Afternoon Tea at The Emporium Cafe

Afternoon Tea at The Emporium Cafe

Join us at The Emporium Café for the most quintessential of English customs, and one of the most enjoyable celebrations, Afternoon Tea.

The Emporium Café is situated in one of Yeovil’s most historic buildings. The grade 2 listed, Georgian building on Princes Street, Yeovil, Somerset, was originally Wyndham House, built in 1820 as the Wyndham family’s town house.

Princes Street, Yeovil, Somerset circa 1900
Photo Credit to yeovilhistory.info

The History Of Afternoon Tea

Around the time that Wyndham House was being built, the custom of taking of Afternoon Tea was starting to gain popularity.

The history of taking this elegant treat goes back to the early 1800s when the long gap between luncheon, served at midday and dinner, often served quite late into the evening, necessitated a light snack being served in the afternoon.

Anna Russell, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, described a “sinking feeling” around 4pm, to alleviate this she started ordering a tray of tea, bread and butter, and cake to her room around mid-afternoon, and had the idea to invite friends to join her.

Anna Russell, the Seventh Duchess of Bedford
Image Credit to Wikipedia

Before long, the taking of Afternoon Tea spread and became a popular social occasion amongst the great and the good. Ladies arrived dressed in all their finery to take tea, served in elegant surroundings. Afternoon Tea had become a much loved and important social event and also, as tea was still considered to be a delicacy, it was definitely a display of wealth.

Queen Victoria gave it royal approval and started to enjoy the addition of a light sponge cake with raspberry jam and buttercream on her afternoon tea tray… Victoria Sandwich Cake is still a firm favourite here in our café.

Our very own Victoria Sponge

There’s no doubt that the landed gentry, The Wyndham family, would have taken Afternoon Tea here in Wyndham House and entertained the social elite of the day, from Yeovil, Somerset and beyond…. and now it’s our turn!

Millenium 2000 Plaque outside The Emporium Café

Afternoon Tea at The Emporium Café has stayed true to its heritage and is a timeless and elegant occasion. Served on traditional three tiered stands and consisting of a classic assortment of dainty and delicious treats, it’s one of our most popular choices.

What’s included in our Afternoon Tea?

On arrival, you will be served a pot of tea of your choice - we have 12 different teas available.

Tea Menu:

Premium Fairtrade Tea Darjeeling Tea

English Breakfast Tea Assam Tea

Earl Grey Tea Decaffeinated Tea

Red Bush Tea Green Tea

Chamomile Tea Mint Tea

Lemon and Ginger Tea Red Berry Tea

If you have opted for our Sparkling Afternoon Tea, your Prosecco can be served at this point too.

If you’re not a tea drinker, why not order a coffee instead?

Then, once all guests are ready, the fun begins and the traditional three tiered stands of Afternoon Tea are brought to your table.

On the bottom tier you’ll find assorted dainty finger sandwiches with fillings such as:

Ham and tomato

Brie, rocket and cranberry

Tuna and cucumber

Egg and cress

A selection of hand made savoury treats such as our classic sausage roll, a slice of quiche and a savoury skewer accompanied the sandwiches.

The middle tier holds an assortment of beautiful house-made cakes and sweet treats.

Then the top tier is the crowning glory, a freshly made buttermilk scone, with lashings of clotted cream and strawberry conserve.

**We can always make substitutions to these filling, so please let us know of any dietary requirements**

The perfect way to celebrate any occasion, such as Hen Nights, Baby Showers, Birthdays, Anniversaries and family get-togethers. Contact us to book your table. We serve Afternoon Tea between 12-3pm, Monday - Saturday. Pre-booking is usually required.

Look out for our Special Edition Afternoon Teas throughout the year, these include Festive Afternoon Tea, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Valentine’s Day Afternoon Tea, Easter and this year, the magnificent Platinum Jubilee Afternoon Tea!

If you’d like to enjoy this experience at home, a take away Afternoon Tea is a wonderful treat, all the same ingredients, presented in our tier of 3 boxes. See options here.