2014 North West Afternoon Tea of the Year sponsored by The Linen Group

PUBLISHED: 09:05 01 October 2014 | UPDATED: 10:30 30 October 2014

Ginger and Pickles, Nantwich; Holbeck Ghyll Country House Hotel, Windermere; Alderley Edge Hotel, Alderley Edge

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NW Afternoon Tea of the Year Alderley Edge Hotel Hotel: Claire Montgomery (left) with Ahmet Kurcer, Chris Holland and Jamie Thistleton and Award Sponsor, Leah Saleem from the Linen Group

Alderley Edge Hotel, Alderley Edge

Afternoon tea is a recent addition to the offering at the Alderley Edge, but the hotel got this quintessentially English ritual spot on from the outset. Set within the classic surroundings of the Alderley Restaurant, a collation of sweet and savoury treats is served on contemporary tiered stands with teas from the Alderley ‘Tea Alchemist’ and is available with champagne.

@AlderleyHotel

HIGHLY COMMENDED

Ginger and Pickles, Nantwich

Served in a cosy shop-cum-cafe and cookery school in the heart of the historic ‘capital’ of south Cheshire, afternoon tea here has been winning awards and plaudits since 2007. Fresh sandwiches and home made cakes and scones come on traditional three-tiered stands with one of best choices of loose leaf teas in the north poured into beautiful Burleigh china.

Holbeck Ghyll Country House Hotel, Windermere

Beatrix Potter is the epitome of Englishness and actress Renee Zellweger stayed here when she played the Lakeland writer in the film Miss Potter. Afternoon tea at Holbeck Ghyll involves beautiful crockery, Taylors of Harrogate teas and a splendid selection of finger sandwiches and dainty cakes.

@HolbeckGhyll

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