Surrey


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-where"><strong>WHAT? WHERE?</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/YAT-afternoon-tea-613.jpeg" alt="Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford, Surrey." class="wp-image-54206" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/YAT-afternoon-tea-613.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/YAT-afternoon-tea-613-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/YAT-afternoon-tea-613-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/YAT-afternoon-tea-613-400x267.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/YAT-afternoon-tea-613-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p><a href="https://www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk/whats-on/afternoon-tea" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Riverbank Kitchen</a> is exactly where you might expect to find an eatery of this name &#8211; sitting on the bank of the River Wey in Guildford town centre. It&#8217;s the independent café and restaurant on the ground floor at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre. </p>



<p>Open throughout the day for brunch, lunch, coffee and cakes, as well as for pre-theatre dining before shows in the evening. But now, making the most of the pretty riverside location, Afternoon Tea has been added to the menu. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe"><strong>THE VIBE</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="990" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/YAT-afternoon-tea-596.jpeg" alt="The Riverbank Kitchen at Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, in Guildford, Surrey." class="wp-image-54205" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/YAT-afternoon-tea-596.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/YAT-afternoon-tea-596-800x528.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/YAT-afternoon-tea-596-1000x660.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/YAT-afternoon-tea-596-400x264.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/YAT-afternoon-tea-596-768x507.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>If you&#8217;re after a more low-key alternative to the posh and uber-luxurious country house afternoon tea, this riverside restaurant might just fit the bill. With huge floor to ceiling windows looking out over the River Wey, it&#8217;s a lovely spot to sit and watch the riverlife go by. The sun streams in &#8211; perfect for days of fluctuating weather. And for those days when the sun is shining bright, there&#8217;s a terrace and garden.</p>



<p>The decor is simple, with nods to the theatre&#8217;s history &#8211; large murals line one of the curved walls with some of the stars of Yvonne Arnaud Theatre&#8217;s shows including David Tennant and Penelope Keith.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scoff-amp-quaff"><strong>SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/YAT-afternoon-tea-576-1.jpeg" alt="Afternoon tea at The Riverbank Kitchen at Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, in Guildford, Surrey." class="wp-image-54202" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/YAT-afternoon-tea-576-1.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/YAT-afternoon-tea-576-1-800x600.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/YAT-afternoon-tea-576-1-1000x750.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/YAT-afternoon-tea-576-1-400x300.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/YAT-afternoon-tea-576-1-768x576.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>We’re talking traditional afternoon tea as it should be – the full three tiers of sandwiches, scones, pastries and cakes – with a choice of teas and coffee, plus the option to add a glass of Greyfriars English sparking wine.</p>



<p>Pinkies out for layer one: neatly cut fingers of sarnies generously filled with smoked salmon and cream cheese, honey roast ham and salad and super creamy egg mayo and chives, plus a couple of nicely herby mini tomato quiches made with light and flaky pastry.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/YAT-afternoon-tea-564-1.jpeg" alt="Afternoon tea at The Riverbank Kitchen at Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, in Guildford, Surrey." class="wp-image-54200" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/YAT-afternoon-tea-564-1.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/YAT-afternoon-tea-564-1-800x600.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/YAT-afternoon-tea-564-1-1000x750.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/YAT-afternoon-tea-564-1-400x300.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/YAT-afternoon-tea-564-1-768x576.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The freshly-baked scones were as light as anything and served with raspberry jam and a small tubs of Cornish clotted cream topped with perfectly ripe strawberries. Cream first or jam first? Decisions, decisions…</p>



<p>The top layer of sweet delights, rich and delicious, couldn’t be rushed and had to be savoured. A lightly spiced orange cake &#8211; delicate, light and yummy. Squares of homemade carrot cake with a generous layer of buttercream icing. Miniature chocolate brownies &#8211; rich, smooth and super chocolatey. And then in a delightful retro touch, jammy dodgers. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kid-friendly-nbsp"><strong>KID-FRIENDLY?&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>Yes this would be a great spot to bring kids for afternoon tea. It&#8217;s a fairly large space, so there&#8217;s no problem wheeling in buggies and prams. And there&#8217;s no starchy white tablecloths, so you won&#8217;t have to worry about the chocolate crumbs. Plus, they&#8217;ll love the jammy dodgers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-and-dogs-too"><strong>AND DOGS, TOO?</strong></h2>



<p>Well-behaved dogs are welcome in the garden.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disability-access"><strong>DISABILITY ACCESS</strong></h2>



<p>There is step-free access to the Riverbank Kitchen, and an accessible toilet is located on the ground floor.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-out-amp-about"><strong>OUT &amp; ABOUT</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/YAT-afternoon-tea-617.jpeg" alt="The River Wey in Guildford town centre, Surrey." class="wp-image-54207" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/YAT-afternoon-tea-617.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/YAT-afternoon-tea-617-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/YAT-afternoon-tea-617-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/YAT-afternoon-tea-617-400x267.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/YAT-afternoon-tea-617-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>If you&#8217;re not at the theatre to see a show, there&#8217;s plenty to see and do in Guildford Town Centre, not least a walk along the River Wey. Guildford’s fab shops are an obvious diversion before or after your afternoon tea. But it’s also just a short walk to <a href="http://www.guildford.gov.uk/castle" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Guildford Castle</a>&nbsp;means you could combine a visit to the castle. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict"><strong>THE MUDDY VERDICT</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/YAT-afternoon-tea-568-1.jpeg" alt="Afternoon tea at The Riverbank Kitchen at Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, in Guildford, Surrey." class="wp-image-54201" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/YAT-afternoon-tea-568-1.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/YAT-afternoon-tea-568-1-800x800.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/YAT-afternoon-tea-568-1-1000x1000.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/YAT-afternoon-tea-568-1-400x400.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/YAT-afternoon-tea-568-1-768x768.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/YAT-afternoon-tea-568-1-500x500.jpeg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/YAT-afternoon-tea-568-1-1100x1100.jpeg 1100w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p><strong>Good for:</strong> a fun treat; a giggle with the gals; a pick me-up for Mum; older rellies who will appreciate the short walk from the car park and the riverside view; there’s plenty of cafe space for mums with buggies and young tots in tow.</p>



<p><strong>Not for:</strong> this isn’t your high-end Big Birthday stuff, so you might feel a bit silly if you got really dressed up and were expecting something ultra-posh.</p>



<p><strong>The damage:</strong> Brilliant value, about a half of the price you’d pay for this at a posh hotel. £16.50, or £25.25 with fizz. There&#8217;s also a takeaway option if you fancy taking your tea in the park or during a river walk &#8211; the cost is £14.50. Afternoon tea must be booked 48 hours before your visit.</p>



<p><em><strong><a href="https://www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk/whats-on/afternoon-tea">The Riverbank Kitchen</a>, Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Millbrook, Guildford, GU1 3UX. Tel: 01483 44 00 00.&nbsp;</strong></em></p>


Review: Afternoon tea at The Riverbank Kitchen

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