The tucked away Surrey hotel hidden in quiet village serving gin afternoon tea

Afternoon Tea Week is fast approaching (August 17-13) offering those with a sweet tooth a plausible excuse to dig into endless cakes and pastries guilt-free. This summer Barnett Hill Hotel in Surrey launched a Silent Pool Gin afternoon tea, and it’s the perfect twist on the quintessentially British tradition.

Running from July 29 until September 30, members of the public (including non-hotel guests) can indulge in the unique experience atop a hill at the end of a winding tree-lined drive. Located in the peaceful village of Wonersh in the Surrey Hills, the four star hotel is situated just outside Guildford and is off the beaten track.

The hidden gem venue has a special Silent Pool Gin Garden set within its enchanting grounds of the magical Wendy House, where guests will enjoy a beautiful afternoon tea served with three gorgeous Silent Pool Gin drinks. In the event of bad weather, the tantalising spread is served in the decadent mansion house.

READ MORE: The amazing London afternoon tea with mini Big Ben, Black Cab and Underground cakes

Upon arrival guests are greeted with a friendly smile and a refreshing gin with kaffir lime and honey, before choosing what hot drink they would like. Whether it’s indoors or out, diners can soak up the celebratory atmosphere at their linen dressed table and relax with views of the stunning grounds.

Barnett Hill Hotel
Gins at Barnett Hill Hotel
(Image: Laura Nightingale)

Three different gins are served during the course of the experience as well as three tiers of sumptuous delights served on a sophisticated china stand. The bottom plate is loaded with four finger sandwiches each, all delicately cut without crusts.

The scrumptious fillings include a fruity coronation chicken, Silent pool gin and beetroot cured salmon which has a fantastic purple tinge to it, creamy egg mayonnaise, and of course a classic cucumber sarnie with cream cheese.

The middle tier boasts two plump homemade scones – one plain and one studded with juicy dried fruit. Warm and fluffy, they are served with not only with a pot of incredibly indulgent clotted cream and silky smooth strawberry preserve, but also with a rich and velvety lemon curd.

The second gin – also one of Silent Pool’s, in which the distillery is located only down the road in Albury – is distilled with a unique rose tea infusion to create a distinctive yet delicate rose flavour. Served with Fever-Tree Elderflower Tonic and garnished with a slice of pear, it cuts through the richness of the luxurious scones and clotted cream.

The top tier is a cake lovers dream and is jam-packed with dainty treats. The luscious delights include a yellow macaron, a strawberry and custard tart with the most delicate buttery pastries, a thick wedge of blueberry cheesecake and a lovely white chocolate éclair.

Priced at £50 per person, Barnet Hill Hotel’s fabulous Silent Pool Gin afternoon tea is a glorious treat and unlike any others you may have tried before.

Barnett Hill Hotel
Silent Pool Gin afternoon tea at Barnett Hill Hotel
(Image: Laura Nightingale)

Silent Pool Gin afternoon tea menu

Sandwiches

  • Coronation chicken, raisin, coriander and mango chutney
  • Silent pool gin and beetroot cured salmon, pink peppercorn, cream cheese and lemon balm
  • Free range egg mayonnaise, smoked paprika and cress
  • Cucumber and poppy seed cream cheese

Gin – Silent Pool kaffir lime expression bee’s knees

Scones

  • Plain and fruit scones
  • Clotted cream, strawberry preserve and lemon curd

Gin – Silent Pool rose expression gin and tonic

Sweets

  • Macaron
  • Strawberry and custard tart
  • Blueberry cheesecake with raspberry crisp
  • White chocolate eclair

Gin – Silent Pool chamomile spritz

afternoon tea
The exquisite pastries on the top tier of the delectable afternoon tea
(Image: Laura Nightingale)

How to book afternoon tea at Barnett Hill Hotel

  • Address: Blackheath Lane, Wonersh, Guildford, GU5 0RF.
  • Book: Visit http://alexanderhotels.co.uk/barnett-hill or call 01483 893361.
  • Price: £50 per person including three paired Silent Pool Gin cocktails
  • Dates: Silent Pool Afternoon Tea runs from July 29 until September 30, 2pm-4pm. Traditional afternoon tea runs throughout the year.

Surrey Live – Guildford