If you’re on the hunt for an afternoon tea with a bit of magic, Lanelay Hall in Pontyclun has just unveiled something special. Around fifteen minutes from Cardiff, the hotel and Spa has opened a new Edwardian-style tea room that offers a calm escape wrapped in history and charm.
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The setting feels like a genuine step back in time. The room keeps to true Edwardian design, with details that make you forget you’re only a short drive from the city. Lanelay Hall is already well known for its spa, boutique hotel and Blok restaurant, but this new experience adds something completely different to the mix.
Their festive afternoon tea, named Lady Mary Cole, is inspired by the original lady of the manor who lived at Lanelay Hall in the 1840s. The tea room takes her name and her elegance, turning a simple afternoon treat into something that feels refined and a little theatrical. It’s calm, warm and full of character, and it really does feel like walking onto the set of Downton Abbey.
The highlight is the afternoon tea itself. Guests can choose from several options, each one served with a selection of classic sandwiches on soft bread, followed by freshly baked scones, and an impressive line-up of cakes. These arrive on a gleaming brass trolley that was made by the same company who supply the Royal Family, as well as Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas. It took twelve weeks to make and adds a touch of whimsical drama to the whole experience.
Lady Mary Cole’s Tea Room is priced at £50 per person, with an option to upgrade to champagne for £65. For those looking for a cosy, traditional and beautifully presented afternoon tea in a unique setting, this could be one of the loveliest spots to visit this season.
