Imagine a dining experience so eye-catching* (*I believe the modern term is ‘instagrammable’) that when the waitress brought it out to us, people from other tables whipped out their phones to take pictures… Welcome to Afternoon Tea at the White Horse Inn at Brancaster Staithe.
Quite unlike any I’ve experienced before, the White Horse take on this British tradition is influenced by it’s Norfolk location and infused with the general fabulous quality that the White Horse kitchen team seems to inject into everything they create.
The White Horse Afternoon Tea is impressively presented on a rustic stand of wood and slate. Through the shelves, we were treated to the expansive views across the salt marsh – hard to rival even on a dull day.
We enjoyed savoury delights such as cheese straws, sausage rolls and Norfolk smoked Dapple & Colman’s mustard scones (delicious!). Soft, filled bagels replaced the usual sandwiches, which was a really nice change.
Sweet treats included Apple & Calvados Cake, Chocolate Orange Gateaux (criminally rich), Chocolate macaroons and a Peanut Butter Cup Pot. Plus, of course, sultana fruit scones.
Tea and Coffee (north Norfolk’s Grey Seal) is bottomless and kept coming throughout.
Whiling away a good hour and a half eating, drinking and chatting by the sea, I can confirm that this is one Norfolk experience well worth seeking out. Such a lovely treat.
Just don’t have lunch beforehand (or if you do, keep it light) – volume is not something The White Horse have scrimped on and despite not even managing to finish everything that was brought out for us, I was still fit to burst!
Luckily, you’re in the right place for a post-Afternoon Tea stroll to walk some of it off.
The White Horse Afternoon Tea Menu is served everyday at 3.30pm (until approximately 5pm) and the exact menu changes seasonally. Booking is essential. You can also add Champagne for a truly indulgent occasion – perfect for a special celebration.
The White Horse.
Brancaster Staithe, Norfolk, PE31 8BY.
Tel: 01485 210262.