcome buzz of conversations. When we visited there was another table celebrating a 90th birthday, whilst another table was occupied by a group of ladies and then there was a couple enjoying their afternoon tea in a cosy corner. We didn’t feel uncomfortable having the children with us and the promise of cake meant they were really well behaved.
The hotel is right in the centre of Old Stevenage, so afterwards we had a walk along the High Street. We all agreed that the Hotel Cromwell Stevenage is a great choice for Afternoon Tea In Hertfordshire and we’ll definitely be back.
What You Need to Know
- Hotel Cromwell Stevenage is on High Street Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SGS1 3AZ
- Afternoon Tea is available every day 2pm-5.30pm. The Traditional Afternoon Tea is £14.95 per person, or you can add a glass of Prosecco for an additional £5. The children’s Afternoon Tea is £7.95 per child.
- Booking is strongly advised as afternoon teas are freshly prepared in the hotel’s kitchen and it can get very busy, especially at weekends.
Disclosure: We were invited to the Hotel Cromwell for afternoon tea so that I could review the experience. All the words, photographs and honest opinions are my own.
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