Overview

This enjoyable experience of an afternoon tea is something we all must do as often as possible, and so much better when you choose the right venue that adds to the delightful experience. Here at Studley Castle, you combine a truly lovely and beautiful castle experience, set in the attractive Warwickshire countryside close to Stratford apon Avon, and spoilt by the whole atmosphere they create by being looked after by people who care for you, ( and we recommend you all giving this a visit when you can ) You will enjoy your tea in the Old castle itself, usually served in “The Oak room “ Look at photos 1 to 4 ==================== Would you like to know a little of the history of AFTERNOON TEA ? ( Start by looking at photo 6 ) and read our etiquette notes to start your visit off well. The birthplace of afternoon is recognised as having been introduced at the five star Langham hotel, London, Europe,s first “Grand hotel” when it opened its doors on 10th June 1865, where they welcomed the Prince of Wales, and much of the High society of the Victorian era, when they took tea in the palm court. So how do we start our experience today. The first thing we need to do is select the tea that will be best. The leaves are generally made by using the young leaves of a camellia plant, more than likely it will be a variety of Camellia Sinensis, from east Asia. At first, in the 2nd century, the Chinese drank tea as a medicinal drink, produced in the Yunnan province of China. Tea became popular in the western world quite late, during the 16th century, then during the 17th century the plant was introduced at around 52 countries. In 1657 a tobacconist and coffee man, Thomas Garway, became the first person to sell tea in London. However, when King Charles 11 married a Portuguese Princess, Catherine of Braganza in 1662, then tea drinking became a habit in the Royal court, and soon became an all-purpose drink. Then sugar began to be taken with tea, and the British were now drinking sweet tea. Today, we have the choice, tea as it is, or sweetened with sugar or sweeteners. Photo 5. ============== Choosing our tea, this takes thought for the right tea for our forthcoming platter. At Studley castle, they are more limited, but they serve a very good and recommended tea their English Breakfast. For any Afternoon tea, this is still the main choice of many people, usually made from the Indian tea leaf of Assam, which makes a tasty dark tea, and this can be served with most foods, especially if of a lemon flavour, like a cake to follow. This tea is best taken without milk, as it has a slight sweet musky taste. Photo 6 ============= Hopefully, you have looked at our photo 6 and read our “Etiquette” notes, and arrived well dressed in your best casual clothing, it helps to do so as this will set the mood for this afternoon. Photo 7 ============ Your waitress will now bring your three layered silver platter, called a “Curate” and this always brightens up the experience, it is rare that you won’t find a smile on any face as you glance over what you are about to enjoy together. THE SANDWICH PLATTER Generally, and very rarely not, this is the bottom platter. Each hotel will present its own selection of fillings, always on freshly prepared brown or white finger crustless bread, and always a delightful starter. This course is often eaten too quickly, our eyes are already on the scones, but may we suggest you simple take your time by sipping you tea, or even taking a second cup before you reach out and enjoy your delightful sandwiches. While we sit and make the difficult choice of which sandwich to choose, we will quickly read the history of how our humble sandwich came about. The 4th Earl of sandwich is regarded as the man who invented the sandwich, but what was the beginning of this now worldwide snack. Sandwich is an actual Port on the east coast of England, just one of five ports that were grouped together to become known as “Cinque ports” we pronounce these as “Sink ports” The five ports being Sandwich, Romney, Dover, Hythe and Hastings, grouped together by Edward the confessor, to supply the court with ship and men, as recorded in the doomsday book. They then formed the first ever Navy. The ports were then given a Royal charter, which allowed them to be granted free from tolls and customs duty, the freedom to trade, and to be able to hold their own judicial courts. Between the 11th and 13th centuries, Sandwich became the most important and main port in England. However, because of silting that occurred on the river Stour, Sandwich is today actually 2 miles inland. Shall we now see how the sandwich came to be ? The Earl of Sandwich, John Montagu, was a terrible compulsive gambler, and on one occasion, in 1762; while playing cards and not wanting to leave the gambling table, he asked his servant to bring him a serving of roast beef placed between two slices of bread, which he could then eat with his hands, and the sandwich was created. Today, the sandwich is regarded as far more than a convenience food, carefully crafted to be thoroughly enjoyable. ========================================================================= Photos 8 and 9 ============= Here on our platter, the delightful cakes are presented on the second platter, but usually this would be the top platter, it may be a little inexperience of our young waitress, but you choose how you want to enjoy your afternoon tea, there’s no law on how you partake. THE SCONE PLATTER This is the time to finish off any of the sparkling wine you have left over, or order another glass of perhaps a dry to medium, as the dryness blends well with the fresh scone. (By the way, it is pronounced as “gone” as Scone” A Lady Grey tea has a light citrus and lavender flavour, and can be taken with or without milk. It is made with adding a tiny hint of Bergamot oil that enhances the scone (gone) to follow. Earl grey has a more robust taste, but still reacts well with a scone. But English breakfast remains the favourite with many. Place a little jam on