After the gardens – Afternoon tea!

For those of us who love to wander around gardens one of the most delightful ways of finishing off an afternoon’s visit is to take afternoon tea. This wonderful and once very popular British tradition has sadly diminished over the years and it was, therefore, with delight that I attended Linthwaite House Hotel’s Grand Afternoon Tea Launch.

Linthwaite is a member of Cumbria’s Slow Food Movement – to put it simply -  the dining experience will be a direct result of the passion and skills of the food lovers who work behind the scenes. It also means that the menu is sourced with fine local produce.

Within easy travelling distance of Linthwaite, gardeners can enjoy the delights of gardens at Holker Hall, Stagshaw Garden, Ambleside, Holehird Gardens near Troutbeck, Rydal Mount, Hutton in the Forest, Dalemain, Muncaster Castle, Levens and Sizegh. More than enough to make a visit to this part of Cumbria worthwhile, apart from the stunning scenery which can be seen from Linthwaite’s terrace.

Proprietor Mike Bevans, founded the Unstuffy Hotel Co. Ltd in 1990 when he purchased and refurbished the hotel. Linthwaite has earned a reputation for its stylish originality, spectacular scenery and the very best of British hospitality. Add to this a love and care of good food, locally sourced, and you have a very special combination.

Having toured Linthwaite’s own beautiful grounds with its 14 acres including  woodland, protected wildflower meadow and traditional English gardens, we were introduced to the delights of a traditional afternoon tea.

A decadent array of cakes and the finest Farrers of Kendal tea simply add the ultimate finishing touch to an afternoon’s garden gazing. Experience too the delight of Cartmel Valley smoked salmon or Richard Woodall’s ham sandwiches, scones made with organic flour from Little Salkeld Watermill - served with home-made Lyth Valley damson jam (to die for) -  and you will see what I mean.