Which of these 12 afternoon tea treats is the best in Mid Cheshire?

How do you eat yours?

Salmon and cucumber sandwiches with the crusts cut off or coronation chicken on sweet brioche?

Miniature chocolate eclairs and chewy macaroons or carrot cake with cream cheese frosting and light Victoria sponge cake?

When it comes to afternoon tea there’s so much choice.

Restaurants, coffee shops and garden centres have all got their own take on the British classic and as part of National Afternoon Tea week, which runs this week from Monday, August 12 until Sunday, August 18, we wanted to know which venue serves the best in Mid Cheshire.

In our Best of 2024 campaign, we’ve given out 16 awards so far in Mid Cheshire for hair, nails and beauty as well as tattoos and independent shops and businesses and many more.

Next up we wanted to find Mid Cheshire’s tastiest afternoon tea treats.

After reading all your nominations, we’ve shortlisted the top 12, who will battle it out to be named Best for Afternoon Tea 2024.

Now we need your help to choose an overall winner from our shortlist.

Don’t forget to pick up a copy of this week’s Northwich and Winsford Guardian and Knutsford Guardian as the coupons inside count for five votes!

There are three ways to vote:

1. Search for the Best for Afternoon Tea post on our Northwich and Winsford Guardian or Knutsford Guardian Facebook or X (Twitter) pages and comment under the post with the name of your winner = 1 vote

2. Name your favourite in the comments section on this article via our website = 2 votes

3. Purchase a copy of this week’s Northwich and Winsford Guardian or Knutsford Guardian (August 15 edition) and fill in the entry form = 5 votes

(*NB For newspaper entries, email a screenshot of the completed entry form to heidi.summerfield@newsuqest.co.uk - please note that only original copies will be accepted. More than one entry can be submitted per person but you will be asked to provide your own unique reference code for each entry to avoid duplication eg if your name is Smith you may wish to write Smith123 or HS21! as your code. You will need to provide a different code for each different entry submitted. For full terms and conditions go to newsquest.co.uk/terms-conditions).

Voting officially opens today, Thursday, and closes at midnight on Sunday, August 18.

We will be announcing the winner next week.

Keep an eye out for our next Best of 2024 appeal on our social media pages on Friday.

OUR 12 BEST AFTERNOON TEA SHORTLIST: 

The Cosy Tea Room

The Cosy Tearoom, Delamere Street, Winsford

One nomination said: “The food and presentation is second to none and I would highly recommend it.

“I have been there for Mother’s Day, birthday treats and will be going to a baby shower there in a couple of weeks – I can’t wait.

“It’s the perfect place for so many celebrations.”

For more details go to facebook.com/TheCosyTeaRoomWinsford

Goostrey Home and Leisure

Goostrey Home and Leisure, Goostrey Lane, Holmes Chapel

One review on their Facebook page said: “My mum and I had the Mother’s day afternoon tea and it didn’t fail to impress.

“There was a vast selection of sandwiches, homemade sausage rolls and delicious sweets.

“I will be recommending it to all my friends.”

For more details go to facebook.com/goostreyhl

Poppy Rose Vintage Tearoom

Poppy Rose Vintage TeaRoom, Witton Street, Northwich

There were dozens of nominations for this popular place in Northwich.

One nomination said: “Excellent and very tasty – a beautiful little tearoom!”

Another said: “Such a friendly place – I’m not surprised it’s a favourite!”

For more details go to facebook.com/poppyrosetearoom

The Tea Room

The Tea Room, King Street, Knutsford

One review on their Facebook page said: “We had a beautiful afternoon tea here which was a large selection of homemade sandwiches and cake with scones.

“The staff were amazing and welcoming, especially with a picky vegetarian, and the menu for dogs is fab.

“We would definitely visit again!”

For more details go to facebook.com/knutsfordtearoom

The Mere Golf Resort & Spa

The Mere Golf Resort and Spa, Knutsford

Afternoon tea at the hotel is served in Browns Restaurant with fresh finger sandwiches, fluffy scones with clotted cream and strawberry preserve and an assortment of cakes and pastries. 

You can add a little sparkle to your afternoon and enjoy a glass of champagne or prosecco and there are vegetarian and vegan options available for the afternoon tea.

One recent visitor said it’s “simply amazing”.

For more details go to facebook.com/TheMereResort

The George & Dragon Holmes Chapel

The George & Dragon Holmes Chapel

Afternoon tea treats are a new addition to the menu at The George & Dragon but they’re proving popular with customers.

They’re available Monday to Saturday between 12 noon and 5pm and you can add a glass of prosecco to make it sparkling.

For more details go to facebook.com/GDHolmesChapel

The Lounge and Kitchen Oakmere

The Lounge and Kitchen, Oakmere

The afternoon tea is prepared fresh to order and features all the popular savoury and sweet offerings.

The gooey macarons are delicious!

For more details go to facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077694139925

Latte' Da Tarporley

Latte’ Da Tarporley, High Street, Tarporley

Dainty sandwiches are on offer, served on a traditional afternoon tea stand with a salad garnish, Kettle chips and coleslaw.

And for sweet treats, there a selection including scones with Cornish clotted cream and preserves.

One customer said: “Great value for money with lots of delicious food and plenty of choice.”

For more details go to facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063638017055

Tarporley Garden Centre

Tarporley Garden Centre, Tarporley

Currently on offer at two for £20, this afternoon tea is not to be missed.

It’s served with tea or coffee and filled with sandwiches, cakes and savoury treats.

For more details go to facebook.com/tarporleygardencentre

Vinnie's

Vinnie’s, Market Street, Northwich 

This Market Street café offers “amazing afternoon teas” which are filling and a real hit with hungry customers.

Each day, the café's sandwiches and cakes on the afternoon tea menu are made fresh for customers to enjoy.

For more details go to facebook.com/vinniesnorthwich

Gardener's Cottage Tatton Park

Gardener’ Cottage, Tatton Park

The Gardener’s Cottage is nestled between the historic Walled Kitchen Gardens and the Stableyard at Tatton Park.

Their afternoon teas are from a fresh menu using local and estate produce wherever possible. 

For more details go to tattonpark.org.uk/stableyard_shopping_and_dining/the-gardeners-cottage.aspx

Vale Royal Abbey

Vale Royal Abbey, Whitegate

Vale Royal Abbey in Whitegate invites customers to visit for a traditional afternoon tea in the delightful setting of the abbey.

One nomination said: “A nice afternoon tea in lovely surroundings.”

For more details go to vra.co.uk/afternoon-tea-2/