To celebrate Afternoon Tea Week, 9-15 August, Blenheim Palace's in-house restaurateur Searcys have created a spectacular flower wall and a special afternoon tea inspired by some of Winston Churchill's favourite dishes many based on recipes created by Churchill's long-time cook Georgina Landemare.

The menu served in the stunning Orangery at his birthplace, accompanies the major new exhibition about the “greatest Briton”. Welsh rarebit and pickled onion, chicken and mushroom pie, smoked salmon and caviar muffin are served alongside homemade buttermilk scones, clotted cream and strawberry jam.

There is also a selection of afternoon tea cakes including passion fruit éclair, chocolate yuzu tart and Winston Churchill fruit cake, in deference to the war-time prime minister. 

Searcys boasts a fine selection of Champagnes and wines from France, Italy, Argentina and Austria carefully chosen by its sommelier – and Churchill's favourite Pol Roger Brut Reserve sits proudly on the menu and features on the flower wall.

His love of Champagne sprang from his youth, evidenced by wine merchants' bills from the Churchill Archives Centre in Cambridge which show his fondness for vintages of the 1890s and the early 20th century. 

It was in the aftermath of the Allied Victory in 1945 that his loyalty towards Pol Roger was sealed when he met Odette Pol-Roger, signalling the start of a long and affectionate friendship. It blossomed with succeeding generations and endures to this day between the two families.

At the light and airy orangery, guests can also enjoy a brunch, lunch or three-course supper from executive chef Alun Roberts. The menu includes British classics such as potted Morecambe Bay shrimps on crumpets, roast Oxfordshire lamb with Evesham asparagus and early summer fruit pudding with elderflower.

There is also a cocktail menu for those wishing to enjoy a sundowner on the terrace.

In keeping with Covid-19 secure framework, the orangery provides a space safe to enjoy with friends or family.  The bespoke outside pods (in place until 18 August) will allow visitors to take in the sights of the exquisitely designed formal garden, while enjoying the best of what Searcys has to offer.

Summer packages include:

Afternoon tea Monday – Sunday £29.75 adult, £14.50 children. Churchill Afternoon tea for two £72, Churchill Champagne afternoon tea for two £100.

Brunch Thursday – Saturday £14.50 adult, £7.50 children

Lunch Thursday – Saturday £28.75 adult, £14.50 children

Sunday Lunch - £36.75 adult, £16 children

Supper Friday and Saturday - £42.75 adult, £21.50 children

Booking lines now open. To book, visit https://searcys.co.uk/venues/blenheim-palace/blenheim-palace-restaurant/

Editor's notes:

• The ritual of afternoon tea is said to have begun in the 1800s, when the 7th Duchess of Bedford decided there was too long a gap between lunch and supper. Finger sandwiches, scones, tea cakes and a whole world of baked goodies started being created in households across England, and the tradition became firmly rooted in society.
• Blenheim Palace's new Churchill Exhibition features a mix of historic artefacts, photographs, letters and excerpts from his most famous speeches. Sir Winston Churchill was born at Blenheim Palace and returned often during his long life for parties, to paint and to spend time with his cousin and close friend 'Sunny', 9th Duke of Marlborough. He also chose to propose to his beloved wife, Clementine at Blenheim.