Food: We try the Cambridge-inspired afternoon tea at Parker’s Tavern

Parker’s Tavern has unveiled a decadent new afternoon tea which celebrates the heritage and stories of the Cambridge University Colleges

Ever wondered how it would feel to journey through Cambridge’s captivating history whilst feasting on dainty finger sandwiches, freshly-baked scones and artfully-designed sweet treats? Ponder no more as Parker’s Tavern at the University Arms has created The Colleges of Cambridge Afternoon Tea – and we booked in to give it a whirl.

Served in the wood-panelled library, with tea, coffee, hot chocolate (or Saffron Grange sparkling English wine perhaps?), the tea is accompanied by an illuminating guide to eminent folk who have graced Cambridge.

As the multi-tiered masterpiece nears the table, you’re hit by the sweet aroma of oven-baked scones. Slathered in raspberry jam and daubed in clotted cream, they are amongst the best we’ve tasted, with a crunchy shell and soft, buttery middle.

The savoury components include a sandwich trio (egg mayo and watercress, beef and horseradish, cucumber and dill cream cheese) though the real stars are the dinky red onion chutney quiche and the crème fraiche smoked salmon taco (with caviar and cute micro herbs!).

The top tier is decadence personified encompassing a raspberry and rose roulade, complete with red chocolate cross; a rhubarb and vanilla choux bun, perfectly piped with cream; the devilishly-rich chocolate and almond delice; and a zingy blueberry and lime cheesecake.

Warning: the Colleges of Cambridge Afternoon Tea is a challenge, but there is a tea-to-go option, so you can have a break/snooze between courses!

Find out more about the afternoon tea, which starts from £39pp, at parkerstavern.com/afternoon-tea