The Queen's Platinum Jubilee is just a week away now, and that might inspire some to go out and enjoy an afternoon tea to celebrate the occasion.
It may be good to be prepared in case many people all try to book at once.
Here’s a roundup of some of the best places to get an afternoon tea in Colchester, according to Tripadvisor reviews.
All venues listed here have at least a 4-star rating on Tripadvisor.
Best places for afternoon tea in Colchester
Tea at The George
Where: 116 High Street Next To The George Hotel, Colchester, CO1 1TD
TripAdvisor rating: 4.5/5
A tea room with a unique design is up first with Tea at The George, which it says is "inspired by Victorian elegance" on its website.
It is decorated with panelling, mirrors, cherry blossom, and lavish flowers.
Out of its 67 reviews, 54 have been rated as 'Excellent' on its TripAdvisor page.
One reviewer wrote: "When the tea came it looked fabulous and tasted wonderful. The sandwiches were fresh and the scones were nice and warm. The service was polite and efficient, nothing seemed to be too much trouble."
Tymperleys
Where: Trinity Street, Colchester, CO1 1JN
TripAdvisor rating: 4/5
Next up is Tymperleys on Trinity Street, which is a great option for lunch as well as afternoon tea.
Out of its 297 reviews, 150 have been rated as 'Excellent' on its TripAdvisor page.
One reviewer wrote: "I had the best gluten free afternoon tea here. Lovely service, lovely food, great surroundings. Fantastic building with a lovely garden area too. Not very many places can achieve good food with the restriction of gluten free, but they nailed it."
Small Talk Tearooms
Where: 27 Eld Lane, Colchester, CO1 1LS
TripAdvisor rating: 4.5/5
The Small Talk Tearooms in Eld Lane have picked up an impressive reputation, with one reviewer describing its as a "real find" for its afternoon tea.
Out if its 151 reviews, 98 have been rated as 'Excellent' on its TripAdvisor page.
One reviewer wrote: "Popped in here for afternoon tea for two and it certainly doesn't dissapoint. from the perfectly filled sandwiches to the deliciously moist cakes .the tea on offer was more than generous and we had to ask for a container to take home with us.absolutely perfect and highly recommended can't wait to go back."
Cafe 21
Where: 21 Trinity Street, Colchester, CO1 1JN
TripAdvisor rating: 4.5/5
Another Trinity Street option is to be found here with Cafe 21, which has drawn praise for its lunches as well as its cream teas.
Out of its 227 reviews, 143 have been rated as 'Excellent' on its TripAdvisor page.
One reviewer wrote: "Myself and friends have been meeting up here for several years now, wether it’s brunch, lunch or afternoon tea. Staff are friendly and courteous, food choice excellent and mostly cooked fresh in the kitchen."
Perrywood Tiptree Coffee Shop & Restaurant
Where: Perrywood Kelvedon Road, Inworth, Colchester CO5 9SX
TripAdvisor rating: 4.5/5
The final option on this list is the Perrywood Tiptree Coffee Shop & Restaurant, which is another place that has come with commendation for both its afternoon teas and hot food.
Out of its 446 reviews, 247 have been rated as 'Excellent' on its TripAdvisor page.
One reviewer wrote: "The afternoon tea was one of the best we've had, unfortunately we couldn't finish it all, but had the option to have a box to take it home with us, a very enjoyable afternoon".
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