Afternoon Tea, one of our favourite pastimes, a quintennial English tradition and one that is now offered in all sorts of curious guises has now come to The Sharnbrook Hotel in Bedfordshire, adding a quirky twist they are bringing to your palette ‘The Vesuvio Italian Afternoon Tea’.

As the name suggests there is a definite Italian influence, the finger sandwiches and mini cakes have been replaced with traditional Italian favourites such as bruschetta and tiramisu.

Our experience began with a cool glass of prosecco (no afternoon tea is complete without accompanying refreshments, either a wonderfully warm cup of tea, glass of bubbles or both) as we looked over a menu that was full of Italian savoury and sweet delights all served with a choice of different teasor Italian coffee a combination that was definitely sent to tempt our senses.

The food certainly didn’t disappoint with everything freshly prepared – the chicken mayonnaise& spring onion panini, being a particular favourite. An amalgamation of tastes and textures followed in the other paninis that included, Parma ham, mozzarella, tomato & basil as well as smoked salmon, arugula and cream cheese.

Bruschettina, toasted Italian bread topped with chopped tomatoes, basil, onions and olive oil was a mouth-watering array of flavours and the homemade arancini was just like Mumma makes.

After devouring our savoury selection, it was time for the sweet treats, all creatively designed to keep with the theme. Classic tiramisu along with limoncello posset were both presented in miniature glasses and a dessert lovers heaven.

Nonna’s chocolate tartufo(think chocolate ganache covered in even more chocolate) was chocolate lovers dream and the chocolate lobster tail was faultless.

Freshly baked warm scones followed, accompanied with clotted cream and strawberry jam (there has to be one traditional element). These were truly scrumptious and I am assured no calories were counted when I indulged in just a small helping of clotted cream!

From the presentation, quirky extras and delicious taste The Vesuvio Italian Afternoon Tea is a definite hit, and one we will definitely be indulging in again.

The Vesuvio Italian Afternoon Tea is available Monday – Friday,1pm – 4pm and is priced at £18.50 per person or include bottomless prosecco for £27.50 per person.

For booking and for further information call 01234 783142 or visit www.thesharnbrookhotel.com