The Tea Guild gives top awards to Montagu Arms and Davenports Tea Room

Country house hotel the Montagu Arms picked up the award, now in its fourth year, from the Tea Guild yesterday after judges were impressed by staff’s extensive knowledge of tea, the food offering and its ‘cosy’ and 'picturesque' surroundings. 

Irene Gorman, head of the Tea Guild, said: “The Top City and Country Hotel Tea Award is a fairly new category. Awarded for the first time in 2010 it enables The Tea Guild to recognise those amazing country hotels where tea is very much a part of British tradition. The Montagu Arms was favoured by the judges for its delightful surroundings, the staff’s extensive knowledge of teas, and really scrumptious food."

Montagu Arms manager Sunil Kanjanghat said it was 'a fantastic honour' to award. "Our customers demand the very best and we strive at all times to fulfil their expectations. It’s a real team effort here and all our staff work tirelessly to create somewhere special, where the quality of food and tea, relaxing atmosphere and the very best standards are paramount," he said. 

Top tea place​

Alice in Wonderland-themed tea room Davenports has meanwhile been awarded Top Tea Place of 2013. 

The traditional-style tea room in Northwich, Cheshire which features lace table cloths and serves tea in fine bone china, was awarded in recognition of its welcoming staff, extensive range of loose leaf tea and scones created from a recipe dating back to the 1930s. 

“Davenports Tea Room in Cheshire offers a truly special tea experience and this award is very well deserved," said Gorman. "The attention to detail, quality of food, lovingly prepared by their team who seek to ensure, where possible, that all food is sourced locally, and whose excellent knowledge and service of teas served, is second to none.

"The very friendly welcome and relaxing and pleasant ambiance helps make afternoon tea a real pleasure."

Davenports owner Belinda Davenport said: “We love catering for afternoon tea at Davenports and all the staff are passionate about making each guests’ visit special. It is fantastic to be honoured by The Tea Guild in recognition of our hard work and commitment to preserving the tradition of afternoon tea. Author Lewis Carroll was born less than two miles away, which accounts for the décor favoured by the judges. 

Now in its 28th year, The UK Tea Council’s Tea Guild Awards set out to find the best tea experience in the UK. Judges all dine anonymously and have a list of strict criteria for marking, which includes quality of tea and service.