Jane Austen Afternoon Tea

The 5-star Roseate Reading Hotel, located next door to Jane Austen’s schoolroom in Reading's Abbey Quarter, will be putting on special Jane Austen Afternoon Teas throughout May and June 2025.

Step Back in Time with a Jane Austen-Inspired Afternoon Tea at The Roseate Reading

To celebrate the 250th birthday of literary icon Jane Austen, The Roseate Reading is delighted to introduce a specially curated Jane Austen Afternoon Tea, inspired by the Regency era’s dining traditions and the ingredients of Austen’s time.

While the concept of Afternoon Tea was not yet established during Austen’s lifetime, the practice of ‘taking tea’ in the evening—accompanied by an array of savouries and cakes—was a beloved social tradition. Our expert Pastry Chef, Anil, has reimagined this experience, blending historical influences with a contemporary twist.

The menu features delicacies reminiscent of those enjoyed in Austen’s household. Guests can indulge in a selection of elegant cakes and pastries, including:

• Victoria Sponge Cake – Strawberry jam, whipped cream, mixed cress, raspberry crumble

• Mango Macaron – Delicate almond shell with mango buttercream

• Plum Mousse – Red glaze, chocolate crumble, coconut gel

• Lemon Meringue Pie – Zesty lemon curd, sweet tart shell, pistachio crumble

Alongside these sweet treats, the menu nods to Regency-era savouries, such as traditional sandwiches and pastry bites, inspired by the flavours of the early 19th century. During Austen’s time, ingredients like caraway, lemon, and warm spices were highly favoured, influencing the selection of cakes on our menu.

Each element of this Afternoon Tea pays homage to Austen’s world, creating an immersive experience that transports guests to the elegance and refinement of the period.

Join The Roseate in celebrating Jane Austen’s 250th birthday with this limited-edition Afternoon Tea—where history, literature, and indulgence come together in perfect harmony.

The hotel already has a fantastic reputation for heritage themed teas, having wowed diners with their Huntley & Palmer inspired heritage biscuit tea, designed to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the founding of the world-famous biscuit company in Reading. 

The Jane Austen Afternoon Teas will be available to book soon.

The Roseate will also be offering a special Jane Austen rate for a visit to its two Jane Austen-linked hotels in Bath and Reading. Both hotels are on the touring route, the Great West Way.