Now in its 28th year, The Tea Guild Awards are considered the Oscars of the tea industry. To seek out the finest tea experience in the UK, a team of expert tea inspectors undertake clandestine afternoon tea assignations in tea rooms and hotels across Britain.

The judges - who all dine anonymously and pay like regular clientele - follow strict guidelines and criteria that cover every aspect of the afternoon tea experience, before reporting back to The Tea Guild.

The décor, the appropriateness of the crockery, staff attitude and tea knowledge are all considered, as are efficiency of service, overall ambience and very importantly how the tea itself is served.

Each year the task of choosing a winner gets more challenging as standards continue to reach new levels; this year’s competition was no exception. As a result, The Tea Guild has awarded 11 special Awards of Excellence to the following venues in recognition of outstanding quality and consistency.

The Montagu Arms gained a near perfect score. The Tea Guild inspectors praised the hotel’s well trained staff for their extensive knowledge of tea and were impressed with the mouth-watering selection of sandwiches, speciality cakes including freshly baked scones smothered in New Forest Jam and thick clotted cream as well as an excellent selection of carefully selected teas brewed and served to perfection. The establishment’s cosy sofas, picturesque gardens and sunny conservatory epitomizes all that is perfect for an afternoon tea experience.

Head of The Tea Guild Irene Gorman 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.

“Afternoon tea is enjoying a well-deserved resurgence. It is an increasingly fashionable way to catch up with friends, take a break from shopping, or even conduct a business meeting. Modern life can be hectic and demanding and taking afternoon tea is the perfect way to slow down and relax.”

Manager of The Montagu Arms Sunil Kanjanghat, said: “It’s a fantastic honour for us to win this Tea Guild award and we are absolutely thrilled. The Montagu Arms is proud to be members of The Tea Guild and we place the highest value on the choice and quality of the tea we serve.

“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.”

- Ends -

Notes to editors:
The Tea Guild is part of The UK Tea Council Ltd (www.tea.co.uk), which is a non-profit making, independent organisation dedicated to raising the profile of tea in the UK.
 
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