I jumped at the chance to go back to Eynsham Hall for a winter’s afternoon tea, having awarded it my top slot in the 2014 Oxford Mail Restaurant Awards.

I have told lots of people about it since my visit in the summer.

One of the reasons I like it so much is its quirky decor, very traditional with funky additions, which make it fun. The oak-panelled hall has a huge open fireplace with a teardrop wood burner and a lovely fire going, and above the fireplace red neon lights glowing.

The hall was warm, inviting and buzzing with conference guests, so we had our tea in the Gun Room Bar.

This is decorated in a black and yellow 1970’s style; which sounds shocking but works well.

We settled ourselves into two yellow leather sofas and were offered an array of seasonal cocktails; both opting for Baileys!

There is also a huge variety of tea, but coffee and hot chocolate are also available.

The choice of sandwiches is wide.

We were offered smoked salmon, cucumber, lemon and dill butter served on brown bloomer bread; roast turkey, apple and walnut mayonnaise served on white bloomer bread (this was my favourite); and somerset brie and cranberry, served on brown bloomer bread.

We settled for English Breakfast tea. It all duly arrived with the sandwiches generously filled which were delicious.

Then we turned our attention to the baked confections.

On the top layer were warm cranberry and cinnamon scones (nice twist) served with clotted cream and jam, beautifully presented.

Then below were the cakes... how can we eat another morsel I hear you ask? A giant tea cake, homemade – so clever – was fun to eat; then salted caramel macaroons, always pretty and finally Gateau Opera cake. Wow! We needed a lie down after that.

Eynsham Hall has a warm, friendly, comfortable feel with attentive service. It is a temptation to gluttony and therefore still a worthy winner.

Afternoon Tea served with speciality teas and coffee is £18.50 per person. Served as above with a seasonal cocktail, snowball, winter Pimms or bubbly its £24.50.

Eynsham Hall, near Witney. Call 01993 885200 or see eynshamhall.com

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