Berkshire


<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/Roseate-Reading.jpg" alt="Roseate Reading" class="wp-image-47383" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/Roseate-Reading.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/Roseate-Reading-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/Roseate-Reading-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/Roseate-Reading-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/Roseate-Reading-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/Roseate-Reading-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>WHAT? WHERE?</strong></h2>



<p>You’ll find&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.roseatehotels.com/reading/theroseate/" target="_blank">The Roseate</a>, a sexy 1911 Grade II listed townhouse, in the centre of Reading, a mere five minute walk from the railway station. The grand building overlooks Forbury Gardens, with its famous lion statue and Victorian bandstand. Next door is the historic Reading Crown Court and the dramatic remains of the Abbey Ruins. Reading is not spoilt for choice when is comes to afternoon tea, so The Roseate Hotel has leaned into this space to deliver top notch tiers of sandwiches and pastries in their elegant restaurant and bar The Reading Room.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>THE VIBE&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/09/THE-READING-ROOM-ROSEATE-READING.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-46937" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/09/THE-READING-ROOM-ROSEATE-READING.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/09/THE-READING-ROOM-ROSEATE-READING-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/09/THE-READING-ROOM-ROSEATE-READING-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/09/THE-READING-ROOM-ROSEATE-READING-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/09/THE-READING-ROOM-ROSEATE-READING-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/09/THE-READING-ROOM-ROSEATE-READING-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/09/THE-READING-ROOM-ROSEATE-READING-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/09/THE-READING-ROOM-ROSEATE-READING-1100x1100.jpg 1100w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>While the townhouse is a grand and a maximalists dream – all bold colours, rich furnishings and dark corners. The Reading Room restaurant, located on the lower ground floor, is contemporary with a veneer or glamour – think sheer drapes, velvet seating and marble bar. It&#8217;s decorated in a soothing colour palette, only enhanced by a handsome pianist tickling the ivories as his plays his instrumental hit list. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</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-3.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-47385" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/THE-ROSEATE-AFTERNOON-TEA-COMP-3.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/THE-ROSEATE-AFTERNOON-TEA-COMP-3-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/THE-ROSEATE-AFTERNOON-TEA-COMP-3-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/THE-ROSEATE-AFTERNOON-TEA-COMP-3-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/THE-ROSEATE-AFTERNOON-TEA-COMP-3-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/THE-ROSEATE-AFTERNOON-TEA-COMP-3-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Afternoon tea is served every day between 12.30pm-4pm. So pace yourself, people, this is a marathon not a sprint. The staff are fabulous – gently ushering you to a table, before handing over multiple leather-bound menus. We were booked in for the Moet &amp; Chandon Imperial afternoon tea, so while a chilled glass of bubbly was gently placed in my hand, we pondered over the 24+ teas on the menu. It&#8217;s worth noting, I also had my youngest son with me and although they don&#8217;t advertise a kids afternoon tea, they created one for us, there&#8217;s also a vegan menu and all dietary needs can be catered for.</p>



<p>My Black Tea was dull choice on my part, but why mess with the traditional British brew. My mini sidekick was bolder and chose the Hibiscus tea, which is pink and has a delicate sweet flavour, rather than soapy. Note to self for next time. Culinary adventure is rewarding.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/6-3.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-47409" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/6-3.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/6-3-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/6-3-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/6-3-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/6-3-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/6-3-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/6-3-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/6-3-1100x1100.jpg 1100w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The afternoon tea is inspired by Huntley &amp; Palmers biscuits. The brand began life in a small bakery in London Street and within 40 years, it was world famous for its Nice biscuits, Gingernuts and Bath Olivers. Don&#8217;t panic you won&#8217;t be handed a tray of biccies to dunk in your tea. The pastry chef has taken flavours used in the iconic cakes and biscuits once produced in Reading, waved their magic whisk and turned it into pretty, precision pastries that are a world away from the OGs.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/4-2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-47407" width="640" height="640" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/4-2.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/4-2-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/4-2-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/4-2-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/4-2-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/4-2-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/4-2-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/4-2-1100x1100.jpg 1100w" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/3-3.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-47406" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/3-3.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/3-3-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/3-3-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/3-3-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/3-3-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/3-3-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/3-3-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/3-3-1100x1100.jpg 1100w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/2-3.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-47405" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/2-3.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/2-3-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/2-3-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/2-3-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/2-3-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/2-3-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/2-3-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/2-3-1100x1100.jpg 1100w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>As the cake stands glided through the restaurant you could barely see the heads of the waiting staff. Tiers of joy landed. We were treated to strawberry mousse and Breton coconut  and ginger biscuit, a carrot cake decorated with pretty edible flowers, a rich chocolate and hazelnut praline tart (my absolute fave), Coffee Gel and a cocoa nib and lime macaron. The sarnies were equally elegant and crowd-pleasing. Coronation chicken, egg mayo, smoked salmon, cheese and onion and hummus – all gussied up to something more refined. </p>



