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="1500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/08/Silent-Pool-GTea-afternoon-tea-AE-05.jpeg" alt="G&amp;Tea Party, afternoon tea at the Silent Pool Distillery near Guildford in Surrey." class="wp-image-65513" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/08/Silent-Pool-GTea-afternoon-tea-AE-05.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/08/Silent-Pool-GTea-afternoon-tea-AE-05-800x800.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/08/Silent-Pool-GTea-afternoon-tea-AE-05-1000x1000.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/08/Silent-Pool-GTea-afternoon-tea-AE-05-400x400.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/08/Silent-Pool-GTea-afternoon-tea-AE-05-768x768.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/08/Silent-Pool-GTea-afternoon-tea-AE-05-500x500.jpeg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/08/Silent-Pool-GTea-afternoon-tea-AE-05-1100x1100.jpeg 1100w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Afternoon tea, but with gin and a seriously good view. The G&amp;Tea Party is a seasonal experience held at Silent Pool Distillery, just off the A25 outside Guildford. It runs on select dates throughout the year on the distillery’s terrace, overlooking the famously eerie – and genuinely beautiful – Silent Pool.</p>



<p>It’s an easy drive, with free parking in the Silent Pool car park (just off the A25) – just remember to register your number plate at the distillery on arrival (or future-you will not be amused).</p>



<p>The setting is genuinely impressive. Surrounded by trees and still, clear water, it feels tucked away despite being relatively accessible – one of those places that manages to feel both convenient, but also a bit like you’ve only just stumbled across it.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>THE VIB</strong>E</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/7/2023/08/Silent-Pool-GTea-afternoon-tea-AE-01.jpeg" alt="G&amp;Tea Party, afternoon tea at the Silent Pool Distillery near Guildford in Surrey." class="wp-image-65509" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/08/Silent-Pool-GTea-afternoon-tea-AE-01.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/08/Silent-Pool-GTea-afternoon-tea-AE-01-800x600.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/08/Silent-Pool-GTea-afternoon-tea-AE-01-1000x750.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/08/Silent-Pool-GTea-afternoon-tea-AE-01-400x300.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/08/Silent-Pool-GTea-afternoon-tea-AE-01-768x576.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The Terrace Bar sits above the Silent Pool itself, with views across the water and surrounding greenery giving it a quiet, tucked-away feel. It’s polished without being over-styled – more cool, contemporary terrace than rustic countryside tea room.</p>



<p>At one end of the terrace, a harpist plays a gorgeous mix of classical and contemporary songs (hello Lady GaGa). While L-shaped sofas at either end create a really welcoming and warm vibe.</p>



<p>On a sunny day, the glass doors slide open and the roof retracts, making it feel gloriously summery. But if the weather’s not playing ball – and this is England, after all – you still get that outdoorsy feel just with the wind and rain politely edited out.</p>



<p>Before afternoon tea begins, guests are taken on a short distillery tour followed by a Silent Pool Gin tasting. This isn’t just tea with a splash of gin on the side – the experience is built around gin. As it should be! </p>



<p>The afternoon tea menu, created by private chef Jon, is designed around the Silent Pool Gin botanicals. And it all feels properly tied into the distillery &#8211; from the cocktails to the food on the plate.</p>



<p>Service is relaxed rather than overly formal. And the pace is unhurried, which is perfect – this is very much a sit-back-and-stay-a-while kind of afternoon. And we&#8217;re here for it!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><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/7/2023/08/Silent-Pool-GTea-afternoon-tea-AE-04.jpeg" alt="G&amp;Tea Party, afternoon tea at the Silent Pool Distillery near Guildford in Surrey." class="wp-image-65512" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/08/Silent-Pool-GTea-afternoon-tea-AE-04.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/08/Silent-Pool-GTea-afternoon-tea-AE-04-800x600.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/08/Silent-Pool-GTea-afternoon-tea-AE-04-1000x750.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/08/Silent-Pool-GTea-afternoon-tea-AE-04-400x300.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/08/Silent-Pool-GTea-afternoon-tea-AE-04-768x576.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The menu takes its inspiration from the botanicals in Silent Pool Gin, giving this afternoon tea a more modern feel than your standard cucumber sandwich set-up.</p>



<p>In fact, there’s not a single cucumber sarnie in sight (not that I have anything against them). Instead, this trio of finger sandwiches is an utter joy: smoked salmon and cream cheese, egg and cress, plus a standout juniper-rubbed sirloin of beef with horseradish. It all feels suitably gin-appropriate without trying too hard.</p>



<p>The savoury selection is equally strong. An asparagus quiche topped with smoked trout, watercress and lemon is light, summery and genuinely gorgeous, while the coronation chicken and mango salsa wonton cup adds a hit of crunch and gentle spice. The Lincolnshire sausage roll with caramelised onion is properly indulgent – flaky, buttery pastry and a rich filling lifted by just a hint of sweetness from the onions.</p>



