I’ve been going to afternoon tea in London a lot lately. But there are other places in Britain where tea is done well, too. It’s only fair to give them a chance, right? Last week I was invited to afternoon tea in Henley-on-Thames by the Hotel du Vin, and I accepted the opportunity to try afternoon tea in another part of England.

Afternoon Tea in Henley

Afternoon Tea in Henley

I met my press trip group at Paddington station and took the train to Henley. The hotel was a quick taxi ride from the town’s train station, and we arrived right at champagne o’clock.

Champagne at the Hotel du Vin, Henley, England

Champagne Tasting

We gathered on a comfy leather sofa in one of the reception rooms at the Hotel du Vin and each enjoyed a glass of their signature bubbly.

As we sipped, the sommelier told us about the origins of the grapes and guided us through a champagne tasting. There were lemon and lime on the nose, and hints of pear and green apple. Overall, it was easy to drink.

Afternoon Tea in Henley-on-Thames

After the drinks we moved into the restaurant for afternoon tea in Henley. Out marched the tiered trays of sandwiches, cakes, pastries, and scones.

They were followed by plates of banana bread and lemon cake, bowls of fresh fruit, and of course, pots of tea.

The spread was both well-presented and delicious, and the volume and variety were impressive. I ate until I reached food coma, and then I ate some more.

Orchids at the Hotel du Vin, Henley-on-Thames, England

Hotel Tour

After we had done our best to finish everything on the table at afternoon tea in Henley, we were given a tour of the hotel.

The building was originally a brewery, and many of the original furnishings were kept intact when it was converted. This was true of the reception desk, the pretty outdoor terrace, and the stained-glass windows.

Sofa at the Hotel du Vin, Henley, England

The suite we viewed was spread over two floors. I loved that the top floor had a bathtub in the living room, as well as one on the balcony.

The views over the rooftops and onto the river made it a perfect place to watch the annual Henley Royal Regatta in summer, too.

Room at the Hotel du Vin in Henley, England

Gin Tasting

Back in the dining room, we were treated to a gin tasting by Martin Miller’s Gin.

After being given a quick history of gin, which was invented in the Netherlands, we smelled samples of the ingredients used to flavor the spirit. From juniper to cucumber and cardamom, they were all there.

The gin itself was sweeter than most other kinds of gin, and had a nice natural flavor to it.

After tasting it neat, we sampled some gin & tonics, Westbourne Punches, martinis, brambles, aviations, and Detroits. We each got a chance to make a cocktail, too.

Hotel du Vin, Henley, England

Afternoon Tea in Henley: The Verdict

At the end of the afternoon, we took the train back to London. It was sad to leave after such a great experience.

But the gin reps had generously given us some samples for the road, and we sipped gin & tonics as we discussed how much we had enjoyed our afternoon tea in Henley-on-Thames.

It definitely rivaled the ones I’ve been to recently in London, and made me eager to go to tea in more places throughout England and the UK on my upcoming travels.

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6 Comments on Lady’s Afternoon Tea in Henley-on-Thames Guide

  1. I still remember when I used to live in England sipping on some English Tea and Scones, the perfect combination. We don’t get good scones here in Malaysia, the best is probably the ones we buy from Marks and Spencers.

    • Hi Thristhan – Thanks for stopping by. Next time you’re back in England you’ll have to stock up on some good scones!

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