Davenports Tea Room awarded UK's Top Tea Place 2013

12th April 2013

An Alice in Wonderland themed tea room in Northwich, Cheshire, has been named as the best place in the UK to enjoy afternoon tea, after winning the prestigious Tea Guild's Top Tea Place Award 2013.

Davenports Tea Room was awarded this coveted honour in praise of its scones, made from a closely guarded 1930’s recipe, charming décor, extensive range of loose leaf tea and welcoming staff. Taking the theme of Alice in Wonderland as Lewis Carroll (pen name for Charles Lutwidge Dodgson) was born less than two miles away, Davenport's tea room is very much steeped in British traditions with lace table cloths and fine bone china, just some of Davenports ‘signature’ characteristics.

Now in its 28th year, The UK Tea Council’s Tea Guild Awards are considered the Oscars of the tea industry. To seek out the finest tea experience in the UK, a team of expert tea inspectors undertake clandestine afternoon tea assignations in tea rooms and hotels across Britain.

The judges - who all dine anonymously and pay like regular clientele - follow strict guidelines and criteria that cover every aspect of the afternoon tea experience.

The Tea Guild has also awarded 37 special Awards of Excellence to tea rooms across Britain in recognition of outstanding quality and consistently high standards in tea service.

Head of The Tea Guild Irene Gorman said: “Our members really trust and strive to win this award and once again the standard of entrants this year was incredibly high. The tradition of afternoon tea has never been stronger and Tea Guild members are busier than ever.

“Davenports Tea Room in Cheshire offers a truly special tea experience and this award is very well deserved. The attention to detail, quality of food, lovingly prepared by their team who seek to ensure, where possible, that all food is sourced locally, and whose excellent knowledge and service of teas served, is second to none. The very friendly welcome and relaxing and pleasant ambiance helps make afternoon tea a real pleasure. It is no wonder that families and groups of friends of all ages truly enjoy the tea experience.

“Afternoon tea is enjoying a well-deserved resurgence. It is an increasingly fashionable way to catch up with friends, take a break from shopping, or conduct a business meeting. Modern life can be hectic and demanding, taking afternoon tea is the perfect way to slow down and relax.”

Davenports Tea Room owner Belinda Davenport said: “We love catering for afternoon tea at Davenports and all the staff are passionate about making each guests’ visit special. It is fantastic to be honoured by The Tea Guild in recognition of our hard work and commitment to preserving the tradition of afternoon tea. Author Lewis Carroll was born less than two miles away, which accounts for the décor, favoured by the judges, and we celebrate annually with our Mad Hatter’s Tea Party.”

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The Tea Guild 2013 awards include:
The Goring Hotel - London’s Top Afternoon Tea, The Montagu Arms in Hampshire - Top City and Country Hotel Tea Award.

Top establishments from around the UK have also been judged to receive a coveted Tea Guild Award of Excellence. Please contact us for a full list of details of winners in your area.

Notes to editors:
The Tea Guild is part of The UK Tea Council Ltd which is a non-profit making, independent organisation dedicated to raising the profile of tea in the UK: www.tea.co.uk

For more information or to request images please contact:

Emma Sanderson on 020 7052 8853 / emma.sanderson@nexuspr.com
Nicky Smith on 020 7052 8850 / nicky.smith@nexuspr.com
Bonnie Williams on 07971 583 444