<p>Then comes the sweet stuff – and you’re in for a treat. Highlights include a lemon tart topped with G&amp;T jelly, a pavlova with Silent Pool Gin–marinated strawberries, and a soft orange drizzle cake finished with Silent Pool bergamot orange aroma garnish. The lavender shortbread with honeyed mascarpone and raspberry curd is a surprise standout – simple flavours that combine beautifully.</p>



<p>Drinks-wise, a classic G&amp;T is on the menu – naturally – alongside the Royal Ascot Blush cocktail, a light, summery serve that’s light, fruity, and dangerously easy to drink thanks to its strawberry and floral notes (Pimm’s and lemonade, you’ve officially got competition). And of course there’s a full tea and coffee selection too. The cocktails change seasonally – and, paired with the terrace setting, are very easy to lose track of time with.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>KID-FRIENDLY?</strong></h2>



<p>No – this one’s very much pitched at grown-ups. Think leisurely G&amp;Ts, not juice boxes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>DOG-FRIENDLY?</strong></h2>



<p>No! As tempting as it is to imagine a well-behaved spaniel enjoying the views, dogs aren’t allowed on the terrace or within the distillery.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>DISABILITY ACCESS</strong></h2>



<p>Silent Pool Distillery is generally accessible, with step-free access, ramps and an accessible toilet on site. That said, it’s set within a natural, undulating landscape, so it’s worth planning ahead.</p>



<p>Main parking is at the Silent Pool car park on the A25 (around a 3-minute walk from the distillery). A limited number of disabled spaces are available closer to the courtyard, but these must be arranged in advance.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>OUT &amp; ABOUT</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/7/2025/10/Silent-Pool-Walk-Shere-52-LS.jpg" alt="The village of Shere in the Surrey Hills." class="wp-image-62151" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/10/Silent-Pool-Walk-Shere-52-LS.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/10/Silent-Pool-Walk-Shere-52-LS-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/10/Silent-Pool-Walk-Shere-52-LS-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/10/Silent-Pool-Walk-Shere-52-LS-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/10/Silent-Pool-Walk-Shere-52-LS-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/10/Silent-Pool-Walk-Shere-52-LS-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/10/Silent-Pool-Walk-Shere-52-LS-1100x1100.jpg 1100w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The pretty Surrey village of Shere &#8211; just down the road from the Silent Pool Distillery.</figcaption></figure>



<p>You’re here for the cakes and gin – let’s be honest about that – but if you fancy making a day of it, there’s plenty to explore nearby.</p>



<p>The Surrey Hills are packed with easy, good-looking walking routes, with woodland paths and open views. The Silent Pool itself is worth a wander too – small, atmospheric, and very much part of the setting.</p>



<p>For those feeling more energetic, there’s also a brilliant 6.5km circular walk starting from the distillery, taking in a series of historical highlights along the way. It passes Albury Old Saxon Church – an ancient stone church set among trees, wildflowers and parkland – before continuing on to the 12th-century St James’ Church in Shere, famously featured in <em>The Holiday</em> and <em>Bridget Jones’s Diary</em>. Pick up a map at the distillery before you set off.</p>



<p>And if you want something a bit more postcard-pretty, head to the nearby village of Shere. Ideal for a gentle wander, a coffee stop, and extending the day in a very unhurried way.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>THE MUDDY VERDICT</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/7/2023/08/Silent-Pool-GTea-afternoon-tea-AE-03.jpeg" alt="G&amp;Tea Party, afternoon tea at the Silent Pool Distillery near Guildford in Surrey." class="wp-image-65511" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/08/Silent-Pool-GTea-afternoon-tea-AE-03.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/08/Silent-Pool-GTea-afternoon-tea-AE-03-800x600.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/08/Silent-Pool-GTea-afternoon-tea-AE-03-1000x750.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/08/Silent-Pool-GTea-afternoon-tea-AE-03-400x300.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/08/Silent-Pool-GTea-afternoon-tea-AE-03-768x576.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p><strong>Good for:</strong> Gin lovers, special occasions, mummy meet-ups, date-afternoons, grown-up family gatherings. </p>



<p><strong>Not for:</strong> You know I&#8217;m going to say it&#8230; if you don&#8217;t like gin, this experience is probably a bit wasted on you. </p>



<p><strong>The damage:</strong> The Silent Pool G&amp;Tea Party costs £70 per person. </p>



<p><em><strong><a href="https://silentpooldistillers.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Silent Pool Distillery</a>, Shere Road, Albury, Surrey, GU5 9BW</strong></em></p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-want-more">WANT MORE?</h2>



<ul>
<li><strong><a href="https://surrey.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/day-trips/day-out-in-the-surrey-hills/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">A stonkingly good day out in the Surrey Hills</a></strong></li>



<li><strong><a href="https://surrey.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/silent-pool-distillery-tour-surrey-hills/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Review: Silent Pool Distillery Tour</a></strong></li>



<li><strong><a href="https://surrey.muddystilettos.co.uk/drink/silent-pool-gin-10th-anniversary-surrey/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cheers, Silent Pool Gin! Here’s to a decade of distilling</a></strong></li>
</ul>


Review: Silent Pool Distillery G&Tea Party

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