Afternoon Tea at Makeney Hall Hotel in Amber Valley

Review of Afternoon Tea at Makeney Hall Hotel I recently had the opportunity to experience afternoon tea at Makeney Hall Hotel, and it was a mixed bag. While the historic setting and picturesque surroundings provided a charming backdrop, the overall experience fell short in several areas. As we arrived, we were not greeted by amember of staff for a few minutes, when she did arrive, she looked puzzled, she checked my name off the list, but was unsure as to where we would be seated. She left to find out, then returned to take us to a table that looked as though it had been quickly put together. The tablecloth, teacups and saucers were stained and the cuttlery had seen better days. The waitress asked if we would like tea or coffee, then came back with the teapot, left to fetch the milk and offered no sugar or sweetner. Surprisingly, there were no tea options available, with only a single type of tea served—and it was unfortunately lukewarm. The sandwiches were soggy, due to being placed next to a thick wedge of tomato and thickly sliced onion as garnish. The scones, which did not seem homemade or freshly baked, were served cold and lacked the desired fluffiness. The selection of pastries and cakes, while visually appealing, did not deliver on taste. There was a lady that repeatedly went in and out of the kitchen area, who looked very impatient. She was waiting for a baby shower table to leave so she could remove the decorations from a previous wedding, when asked the lady had said she didnt wirk at the hotel, only provided the decorations. She stood watching the large group of ladies with her arms folded, scowling and sighing several times. Not a good look for the hotel and its staff. Service was polite but slow, further impacting the overall enjoyment. For a hotel that prides itself on tradition, the afternoon tea offering at Makeney Hall Hotel needs significant improvement to justify future bookings.

Very enjoyable, good all round tea with savoury and sweet. Efficient and friendly service. Great setting with beautiful surroundings

Rubbish. Never go. EVER!! Not worth the money, staff extremely rude and response to emails even ruder!!!!! Will tell everyone I know never to go. Pot of cream between us was tiny, not enough for even one of us, no chutney, no fizz, smallest tray of sandwiches and very select fillings of sandwiches. Absolutely horrendous. Go to Morley Hayes if you want an afternoon tea, a million times better, worth the money and the staff are kind and friendly. And I reiterate, NEVER GO HERE! It’s HORRENDOUS!!!