What is Anna’s Tearoom?

Anna’s Tearoom is a luxuriously appointed and grandly furnished tea room, with a relaxed, friendly and cheerful environment. Serving a traditional afternoon tea from 12noon, Anna’s offers six menus, including Traditional, Anna’s Own, Children’s or specialist dietary options. Each menu offers sandwiches, scones, cakes and a hot drink. And for those who want to make extra special, why not add a glass of Prosecco.

Being located in The Bedford Swan Hotel, why not turn it into a short break and add an overnight stay, or while away an hour or so in the Thermal Spa for total relaxation, before or afterwards. Find special offers and packages on their website.

I never knew that…

Tea consumption increased dramatically during the early nineteenth century. It is around this time that Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, is said to have complained of “having that sinking feeling” during the late afternoon to her butler. At the time it was usual for people to take only two main meals a day, breakfast and dinner at around 8 o’clock in the evening. The solution for the Duchess was a pot of tea and a light snack, taken privately in her boudoir during the afternoon.

Later, friends were invited to join her in her rooms at Woburn Abbey. This summer practice proved so popular that the Duchess continued it when she returned to London, sending cards to her friends asking them to join her for tea and a walk in the fields. Other social hostesses quickly picked up on the idea and it became respectable enough to move it into the drawing room. Before long, all of the fashionable society was sipping tea and nibbling sandwiches in the middle of the afternoon.

Serving times (please check before making a special visit)

Monday to Saturday 12noon-5.30pm

Sunday 12noon-4.30pm