<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-2.jpg" alt="THE ROSEATE AFTERNOON TEA COMP (2)" class="wp-image-47384" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/THE-ROSEATE-AFTERNOON-TEA-COMP-2.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/THE-ROSEATE-AFTERNOON-TEA-COMP-2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/THE-ROSEATE-AFTERNOON-TEA-COMP-2-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/THE-ROSEATE-AFTERNOON-TEA-COMP-2-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/THE-ROSEATE-AFTERNOON-TEA-COMP-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/THE-ROSEATE-AFTERNOON-TEA-COMP-2-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>What about the scones? Fresh from the oven, served with generous amounts of clotted cream and jam. I&#8217;m a purist and think the scone should be plain, but you get one plain and one cranberry scone to scoff. Jam or cream first? Does anyone really care? For the record I spread the cream like butter, but my mum is jam first and slathers on the cream – because that&#8217;s the best bit. The moral or this story you do you. Warning: the afternoon tea is generous, so skip breakfast and turn up starving. You&#8217;ll not want to miss a mouthful.</p>



<p>The kids afternoon tea was very sweet and honestly the fact they put it together for him is a big tick in my book. Plain ham, cheese and ham sarnies, a scone, cup cake and lemon drizzle cake were delivered. They made my mini critic so welcome, and I&#8217;m eternally grateful for that.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/7-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-47410" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/7-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/7-1-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/7-1-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/7-1-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/7-1-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/7-1-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/7-1-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/7-1-1100x1100.jpg 1100w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>There are four afternoon teas to choose, traditional (£31.50pp), prosecco (£40.50), Moet &amp; Chandon Imperial (£47.50) and Moet &amp; Chandon Imperial rosé champagnes (£49.50). You can also have a cocktail named after great literary works or an Oscar Wilde inspired mocktail. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">DOG-FRIENDLY</h2>



<p>It&#8217;s a dog friendly hotel, but your furry friends are not permitted in the restaurant and bar.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">ACCESSIBILITY</h2>



<p>The steep steps to the front entrance are obviously not wheelchair or pushchair friendly. Do not despair, you’ll find level access to the rear of property and lifts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">OUT &amp; ABOUT&nbsp;</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/8-2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-47411" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/8-2.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/8-2-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/8-2-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/8-2-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/8-2-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/8-2-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/8-2-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/8-2-1100x1100.jpg 1100w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption>Forbury Gardens, Reading</figcaption></figure>



<p>You’re slap bang in the middle of Reading town centre, so you can hit the shops which is dominated by big name high street stores, like John Lewis, M&amp;S, Zara, Apple, Next and more. Right on your doorstep is Forbury Gardens and The Abbey Ruins, a lovely place to sit and watch the world go by. Reading Museum is just around the corner (home to the UK’s Victorian replica of the Bayeux Tapestry with all the men’s bits covered up – unlike the original). Thames Lido is a short walk away in Kings Meadow. It’s a cool hangout for a bite to eat, drinks and a swim. Take a stroll along the river and don’t forget to wander past Reading Prison to see the world famous Oscar Wilde-inspired Banksy.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>THE MUDDY VERDICT</strong></h2>



<p><strong>Good for:&nbsp;</strong>If you&#8217;re love your afternoon tea refined yet relaxing, then The Roseate ticked all the boxes. No one needs to miss out, because the pastry chef will cater for all – even fussy mini diners.</p>



<p><strong>Not for:</strong>&nbsp;If you&#8217;re a sucker for starchy table cloths and hushed dining rooms, the buzzy Reading Room at The Roseate might not cute it.</p>



<p><strong>The damage:</strong>&nbsp;Afternoon tea is from £31.50pp, but definitely add Champers or a cocktail (with or without the booze).</p>



<p><em><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.roseatehotels.com/reading/theroseate/" target="_blank">The Roseate</a>, 26 The Forbury, Reading RG1 3EJ. Tel: 0118 9527 770</em></p>



<ul><li><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/reader-treats/win-champagne-afternoon-tea-for-two-roseate-reading/" target="_blank">Win Champagne afternoon tea for two at The Roseate Hotel, worth £110</a></li></ul>


Review: Afternoon tea at The Roseate Reading

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