The annual Afternoon Tea Week is a celebration of one of Britain’s favourite traditions and this year it takes place between August 10 to 16.

As a nation famous for our tea drinking it is only appropriate that we have a yearly celebration. After all, drinking tea is arguably our country’s biggest ritual. 

Introduced in Britain in the early 1840s, afternoon tea started off as a mini-meal used to curb people’s hunger before their evening meal at 8pm. 

The delightful affair usually comprises delicate finger sized sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, sweet pastries and cakes. 

Afternoon tea can be enjoyed almost anywhere including at home or in the park. However, the most splendid way to enjoy this British tradition is whilst being waited on in a hotel or tea room.

No matter your budget or taste, there is guaranteed to be an afternoon tea venue on this list to suit your preferences.

The Mad Hatter 

Oxford Mail:

Sticking with the Alice in Wonderland theme, The Mad Hatter in Cowley offers a memorable afternoon tea with funky service. 

General Manager at The Mad Hatter, Gwyneth Bradbury said: "Our afternoon teas provide a much more theatrical and immersive experience. 

"It's a full afternoon tea complete with all the bells and whistles."

If you manage to get in to the speakeasy bar, after finding the door and answering a riddle, the afternoon tea costs £12.50.

The tea includes: a cocktail, smoked salmon and cream cheese sandwiches, falafel wrap, mini chocolate doughnuts, fruit tart, scones with clotted cream and jam, chocolate cake, macaroons and strawberries.

For those who are not ready to go out yet, the team at The Mad Hatter also offer takeaway options. 

READ MORE: The Oxford Restaurants giving 50% off under 'Eat Out to Help Out' scheme

The Rose Oxford

Oxford Mail:

The Rose tea rooms and restaurant is located on the High Street in the city centre. 

Manager Eagl Aaci said: "Our customers love our afternoon teas because we bake a fresh batch of scones every half an hour. 

"All of our cake are homemade and we use organic, fresh ingredients. The afternoon teas and made to order."

Afternoon tea at The Rose costs £18 per person and includes an array of finger sandwiches, cakes, scone with jam and cream, plus coffee or tea. 

The Grand Cafe

According to Samuel Pepys’ Diary from 1650 The Grand Café is the site of the first coffee house in England and has now become an Oxford institution.

The opulency of the Grand Cafe is the perfect setting for a high tea, with prices starting at £19.95 per person.

The traditional afternoon tea includes: egg mayonnaise and smoked salmon, cream cheese sandwiches, two scones, jam, clotted cream and petit fours, served with tea or coffee. 

The 'Grand High Tea' is £27.45 and includes a glass of champage. 

Cafe Loco

This quirky cafe is also inspired by Lewis Carrolls 'Alice in Wonderland' and it can be found on St Aldates. 

The cheaper end of the scale, Cafe Loco's afternoon tea is served from 2pm and costs £10 per person.

Offerings include smoked salmon, cucumber, lemon chicken and egg mayo sandwiches as well as a selection of cakes. 

The Randolph Hotel

For an indulgent afternoon tea experience you could take a stroll to The Randolph Hotel in the city centre.

The luxurious hotel offers an elaborate summer afternoon tea, with a pricetag of £34.

The afternoon tea includes: a glass of De Castellane champagne, selection of four sandwiches such as ham and homemade piccalilli and coronation chicken, sausage and sage pastry roll, plain and fruit scones with jam and clotted cream, peach champagne jelly and a range of cakes. 

Did we miss your favourite place off the list? Let us know about it in the comments.