Afternoon Tea

Often, customers are unsure of what is included in an afternoon tea or will use the wrong name, as each one has a different meaning. We thought we would help to clear things up:

What is in a traditional afternoon tea?

Traditional afternoon tea consists of a selection of dainty finger sandwiches and is served alongside a scone or two with clotted cream and jam, plus a variety of cakes and sometimes sweet pastries. 

What is high tea?

It is believed high tea came from the fact that it was eaten at a table, usually by the upper classes, rather than comfortable chairs or sofas. These days, high tea is often a traditional afternoon tea served with prosecco or champagne, sometimes known as a sparkling afternoon tea. Also, it is more likely to be served with more savoury items such as mini pies, cheese and meats, or crackers. 

What is a cream tea?

The name originates from Devon and Cornwall, and the name has stuck. It is merely a scone or two served with a fresh pot of tea. All you need to decide is if you are going to put the jam or clotted cream on first? Those in Devon typically spread the clotted cream first followed by jam, the Cornish tradition is to spread jam first followed by the cream. 

Don't just take our word for it. Here's what some of our guests have said:

• I booked afternoon tea for my nan's birthday and my nan can be quite fussy. I spoke to the restaurant about food choices and they were very accommodating. My nan enjoyed her afternoon tea and ate quite a bit, which was great. The food tasted lovely and service was quick. I had also said about mobility issues and we had a table reserved for us that was close to the entrance. Would recommend Future Inns for a lovely treat. 
  Sonia on Dishcult
• Had an afternoon tea for 2! Beautiful presentation. Amazing value for money. Cannot fault! Definitely recommend and will be enjoying this again soon! 
  On ResDiary
• Best afternoon tea I have had and staff were great and very polite.
  On ResDiary
• We had the festive afternoon tea for a group of friends. The portions were generous and tasty, and nothing was too much trouble for the staff. At £12 per head we have already started recommending it to others. 
  Bernie on ResDiary
• This is the first time I’ve eaten in the Fishbone Restaurant, and it exceeded all of my expectations. I had booked afternoon tea for myself and 3 guests and was pleasantly surprised at the quality and value for money we received. The staff were very pleasant and attentive, taking care of our every need and the food was delicious and plentiful. I will definitely be recommending to others as well as returning myself. 
  Christine on Dishcult
• Really enjoyed our afternoon tea really good quality food. Looking forward to returning for a Sunday lunch and another afternoon tea in the very near future 
  Julie on ResDiary
• Cannot fault the afternoon tea we had. Food was excellent and plentiful. Service was excellent 
  Judi on Dishcult
• Enjoyed a very filling afternoon tea whilst catching up with a friend, which lasted over 3 hours! More than enough to eat so the staff kindly boxed up the leftover cakes to take home for my husband! We were offered tea or coffee (not always the case with afternoon teas) and our teapot was refreshed several times throughout the afternoon. All in all a lovely afternoon at a bargain price! 
  On ResDiary
• Thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon tea. Thought it was very generous and beautifully presented, compared to some we have experienced at other venues and for that reason will definitely be back and will definitely recommend you to family and friends 
  Sharon on Dishcult
• My wife and I wanted a well presented quality afternoon tea in comfortable surroundings without lots of noisy people. We were delighted to have found it at Fishbone Restaurant. The staff were smart and friendly, and the food was excellent. Highly recommended. 
  Terrance on Dishcult
• I would hugely recommend this to anyone. The afternoon tea was fabulous and the staff were amazing! Delicious and great value! 
  Sarah on Dishcult
• The table was prepared by a window as requested, well laid out with a white linen tablecloth and flowers. We were given a jug of iced water and the teapot was refilled during our stay. The sandwiches were fresh and varied, and we had our leftover cake bagged up to take home! The staff were friendly and asked several times if everything was ok and if we needed any more tea. I met up with a friend I hadn't seen for over a year, and we were allowed to sit and chat for as long as we liked. 
  Jacky on Dishcult
• Fantastic afternoon tea, absolutely brilliant service. Will definitely be back again. 
  Amy on Dishcult
• This was our 2nd visit in the last couple of months, both times we were a party of 4. The food was excellent as was the service. As I have dietary limitations I have found restaurants vary in the ability to adapt. Fishbone Restaurant provided all of us with excellent food which to be honest is not expected in a hotel. We will be back 
  Ann on Dishcult
• Excellent Afternoon Tea. The service and quality of the food was amazing. 
  On ResDiary
• Very attentive staff, friendly, polite and nothing was to much trouble. Had an afternoon tea and there was plenty of it ,came home with a doggie bag as there was so much. Really good value for money . Would definitely recommend and come back. Thanks 
  Sandie on ResDiary
• Had afternoon tea with 3 friends. Well worth the money. It was great food and I would go again. 
  Pamela on Dishcult
• This is the second time I've visited for afternoon tea. The food was lovely the staff were quick efficient and helpful. The options available like tea, prosecco or gin would suit anybody. All my friends really enjoyed themselves. One of my friends had to self isolate so couldn't make it but the restaurant boxed it up so we could deliver to her doorstep. Amazing thank you 
  Katie on ResDiary
• Had a really good experience, the afternoon tea was delicious and generous for the 5 of us. First time visiting the restaurant but would definitely use again. 
  Victoria on Dishcult
• Staff were lovely and kept our tea and coffee flowing. The afternoon tea was yummy. Thank you 
  Hayley on Dishcult
• Excellent value afternoon tea 
  Paul S on Dishcult
• Really enjoyed our afternoon tea. As much tea and coffee as we wanted. Doggy bag if required. Staff all very helpful 
  Lorraine on Dishcult

The open-plan restaurant is on the ground floor, so no ramps or alternative routes are needed. There is booth seating and tables where a chair can be easily removed for a wheelchair. Free parking and blue badge parking can be found directly in front of the restaurant. Admittedly, there is no accessible toilet in the restaurant; however, there is one in the conference corridor next to the other bathrooms. This is a short distance away. Be sure to check out our accessible guide to the hotel and restaurant.

Guests at Fishbone Restaurant get free parking. Please ensure you enter your car registration details on one of the consoles in the restaurant or reception when you arrive. This is to avoid being sent a parking penalty notice.

All menus and offers are subject to availability. Pre-booking is required with a minimum of 24 hours notice. A £5 per person deposit is required. If you book online, our restaurant team will contact you to arrange the payment. The booking will be cancelled if the customer is uncontactable. Children's afternoon tea is for under 12s, and under 2s are complimentary.

Bottomless prosecco for up to 2 hours from the time of table reservation. We reserve the right to refuse service to any guests who appear too drunk or abuse the system. One drink will be served at a time.

Unless otherwise stated, these offers excludes special event dates, including Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, and Easter Sunday. During December, it will be replaced by our festive afternoon tea menu. It is not available as room service. 

Gift vouchers are only valid until (and including) the expiry date displayed on the front of the voucher. Gift vouchers cannot be exchanged for cash, and change cannot be given. Gift vouchers should be treated like cash and are non-refundable, non-extendable and cannot be exchanged for an alternative or different experience. They cannot be replaced if lost, misplaced or stolen. Redemption is subject to availability and may not be possible on city event dates.