Historic George Hotel opens lavish new tearoom

Historic George Hotel opens lavish new tearoom

Colchester’s historic George Hotel has opened its doors to an eclectic afternoon tearoom this month titled: Tea at the George.

The exquisite tearoom serves a luxurious afternoon tea in sumptuous arty surroundings, including stylish panelling, mirrors, cherry blossom and lavish flowers - inspired by London’s finest tea houses. The menu features an array of beautiful handmade and quirky fancies curated by the George’s expert pastry chef. It is also serving sustainably sourced, award-winning fine artisan teas (served in fine china and bespoke, locally made teapots) and a matching Champagne, Cocktail and Gin list – all carefully selected for the Victorian inspired theme.

Essex’s new leading destination to enjoy afternoon tea with friends is open for bookings from Wednesday – Sunday, 12pm – 5pm. There are a range of menus to choose from including Traditional, Vegan, Gluten Free and Vegetarian, as well as special menus including British Summertime Tea with a jug of Pimms to share.

Enjoy a cup of history as you discover an unforgettable Victorian-inspired tea party, perfectly located within the historic George - a newly refurbished Grade II listed building. The George has recently reopened after a major £10 million pound refurbishment showcasing a stunning, new interior and redecorated throughout whilst preserving its rich historical features. With a light sage green painted exterior, to meet historical guidelines, and Georgianised Victorian sash windows, behind the hotel’s Georgian façade lies a timber-framed building which likely dates from the second half of the 14th century. The first known reference to the property as an inn occurs in 1494, although the hotel’s extensive cellars are likely older and feature the ruins of an ancient Roman gravel pavement – a chilling reminder of Queen Boudicca’s rampage that burned Roman Colchester to the ground in AD60.

Flying Trade Group CEO Suki Dulai said: “The George Hotel is a beautiful and nationally rare building, filled with heritage, and it is incredibly exciting to finally be opening Tea at the George.

“Our tearoom is inspired by the 500-year-old history of the George Hotel, which we were careful to preserve during the recent refurbishments. The menu has been carefully curated by our expert chefs and we are delighted to have partnered with an award-winning British tea brand The Tea Makers of London who specialise in authentic, specialty teas with exceptional flavours. All teas are sustainably sourced from independent artisan tea farms.”

He added: “There are few things as quintessentially British as the tradition of afternoon tea. The opportunity to sit down and enjoy a cup of tea has become a luxury in our busy lives and we are delighted to bring this experience to The George and create a stunning space on Colchester’s High Street for our customers to enjoy an unforgettable tea party. The specialist tea served in bespoke, locally made tea pots and our expert chefs’ carefully curated menu will not disappoint.”

Tea at the George will be taking bookings from 14 August 2021.