We were welcomed into the riverside lounge with cool champagne, and soon joined by freshly made delicate sandwiches, warm homemade scones, a selection of cakes and patisseries, and Devonshire clotted cream and jams. The staff was friendly and professional, checking in on us often and tending to every need with utter grace. The breeze through the tall French doors and the slow movement of the scenic river beyond filled us with peace, as we talked the afternoon away.
For my loose-leaf tea, I chose Chamomile Flowers – with an apple-like fragrance and a deliciously deep, fruity taste. We loved discovering that all the hotel’s teas are selected by British tea specialist, Canton, who are members of the Ethical Tea Partnership and source all their artisanal teas seasonally and direct from small, family-run farms.
The luxurious – yet laid-back – lounge bar that hosted us dates back to Lady Anne Bingham in 1821, while the hotel itself is a Georgian townhouse from the 1700s, home to nobility and poets in its time. Tucked away beside the river in the heart of Richmond-upon-Thames, it really is a timeless oasis of countryside in the city, and a wonderfully chic place to while away time with loved ones. If afternoon tea isn’t really your scene, why not visit for a gastronomic meal in the restaurant, creative cocktails, or a romantic retreat in one of the sumptuous bedrooms.
If, on the other hand, you love afternoon tea as much as we do, then why not theme your wedding around it, hosting your guests in the lovely Garden Rooms downstairs – three stylish rooms opening up into a single space with their own entrance, with direct access to the heated covered private terrace and out into the modern English gardens beyond. As part of its seasonal celebration offers, the Bingham has created a Riverside Reception package which includes room hire, arrival Prosecco and a traditional afternoon tea (or optional light buffet) from £75 per person.
As part of the venue’s homage to Afternoon Tea Week, the Bingham is currently offering a 15% discount when people take tea with them and 15% off pamper treatments from its sister company, Bhuti, until the end of September. There is also currently a 10% offer on the Riverside Reception package for weddings and parties until the end of September.
We hope you enjoy the photos from our lovely afternoon escape – and do check out their website for more details on weddings and afternoon teas!
