Berkshire

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-lowdown">THE LOWDOWN</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="2000" height="2450" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/04/roseate-tea-FullSizeRender_VSCO-4-copy.jpeg" alt="jane austen afternoon tea reading" class="wp-image-77876" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/04/roseate-tea-FullSizeRender_VSCO-4-copy.jpeg 2000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/04/roseate-tea-FullSizeRender_VSCO-4-copy-653x800.jpeg 653w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/04/roseate-tea-FullSizeRender_VSCO-4-copy-816x1000.jpeg 816w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/04/roseate-tea-FullSizeRender_VSCO-4-copy-327x400.jpeg 327w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/04/roseate-tea-FullSizeRender_VSCO-4-copy-768x941.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/04/roseate-tea-FullSizeRender_VSCO-4-copy-1254x1536.jpeg 1254w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/04/roseate-tea-FullSizeRender_VSCO-4-copy-1672x2048.jpeg 1672w" sizes="(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" /></figure>



What does a major milestone call for? Why, tea of course. Pass us a scone – for this May and June only, five-star The Roseate are putting on a very special limited-edition afternoon tea for Jane Austen&#8217;s big birthday bash. Yes, it&#8217;s the <a href="https://www.visit-reading.com/whats-on/jane-austen-in-reading/jane-austen-afternoon-tea" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jane Austen Afternoon Tea</a> and I&#8217;m obsessed. No better tribute to the literary legend for her 250th birthday really.



Take a seat at m’lady. Hotel hottie The Roseate in Reading (just off Forbury Gardens) is the place the in-crowd will be flocking to get their chops around the Insta candy selection of Regency-inspired treats. While afternoon tea wasn’t quite a thing back in Jane’s day (their loss is our gain), evening tea and cakes was a special tradition in her household.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/04/roseate-tea-IMG_4115_VSCO.jpg" alt="jane austen afternoon tea reading" class="wp-image-77875" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/04/roseate-tea-IMG_4115_VSCO.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/04/roseate-tea-IMG_4115_VSCO-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/04/roseate-tea-IMG_4115_VSCO-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/04/roseate-tea-IMG_4115_VSCO-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/04/roseate-tea-IMG_4115_VSCO-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Pastry chef Anil has reimagined this Austen experience, blending history with a modern twist. On the menu, expect a variety of elegant cakes, sarnies, and patisserie Jane herself would have tucked into. Think Victoria Sponge Cake, Mango Macaron, and Lemon Meringue Pie. It’s indulgent, it’s luxurious, and it’s a proper immersive experience that’s practically like jumping on a time machine. 



Once you’ve stuffed yourself silly, make sure to check out the other <a href="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/whats-on/250-years-jane-austen-events-berkshire/">events</a> happening around Reading to celebrate 250 years of Jane too.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe">THE VIBE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/THE-ROSEATE-AFTERNOON-TEA-COMP.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-47386" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/THE-ROSEATE-AFTERNOON-TEA-COMP.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/THE-ROSEATE-AFTERNOON-TEA-COMP-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/THE-ROSEATE-AFTERNOON-TEA-COMP-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/THE-ROSEATE-AFTERNOON-TEA-COMP-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/THE-ROSEATE-AFTERNOON-TEA-COMP-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/THE-ROSEATE-AFTERNOON-TEA-COMP-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Simplistic, civilised, and just how Jane would have liked it. The Roseate’s Reading Room is modern in style with paired back tones of beige, brown, and white, and two separate dining spaces to tickle your fancy. For a midweek dabble, the place was pretty buzzy with fellow afternoon tea seekers, and couples and groups of friends grabbing some lunch.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scoff-amp-quaff">SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="2000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/04/roseate-tea-IMG_4092_VSCO.jpg" alt="afternoon tea reading" class="wp-image-77874" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/04/roseate-tea-IMG_4092_VSCO.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/04/roseate-tea-IMG_4092_VSCO-600x800.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/04/roseate-tea-IMG_4092_VSCO-750x1000.jpg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/04/roseate-tea-IMG_4092_VSCO-300x400.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/04/roseate-tea-IMG_4092_VSCO-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/04/roseate-tea-IMG_4092_VSCO-1152x1536.jpg 1152w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Few things will get you hotter under the collar than one of Jane Austen’s leading men. But these three tiers of culinary craftsmanship sure will. Before the main event sent me into meltdown mode, I was presented with a menu comprised of so many different teas I felt giddy. As ever the unadventurous tea drinker, I kept it classic with English breakfast, but if you flirt in the experimental side, there’s plenty to work your way through (including one with taste notes of popcorn). When a glass of Champagne somehow found its way into my hand, now they were singing my tune. Coffee is also an option FYI.



