I have tried several afternoon tea delights across the country, but some of the best have been right here on my doorstep. Our lovely seaside town has much to offer in the way of this popular much loved tradition. I’ve compiled a list of my top five places to go within the Ayr/ Prestwick area. If you’re looking to treat a relative or share some quality time with your bestie, hopefully one of these spots will be on your list to consider.
1) Fairfield House Hotel, Ayr- This has to be my favourite within the area. Not only is the afternoon tea itself so tasty but the effort that goes in to making the whole experience an enjoyable one is commendable. The staff are super friendly and helpful and looking out across panoramic views of Ayr beach, Ailsa Craig and (sometimes, weather depending) that beautiful Arran skyline makes for a relaxing setting. I love Fairfield’s afternoon tea as usually it has a theme. Last year was a summer picnic theme with your tasty treats laid out on a picnic bench and tiny desserts served in a miniature ceramic pot with chocolate biscuit crumbs mimicking dirt as if it was a potted plant- cuteee. This year was a Mad Hatters inspired theme- and I was definitely curious (and curiouser) to take my seat at this wonderful tea party. The savoury selection compiles of; an open oak smoked salmon sarnie (very generous helping), or opt to swap for an alternative if fish doesn’t tantalise your tastebuds, a miniature mixed vegetable quiche and a soft brioche bun filled with ham and chutney. The sweet selection is vast and has something for everyone. From mini macarons to fruit tarts and chocolate mocha layered gateaux, the Fairfield go all out to please their guests. At £14.95 per person (or keep your eyes peeled for an Itison deal), it really is worth every penny. Guests can also upgrade to a passionfruit iced tea cocktail for an extra £6.95 pp, which is served in an appropriately themed cup and saucer (with added Drink Me labels) and is so refreshing! So if you’re looking for not only tasty food but an overall experience, then head to the Fairfield- but hurry, don’t be late!
Address: 12 Fairfield Rd, Ayr KA7 2AS
2) Carlton Hotel, Prestwick- *Little disclaimer before I get into this one- I haven’t been here for afternoon tea in about a year so if anything has changed then I apologise*. If you’re looking for a modern and stylish setting to enjoy your lunch time treat then look no further. The Carlton’s Logans restaurant is pretty swanky with plush comfortable seats and glitzy lighting, adding to that luxury treat feeling. Logans offer four different versions ranging from £15.95 per person for the classic (savoury selection and sweet delights with tea or coffee) to £49.70 pp for the champagne deal (did somebody say treat yo’self). Last time I was here, these guys put a twist on the traditional afternoon tea by serving up (beside your scones of course) a slice of freshly baked warm banana bread, accompanied by a small butter dish to melt on top, and melt in your mouth. The banana bread is a lovely finishing touch, that other places do not offer, which makes afternoon tea goers feel just that little bit more special. Did somebody say tea-licious? (Sorry, couldn’t help myself).
Address: 187 Ayr Rd, Prestwick KA9 1TP
3) Parkstone Hotel, Prestwick- The main reason why I enjoy Parkstone’s afternoon tea special is sometimes it’s nice to take it back to basics. Their simple and delicious afternoon tea delivers on bringing you exactly what you ordered- no frills, no fuss. I particularly enjoyed their savoury selection as (I can’t believe I’m going to admit to this) sometimes that sweet tooth has had one too many cakes and you wanna tone down the sugar, so those extra sarnies were gladly welcomed. The 3-star hotel is located right on Prestwick seafront with gorgeous views looking out towards Arran. There really is no better setting to soak up those views on a warm day, with the sun beaming through. But even if the rain is battering off those windows, the Parkstone has that homely cosy old Grandad vibe where you can sit back and enjoy a fresh brew or two. Whatever the weather, this afternoon tea is an enjoyable one. And at only £10.95pp it’s on the cheaper side too!
Address: Ardayre Rd, Prestwick KA91QN
4) The Balgarth Pines, Ayr- For just £7.50 per person, you probably won’t find a cheaper afternoon tea package and at such high quality. With a selection of sandwiches, dainty cakes including miniature strawberry tarts and lemon meringue pies, The Balgarth know how to afternoon tea. Your pot of tea is served on a wooden board with milk arriving in an old fashioned milk bottle; allowing you to rewind and reminisce about those tea parties you had with your teddy bears when you were younger (I definitely didn’t do this…). The Balgarth also has the best beer garden which is a little sun trap, seats 150 people and has a kids play park if you’re planning on bringing the full fam and the dug. Located out of the bustling Ayr town, it is a short walk away from a pleasant stroll along Ayr beachfront to let that belly digest a little.
Address: 8 Dunure Rd, Ayr KA7 4HR
5) The Waterfront, Ayr- Fancy swapping that hot cuppa for a delicious cocktail? The Waterfront is the place for you. Overlooking the River Ayr, this scenic restaurant presents to you its Hendricks Afternoon Tea. For £25 for two you can enjoy the usual (you all know by now what’s included surely? Just in case; a selection of freshly made finger sandwiches, tasty cakes, homemade scones) and a Hendricks gin based cocktail served in a vintage teapot with teacups. Or if gin isn’t your thing, you can opt for a bottle of prosecco for £32 for two. The Waterfront offer afternoon tea everyday from 3pm -5pm (reservation essential) so no more planning weekends off for those who don’t work Monday- Friday. And if you want to continue your boozing into the evening, they have the biggest drinks selection and know how to make a mighty fine cocktail (highly recommend the Candy Pants- it comes with candy floss, I mean come on people). They say that at half past three, everything stops for tea but at The Waterfront, it’s Gin O’clock.
Address: 4 South Harbour Street, Ayr, KA7 1H
Speak soon,
Wee Eb
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