Afternoon Tea at The Dog and Partridge Hotel for Two

We chose the dog & partridge in Ashbourne as we thought it looked a lovely hotel and that it would be ideal for a special afternoon tea. We were bought the voucher for our wedding anniversary so want ed it to be a special experience. I phoned the day before to see if we could book and lady said was o k . Asked for 2pm as we had a hours drive and she said yes but that was the latest they could do so we tried to get there before 2. When we arrive about 1.45pm we walked into bar area and went to waiter. I was all happy thinking he would be aware of us. No friendly welcome and just asked what time we were booked for. He took us through to a table in the conservatory which was set up for us , it was nice in there but we were out of the way from everyone else. He asked what drinks we would like and I asked if I could have coke and said I know it will be extra and he said this too but I don’t t drink hot drink. My husband had a small pot of tea. When the afternoon tea arrived it was lovely presented and all tasted o k but no one came to check we were o k throughout. My husband would have liked more tea but no one came near. Just felt we were dumped in a corner and left. When the waiter finally came back he just said are you finished. No was everything o k ect… we left soon after. I went to till to pay for coke !! £3.25 for a can, yet again no pleasantries at all not even a thank you. I was staring to get annoyed so I decided to go through to lady in hotel reception ( I presume the owner) told her that it was bought as a gift for a special occasion and how we had been made to feel. She said sorry but our staff are not usually like that almost like it must have been our fault. This was bought as a present and I tried to choose where we would enjoy the whole experience. Not asked for much, just not to be made to feel like we re an inconvenience. Left wishing we had chosen somewhere else and very disappointed

We received a voucher for afternoon tea which we used at the Dog & Partridge, Swinscoe. The food was all fresh and home made. It was delicious

Sandwiches and cakes were ok. However it was literally afternoon TEA. A wide variety of teas were available but I don’t drink tea and could only have coffee if I paid a £2 surcharge. I have had several afternoon tea vouchers and have never come across this before, nor was there any indication on the Red Letter day hotel link that this was the case. I raised the issue with the manager and he made it very clear that it was tea or pay extra. I wonder if you have to pay extra for coffee at breakfast if you don’t drink tea? At £25 per head how is it not possible to provide tea OR coffee.

The afternoon tea was beautiful with a satisfying selection of sandwiches and cakes. The only thing to consider is have the option of tea or coffee and not be charged extra for coffee. Otherwise a very lovely experience with lovely accommodating staff.