Wednesday 20 June 2012

Afternoon tea at the Old Parsonage in Oxford

It was my birthday yesterday and the last day of my son’s exams – so what better way to celebrate than afternoon tea in Oxford?

And what better place to choose than the Old Parsonage? One of the best-known hotels in Oxford, it’s housed in a pretty 17th century building and boasts a shady stone terrace that’s just perfect for afternoon tea. No wonder the place is so popular with newly-graduated students. There were loads of them there yesterday, resplendent in their mortar boards and gowns, taking tea with their proud parents.

The three of us went for broke and chose what the Old Parsonage calls its “very high tea.” Actually, it was a “very big tea” – a mix of smoked salmon and cucumber sandwiches (with their crusts cut off of course), scones and cream and divine-looking cakes, all washed down by a special blend of tea named after the Old Parsonage. We tucked in with alacrity, although we couldn’t quite manage the cakes. “No problem,” said the charming waiter. He hurried inside and reappeared a few minutes later with the cakes packed into neat brown boxes.

At £16.95 a head, afternoon tea at the Old Parsonage wasn’t exactly cheap but it was a special occasion after all. Not only that, we were so full by the time we got home that none of us could possibly manage supper later on. And even better, we’ve got these luscious cakes (below) to look forward to for tea today…

5 comments:

  1. The husband and I always stay at the Randolph, and enjoy their afternoon teas, but I shall certainly try the Old Parsonage on our next visit. How very lovely.

    I do hope your son achieves the results he wants.

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    1. Thanks very much, Nicola. Do try the Old Parsonage - tea on the terrace on a summer afternoon is lovely.

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  2. That sounds a wonderful way to celebrate two big occasions, Emma. Congratulations to you both!! I hadn't heard about The Old Parsonage before, but I'll certainly put it on my list for the future, especially for when I have visitors with me.

    Liz X

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    1. That's really kind, Liz. Thank you. And I think you'll love the Old Parsonage in Banbury Road.

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  3. Grateful for sharing this post

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