There is something special about sitting down to a proper afternoon tea in Southport. It is one of those simple pleasures that brings people together. A pot of tea, freshly made sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream and jam, and a selection of cakes. It is the kind of thing that turns an ordinary afternoon into a memory.
Here at Bowden Lodge, we have been welcoming guests into our beautifully restored Victorian guest house for years. With our private function room that seats up to 34 guests and bi-fold doors opening onto the garden, it is one of the most charming spots in Southport to enjoy an afternoon tea with the people who matter most.
What Is Included in Afternoon Tea?
If you have never been to a proper afternoon tea, you might be wondering what to expect. The tradition goes back to the 1840s in Britain, when it started as a light meal to fill the gap between lunch and a late dinner. Today, it has become a much-loved way to celebrate birthdays, baby showers, hen parties, and other special occasions.
So, what is included in afternoon tea? A traditional afternoon tea typically includes sandwiches, scones, and a selection of cakes or pastries, all served with tea or coffee. The tradition dates back to the Victorian era, and each venue puts its own spin on the classic format.
Here at Bowden Lodge, our afternoon tea is priced at £20 per person and includes everything you need for a proper sit-down treat. You will receive a round of sandwiches including ham, cheese, and egg mayo, served with a salad garnish and Lancashire crisps on the side. It is a hearty, homemade start that sets the tone for what is to come.
Next come two of our homemade scones, one fruit and one plain, served warm with butter, jam, and clotted cream. There is a long-running friendly argument about which goes on first, the jam or the cream.
To finish, we serve a selection of three homemade cakes with a fresh fruit garnish. Everything is baked by us, right here at Bowden Lodge. We take great pride in our baking and always use fresh, quality ingredients. Tea and coffee are included to round off the experience perfectly.
Why Choose Bowden Lodge for Afternoon Tea in Southport?
We are not your average venue. Bowden Lodge is a family home first and a guest house second. We live and work here, which means every part of your experience is looked after personally. We do not treat visitors as customers. We see them as guests stepping into our home.
Our guest house sits on Albert Road, which is the continuation of Southport’s famous Lord Street. It is a quiet, central spot that is only a short walk from the seafront, local shops, and the railway station. Our guests often comment on how peaceful the location feels, even though everything Southport has to offer is right on the doorstep.
What really sets us apart is the personal touch. We bake everything ourselves using fresh, local produce, and we put the same love into our afternoon teas as we do into every breakfast and every room we prepare. When you book with us, you are not just hiring a space. You are being welcomed into our home.
The Function Room at Bowden Lodge
If you are looking for function rooms in Southport that feel warm and welcoming rather than cold and corporate, we would love you to come and see our space. Our private function room has been recently refurbished and can seat up to 34 guests at rectangular banqueting tables. On sunny days, the bi-fold doors open up to the garden, bringing in natural light and a lovely sense of space.
We also have extra seating for up to 22 guests in our breakfast room, plus a comfortable guest lounge. This means we can handle gatherings of different sizes, from a small birthday tea for a handful of friends to a larger celebration with family and loved ones.
We are licensed to serve alcohol, so you can add a glass of fizz or wine to your afternoon tea if the occasion calls for it. We also cater for a range of dietary needs, so every guest can enjoy the food without worry.
Afternoon Tea Room Hire for Special Occasions
Afternoon tea room hire at Bowden Lodge works well for all sorts of events. Many of our guests book the function room for birthday parties, baby showers, bridal showers, retirement celebrations, and even christenings. It is also a popular choice for small group get-togethers, book clubs, and family reunions.
Because we are also a guest house, there is a big bonus that many other function rooms in Southport cannot offer. Guests can stay overnight. We have a selection of en-suite bedrooms, each individually styled and well maintained. So if friends or family members are travelling from further away, they can book a room, enjoy the afternoon tea, and wake up to one of our famous breakfasts the next morning.
The whole experience feels seamless. You are not rushing between different venues or worrying about transport. Everything happens under one roof, in a setting that feels relaxed and personal.
What Makes Southport a Great Spot for Afternoon Tea?
Southport has long been known as a classic seaside town with a lot of character. Lord Street, with its covered walkways and tree-lined paths, is one of the finest shopping streets in the North West. The seafront, Marine Lake, and Hesketh Park all add to the charm. It is the kind of place where people come to slow down and enjoy themselves.
That spirit fits perfectly with afternoon tea in Southport. It is about taking time out of a busy week, sitting down with people you care about, and savouring good food in a lovely setting. There is no rush, no noise, and no fuss. Just great company, freshly made food, and a proper pot of tea.
We like to think Bowden Lodge captures that feeling. With our Victorian character, beautiful garden, and warm, family-led service, we want to give you a reason to linger a little longer.
How to Book Afternoon Tea at Bowden Lodge
If you would like to book afternoon tea room hire at Bowden Lodge, we would love to hear from you. We are always happy to talk through your plans, discuss menu options, and help you create the right setup for your occasion.
You can call us on 01704 543531 or send an email to enquiries@bowdenlodge.co.uk. You can also visit our function room page to find out more about the space and what is available.
For those planning a larger celebration, it is also worth asking about full or partial house hire. This gives your group exclusive use of the guest house, including bedrooms, the function room, and shared spaces. It is a wonderful option for milestone birthdays, anniversaries, or festive gatherings.
If you are looking for more ideas on how to use our space, you might also enjoy reading about function room hire in Southport or how Bowden Lodge works as a wedding venue in Southport.
A Place That People Come Back To
One of the nicest things about running Bowden Lodge is how many of our guests return. Some have been visiting for years. They come back for the clean, comfortable rooms, the homemade breakfasts, and the genuine welcome they receive every time. Many have become lifelong friends, and for us, there is no greater compliment than a guest who chooses to come back.
That kind of trust is not built overnight. It comes from years of caring about every detail, from the way a room is prepared to the food that goes onto each plate. It is what makes us one of the most loved and trusted places to stay and celebrate in Southport.
So if you are planning a get-together and want it to feel truly special, consider afternoon tea in Southport at Bowden Lodge. Good food, good company, and a setting that feels like home.