your plate, then a small amount of cream on the plate as well. Break your scone with your hands (no need to cut the scone with a knife) and spread some jam on the scone ( this is the proper Cornish way of eating the scone ) its far easier and less messy than the Devonshire way, then apply a generous amount of cream on top. ======================================================================== Photos 10 and 11 THE CAKE PLATTER These are usually placed on the top tier of the Curate, and as the cakes are sweet and full of sugars, a tea is required to enhance these flavours. Depending on teas offered by Studley castle, which are limited I,m afraid, you may find a Lady Grey would fit the bill ( if they provide such) as it’s lavender hints adds that tone of cutting through the sweetness that’s ahead of you. English breakfast can have the same result, especially if the cakes have a lemon flavour to them The healthy Green teas have their uses here (look to see what Studley offer) all best without milk, such as Chamomine with its floral and apple like hints. Or a lavender tea, both these are caffeine free and a better tea to finish the day. ======================================================================== Photo 12 HISTORY OF THE AFTERNOON TEA. Anna Maria the seventh Duchess of Bedford, introduced the idea of afternoon tea in 1840. At this time, after breakfast had been taken and lunch served, it was a number of hours before dinner time, around 8.00pm, and the Duchess found that she became rather hungry before dinner, so she asked for a tray of tea, bread and butter, and a cake to be brought to her during the afternoon. She enjoyed this so much that she made it a regular treat, and even invited friends to join her in her room to enjoy this unusual snack. Sandwiches were by then a popular stable delight, and so during the late 1800’s the upper class ladies and society women, would wear long gowns, gloves and hats to take what was now known as afternoon tea, which typically would be served between 4.oo and 5.oo. By the late 1800’s tea had become more affordable, and middle class people also began to enjoy this experience of an afternoon tea, and it spread throughout Britain, and soon they even started to hold orchestral music events during the 1920’s, sometimes holding these in the gardens of the rich. ========================================================================= Photo 13 If the weather is suitable, (not today) you can enjoy your afternoon tea outside in one of the lovely areas dedicated for this. Photos 14 to 17 TO ENJOY A DAY OUT AT STUDLEY CASTLE, you may visit between 11.00am and 5.00 pm as a day visitor. you may pre book an afternoon tea with them at least 24 hours prior to your visit, and even if you are staying for a short break, you still need to pre book your afternoon tea beforehand. We were personally very disappointed with our afternoon tea. It seems that staff prepare the scones and cakes well in advance as a large batch, and by Monday, you seem to be offered the left overs, which were by now past their best, the joke in The Oak room by others was simply, don’t worry if you drop your scone ( gone) it would simply bounce right up again, and you could catch it. Tea here was unfortunately the worst afternoon tea we have experienced, but the standard at other Warner hotels is by far much, much better, as where all the other hotels we have partaken afternoon tea at. They were extremely busy over the weekend, so perhaps your experience will be much better. Mishaps will happen occasionally, but to assure you, this did not stop us having a great break here at Studley Castle, and we wholeheartedly recommend a break with Warner Leisure hotel here, and at any of their other hotels. ======================================================================== WE HAVE ALSO OFFERED REVIEWS OF WARNER HOTELS AT RUNNYMEDE on THAMES, Windsor, London. 5* AND HEYTHROP PARK, Cotswolds, 5*. both excellent visits. Do read these reviews on Euan’s guide. Forthcoming reviews will be for Warner Leisure hotels at BODELWYDDAN CASTLE (in September 25, North Wales and NIDD HALL (during November 25) Yorkshire Sadly, our most enjoyable 5* ONE NIGHT stay is at its end, we arrived Sunday morning at 11.00am, departing Monday by 5.00pm and enjoyed every minute of our stay, And it is only a short walk from reception desk, passing the old castle, across the hard core paths and along to the car park, before our journey home.

Transport & Parking

Easy enough to get here, not to far from the M5 / M42, and along fast roads. Parking is on hard compressed chippings, but no allocated disabled bays, just park as close as you can to the castle. It’s a bit of a push for your carer and wheelchair, so would be best to drive up to the castle entrance, drop you off, then the driver could go and park the car. We give just 3.5 stars as we found it difficult to push the chair along the paths to get to the castle, and would not fancy the push if cold and wet, but if your driver dropped your party off at the entrance, then it would be so much easier for you all. The driver may not agree when facing the weather, but your visit will make it all worth while.

Access

Ramps will take you up to the castle entrance, and reception desk is just inside, then it’s all nice and level through the whole complex, with lifts proved if staying on a break here. There are places for you to stop and rest as you explore the castle and its modern buildings housing rooms and entertainment areas. Outside also have seating areas for you to enjoy those warm sunny days.

Toilets

The accessible toilet is close enough to the bar and restaurants, along well kept wide passages, and large enough to take almost all wheelchairs and scooters, ( do enquire beforehand about large scooters ) It is well maintained, very clean, grab rails and pull cords provided, and wheelchairs can spin inside the room. Just about enough room for carer to give you minimum help.

Staff

Very helpful, willing to support and look after us both.

Photos