Last Updated on June 1, 2026
Honouring 200 years of “Biscuit Town” heritage
Once the preserve of aristocrats, tea drinking in Britain today is for everyone, cheap and cheerful, embedded in British culture and the national psyche. The taking of Afternoon Tea, as a social exercise, however, has continued to retain its status as a couth experience to be savoured and celebrated. And at Reading’s five-star Roseate Hotel you’re invited to celebrate in style with their Afternoon Tea inspired by Huntley and Palmers’ biscuits.
Huntley & Palmers began as a small bakery and shop in Reading in 1822. Over the next 40 years, the business evolved into the largest biscuit manufacturer in the world, developing recipes using ingredients from across the globe and exporting the resulting products to every corner of the planet. Reading became known as “Biscuit Town” and in 2022, the town is proudly celebrating 200 years of its heritage.
Over at the Roseate Hotel, Executive Chef Rajesh Maharjan and his team have curated an Afternoon Tea menu, taking inspiration from two of Huntley & Palmers’ signature biscuits. The Strawberry Mousse cake, with Breton coconut and ginger biscuit, was inspired by Huntley & Palmers’ ever-popular ginger and coconut “Nice” biscuit (named after Queen Victoria’s favourite French Riviera resort and pronounced in the same way). The rich dark chocolate Hazelnut Praline Tart with coffee gel and chocolate biscuit crumbs was inspired by Huntley & Palmers’ chocolate “Olivers” (rumoured to have once been John Lennon’s preferred form of payment!). Served alongside a vibrant lime macaroon and a moist orange and carrot cake this is the prettiest plate of patisserie.
The beautiful cakes are accompanied by a fine selection of freshly made sandwiches of tasty breads and appetising fillings: smoked salmon with dill crème fraiche, Coronation Chicken, roast courgettes and hummus, onion chutney and mild cheddar. Also on offer, of course, are homemade scones, plain and cranberry, served with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry jam.
The traditional afternoon tea is served between 12.30 and 16.30 in the hotel’s elegant Reading Room restaurant or, for a sunny, English-country vibe, in the lovely alfresco Secret Garden. Prices are very reasonable at £31.50 per person, although you could embrace the celebration with the Prosecco Tea at £40.50 or the luxurious Moet Chandon Brut Imperial for £47.50. The team has developed their menu with love and pride and the afternoon tea elegantly reflects the hotel’s brand values.
The Roseate Reading’s key focus is on the service offered, the aesthetics and attention to detail. The 55 stunning rooms and suites are stylishly decorated and luxurious: beautiful, warm walnut floors, sawn oak furniture designed by King’s Road designer, William Yeoward, soft furnishings upholstered in fabrics from Osborne and Little, Designer’s Guild, Cole and Son, Kenzo, Paul Smith and Nina Campbell, wonderful pieces of art (a signature piece in every room). Come to the Roseate for its stylish afternoon tea and stay longer to enjoy this stylish hotel!
Reading has much to offer overnight visitors – check out our Reasons to Route for Reading article for some great ideas on places to visit and experiences to enjoy.
Book the Huntley and Palmer’s Afternoon Tea
You’ll find The Roseate Reading at 26 The Forbury, Reading, RG13EJ. Tel: 01189 527770
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