Woburn Abbey Orangery

If you are looking for elegance, The Bedford Room may not be the best choice for you. The atmosphere is somewhat dull and, to be honest, in need of a thorough cleaning. During my visit, I was seated near a window sill that was adorned with dusty and neglected ornaments. While I understand that spiders can quickly create webs during the summer, the lack of cleanliness in the room made me question what else may not have been properly maintained. Despite the subpar surroundings, I cannot fault the afternoon tea that I had pre-booked for my girlfriend's birthday. The sandwiches were generously filled, the scones were light and delicious, and there was a great selection of dairy-free cakes. The service was also commendable, and there was a wide variety of high-quality teas and beverages available. Overall, I would have liked to give a higher rating based on the tea itself, as it was delightful. However, the cleanliness of the environment was a major letdown and could easily be improved.

We were originally booked for afternoon tea but were pleasantly surprised by the luxurious experience we received, reminiscent of the Ritz hotel in London. The spread was exquisite, featuring an array of finger sandwiches including smoked salmon, egg, ham, and more. We enjoyed cheese scones, fruit scones, and plain scones served with clotted cream and raspberry jam, as well as shortbread and decadent cakes topped with cream and strawberries. The tea and coffee were plentiful, and they accommodated special diets and food allergies with ease. The chef, who had previously cooked for the Queen, prepared the delicious spread. Overall, the food was not only visually appealing but also delicious.

Had afternoon tea in the Bedford Room (Duchess Tea Rooms closed at this time of year. The room is lovely and bright with loads of natural light. The staff were very pleasant and the food tasty. We did have to ask for the tea pots to be replenished, this was not offered, but they were filled quickly for us. This is a good option for afternoon tea locally, especially as the price includes entry to the grounds and gardens.

The tea room is the ideal spot for enjoying afternoon tea following a leisurely stroll through the picturesque Woburn Gardens. The café has a great selection and the scones are delicious. I suggest sitting outside, where you can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere surrounded by a well-kept lawn and beautiful plants and trees. In the autumn, children enjoy collecting conkers, adding to the charm of the experience overall. Highly recommend it.

The tables set for afternoon tea looked lovely set with thick white tablecloths. The tables for lunch weren’t quite so nice. I found an empty but messy table and wiped it down myself with a paper napkin. The soup was nice, but the accompanying bread roll turned out to be sliced bread wrapped up in cling film. The tea room is convenient if you’re visiting Woburn, but you may be better bringing a picnic.