Traditional Afternoon Tea at Alexandra, Lyme Regis

"There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea."

Henry James

Could there be a more quintessentially English pastime than a traditional afternoon tea? Here in the stunning coastal town of Lyme Regis, Alexandra Hotel and Restaurant offers a classic culinary experience that will make your trip to the Jurassic Coast one to remember.

Whether enjoyed in our restaurant or outside on our beautifully cut lawns with breathtaking sea views, our delightful spread of home-cooked treats and hot beverages is the perfect way to spend an afternoon.

The origins of afternoon tea

While the history of tea drinking is deeply rooted in ancient China, the tradition of afternoon tea gained popularity in England in the 1660s, courtesy of King Charles II and his wife, Catherine de Braganza.

The idea of afternoon tea as a specific social occasion, however, emerged in the mid-19th century, thanks to Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford. In 1840, the Duchess found herself feeling hungry in the late afternoon, as dinner was served as late as 8:00 pm. To curb her appetite, she began requesting a tray of tea, bread, butter, and cake. Eventually, she started inviting friends to join her, making it a social gathering; with finger sandwiches, inspired by the Earl of Sandwich, becoming a popular staple of the event.

The tradition of afternoon tea quickly caught on, established as a fashionable social occasion among upper-class and society women by the 1880s. Typically served in the drawing room between 4:00 and 5:00 pm, these gatherings saw guests dressed in elegant long gowns, gloves, and hats. Over time, afternoon tea evolved into a cherished practice embraced across the world. 

An exquisite afternoon awaits at the Alexandra 

Fast forward to the present day, and the Alexandra proudly carries on this grand tradition—and we invite you to experience one of life’s simple pleasures here at the hotel. Served daily from 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm, our afternoon tea menu will keep you fully refreshed after a day of exploring in Lyme Regis.

Start your afternoon tea experience with a steaming pot of tea – choose from India or Ceylon tea for a classic touch or explore their selection of speciality teas, herbal infusions, and fruit blends for a unique twist. 

Freshly-baked scones and sandwiches

The star of the show, perhaps, is the freshly baked scones, a mainstay of any traditional cream tea. Served with generous dollops of Dorset clotted cream and strawberry jam. Whether it’s cream or jam first, our scones are sure to hit the spot.

Alongside, you'll be treated to an assortment of dainty finger sandwiches, handmade by our kitchen team. The delicate balance of flavours, combined with the relaxing atmosphere of your coastal surroundings will make it a dining experience to remember.

Afternoon Tea FAQs

How much is afternoon tea at the Alexandra? 

Our Dorset Cream Tea is £17.00 per person. The Alexandra Sparkling Tier Tea is £45.00 per person and includes a glass of award-winning Furleigh Estate sparkling wine.

Do I need to book afternoon tea in advance? 

We strongly recommend booking ahead, especially during the summer months, bank holidays, and weekends. This ensures we can prepare for any dietary requirements and secure your preferred seating.

What time is afternoon tea served? 

Daily from 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM. We recommend booking early to fully enjoy the experience.

Can you accommodate dietary requirements? 

Absolutely. Our chef is happy to prepare vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options with 24 hours' notice. Please inform us of any requirements when booking.

Is the Alexandra suitable for children? 

Children are very welcome at the Alexandra. We're a family-friendly hotel. High chairs are available upon request.

Is there parking available? 

Hotel guests enjoy complimentary parking. For afternoon tea visitors not staying overnight, we recommend the nearby Holmbush car park, just a short walk from the hotel.

Can I book afternoon tea as part of an overnight stay? 

Certainly! Many guests combine afternoon tea with an overnight stay in one of our beautifully appointed bedrooms. This makes for a thoroughly relaxing Jurassic Coast escape. Contact our reservations team to arrange a package.

Do you offer gift vouchers for afternoon tea? 

Yes, afternoon tea gift vouchers make wonderful presents for any occasion. Visit our gift vouchers page or contact reception.

What should I wear? 

We maintain a relaxed yet refined atmosphere. Smart casual attire is perfectly appropriate, many guests arrive in their coastal walking wear and feel quite at home.

Guest Reviews & Testimonials

“Fabulous boutique hotel, location, food and staff are all wonderful. We enjoyed afternoon tea with the most amazing view!” 

S. Willson

“Afternoon tea was very good and almost too much food. Everything was delicious and extra cream/ jam was available for the scones. Tea and coffee refilled when asked.”

P. Tomlinson

“Lovely place overlooking the sea the afternoon tea was beautiful.”

MA Talbott

Booking Your Afternoon Tea Experience

How to Book

We recommend booking in advance to secure your preferred date and time, particularly during peak season (Easter through September) and for weekend visits. To make a reservation, simply book online here, contact us or visit our reception in person. 

When booking, please let us know your preferred date and time, the number of guests in your party, any dietary requirements, and whether you're celebrating a special occasion.

Afternoon tea is served daily from 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM. We advise booking an early sitting to allow ample time to savour your experience.

Please note that whilst advance booking is recommended, it becomes essential during peak periods and weekends. 

We require 24 hours' notice to accommodate dietary requirements, and cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours before your reservation. 

Children are warmly welcomed and high chairs are available on request.

Time for tea

The Dorset Cream Tea provides a great opportunity to sample the hotel's signature treats alongside your choice of leaf tea or Fair-trade coffee.

For a celebration fit for royalty, why not try the Alexandra Sparkling Tier Tea, where you'll find an exquisite selection of finger sandwiches and homemade cakes, accompanied by a glass of the award-winning Furleigh Estate Classic Cuvee—a sparkling toast to a truly special occasion.

Afternoon tea experience at the Alexandra

So, whether you're a devoted tea connoisseur or simply looking to enjoy a relaxing afternoon taking in the coastal scenery, accompanied by some delicious homemade culinary delights, why not book an afternoon tea at the Alexandria. It’s the perfect way to treat yourself on a day in Lyme Regis.

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