Too pretty to eat? Almost. But once I plopped the floral Victoria sponge in my gob, guilt was long gone. It was utterly delicious and so delicate with a gorgeous strawberry jam, whipped cream, mixed cress, and raspberry crumble. The cakes were stunning to say the least. I mean, hello? A plum delice in the shape of an ink pot and quill. Swoooooon. The chocolate crumble and coconut gel took it to the next level.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/04/roseate-tea-IMG_4077_VSCO-2.jpg" alt="themed afternoon tea near me" class="wp-image-77887" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/04/roseate-tea-IMG_4077_VSCO-2.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/04/roseate-tea-IMG_4077_VSCO-2-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/04/roseate-tea-IMG_4077_VSCO-2-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/04/roseate-tea-IMG_4077_VSCO-2-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/04/roseate-tea-IMG_4077_VSCO-2-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Don’t even get me started on the lemon meringue pie which literally melted in your mouth. It had just the right level of zesty lemon curd, and the pastry casing was a total triumph. Having never really been much of a macaroon girly, I’d saved the mango macaroon to last. Well, safe to say, I’m officially a convert. It ended up being one of my unexpected faves (just pipped by the Vicky sponge) and I loved the sweetness of the mango buttercream which cut through the delicate almond shell perfectly.



You may be wondering if I really just smashed through four cakes before I’d even sniffed at the five sandwiches waiting patiently for demolition. Who do you take me for? To be fair though, when it comes to an afternoon tea this dandy, to hell with the rules. Patisserie that pretty will have your full attention from the outset.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/04/IMG_4059_VSCO.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-77924" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/04/IMG_4059_VSCO.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/04/IMG_4059_VSCO-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/04/IMG_4059_VSCO-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/04/IMG_4059_VSCO-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/04/IMG_4059_VSCO-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



The entire tea celebrates the ingredients of Austen’s time, from caraway and lemon to warm spices, which influences the offering here. As for the sarnie selection, scoff your way through smoked salmon, egg mayo, cheese and onion chutney, coronation chicken, and courgette and hummus – each equally delicious as the next. Everything tasted ridiculously fresh. And the different types of bread used for each (tomato, basil, onion) was a lovely detail, helping elevate the flavours beautifully.



No afternoon tea is complete without its crowning glory: the mighty scone. There are two options here, the plain and the currant. Dear reader, you’ll be positively mortified to learn I only managed one. However, a good one it was. A giant pot of clotted cream and jam, of course, comes as standard, and anything you don’t eat is welcome to travel home with you for some late-night munchies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-out-amp-about">OUT &amp; ABOUT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="987" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/03/Jane-Austen_SchoollRoom_Reading013.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-76927" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/03/Jane-Austen_SchoollRoom_Reading013.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/03/Jane-Austen_SchoollRoom_Reading013-800x526.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/03/Jane-Austen_SchoollRoom_Reading013-1000x658.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/03/Jane-Austen_SchoollRoom_Reading013-400x263.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/03/Jane-Austen_SchoollRoom_Reading013-768x505.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



This year in Reading, it’s all about Jane, and the town is partying hard with a number of Austen themed events to celebrate 250 years since her birth. Start with one of the weekly Saturday tours of the nearby Abbey Quarter which takes you to the impressive Abbey Ruins and the school room where Jane herself studied as a girl. It’s the very place she gathered inspiration for her writing and is only open to the public until this September. 



There’s also <a href="https://millatsonning.com/shows/death-comes-to-pemberley/">Death Comes to Pemberley</a> on at The Mill at Sonning Theatre (1 May to 28 June) starring Eastenders’ own James Bye as Mr Darcy, plus a series of talks and workshops at the Reading Museum too. Find out more about the ongoing celebrations <a href="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/whats-on/250-years-jane-austen-events-berkshire/">here</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



Good for: Patisserie perfectionists! The level of culinary craftsmanship is off the scale and yes, everything really tastes as good as it looks. This is an afternoon tea that’s a proper showstopper and Janeite or not, you don’t want to miss out.



Not for: As far as afternoon teas go, it’s not your stiff upper-crust kind. Don’t expect white linen tablecloths and suited and booted servers.



The damage: The Jane Austen afternoon tea is £38pp. Add a glass of prosecco for an extra £9 or Moët (highly encouraged) for £16.



Book your <a href="https://www.visit-reading.com/whats-on/jane-austen-in-reading/jane-austen-afternoon-tea" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jane Austen Afternoon Tea</a> at the Roseate Reading from 1 May <a href="https://www.sevenrooms.com/reservations/thereadingroom" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.



Words by Ellie Ball

Review: Jane Austen Afternoon Tea at The Roseate in Reading

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