Afternoon tea is a rip off largely aimed at ripping women off

I don't think deprived is the word: basic springs to mind. Do you recall the scrunchie scene in Sex and The City?
These activities are set up for tourists. The very same ilk book coach theatre trips to Cats, because 'it's a bit of a giggle'. I've no problem with either (I wouldn't want to attend), but the question was are they a rip off - yes they are.

>>The cheap one I go to admittedly only has indoor and outdoor hot tubs, woodland relaxation area, pool, foot spas, steam room and sauna, but it's only £29 for 3 hours including lunch and a glass of prosecco.<<

Wow I'd like to ask where that is, but bet it isn't near me.

This thread gave me a smile. I do like afternoon tea. Generally I do not like heavier meals and it is nice to catch up with people in the afternoon with good tea, nibbles and in nice surroundings. I agree that quality can be variable though, but where I live there are some really nice afternoon teas with a good choice of teas and sandwiches and really nicely done cakes.

Jesus Christ bloody wind your neck in! I was being flippant!

Im so deprived and unsophisticated I dont even live in the UK let alone Surrey. And to get to London I need to get a plane.
I have a crush resistant frock to wear on my long journey. And I believe there is a toilet in Heathrow if I overdo the tea.

I think some posters are on a bit of a wind-up.

Imagine being so deprived and unsophisticated that a trip to Claridges to spend quality time with loved ones while being brought lovely sandwiches and cakes is seen as 'a treat'.

I suppose you think they should remain in whatever provincial hell hole from which they hail so your worldly sensibilities are not sullied by the mere sight of them?

Im going to London in a few weeks. So everyone can sneer at me. Lovely.
I am even booking afternoon tea in my favourite place. And I know a great caff near my hotel for breakfast.

*Less sophisticated out of towners” 🙄

If there’s one positive thing I can say about you, it’s that at least you won’t have to worry about the effects of climate change because you’ll have drowned in your own smugness long before then.

I see acres of HRT-fuelled non Londoners - donning vile floral midi dresses (clutching high street bags), tripping out of Claridges or similar. Because it's 'a treat'. I've always assumed it was invented for those who can't afford a proper lunch.

I loathe them. Living in London I assume the hotels lay them on for the less sophisticated out of towners. Who the fuck wants sandwich's and cake for lunch - over the age of 5 and under the age of 70?

Yes I’m aware of that but it’s the sort of sarky dismissive comment that’s rife on this thread simply because others like to spend money on things that they don’t personally value or care for and apparently that’s worthy of derision.

I'm pretty sure that poster was joking.

There are a lot of bizarre posts on this thread. I’m decidedly not a spa day person and I’ve never tried one but I’m pretty sure that it involves considerably more than a dressing gown and sitting in your friend’s bathroom.

How far do you think people are travelling for Afternoon tea? I can’t speak for everyone but generally I’m going to have Afternoon tea in the city closest to me.(20 minutes) No motorway service stations required and the hotels(and other venues) do generally have loos.

Carrying cakes in a box that you can put into a bag is no more challenging than carrying any other item that I might purchase when shopping.

I’m not winding you up. I just asked practical questions, as a few people mentioned how stuffed they were and got a doggy bag for home. Also the unlimited tea and access to the loos after. I suppose that’s what motorway service stations are for; a bit of a step down from the quaint establishment you’re coming from.

Calling women gullible for spending money on something they like, which men also spend money on too, but apparently don't need to be called gullible for it is the very definition of chauvinistic

But congrats for thinking you are the opposite, thats cute

What’s all this about tramming around town afterwards, or sitting on a train for an hour?
Don’t pass out but when I go for afternoon tea it’s usually in a very quaint, and very remote establishment and get this, I can actually drive!!!!
Yes I drive myself there and back!!!!

Oh the horror.
I also consider it good value to be able to sit in peace in beautiful surroundings whilst not having to listen to blaring tvs or people shouting like they do in pubs.
I also go where there are no children. Just like minded people sat talking quietly and peacefully, so no interruptions.
There is no way I would piss about making the individual delicate cakes either, no way.
I always have several coffees too.
Yes I could sit at home but so could the people who get ripped off in pubs daily.

That would only make sense if your bathroom was the size of a small country house with grounds housing several large jacuzzis, and the bathroom itself having a variety of whirlpool baths, saunas, steam rooms, foot spas, swimming pools and relaxation beds. With someone else paying for all that hot water.

The cheap one I go to admittedly only has indoor and outdoor hot tubs, woodland relaxation area, pool, foot spas, steam room and sauna, but it's only £29 for 3 hours including lunch and a glass of prosecco.

The nicer ones are more (£70-100) but have far more facilities, are absolutely bloody lovely, include brunch or lunch with wine and worth the money to me.

Haha, I’m far from chauvinistic, quote the opposite. Men spend silly amounts of money on some things too.

We could take this anywhere. I am a good cook so is my partner. We can cook for each other and even using top quality ingredients it would be cheaper than eating out. You know what? sometimes I like to eat out. Recently I had a meal on holiday just outside a well known landmark. We could have got a cheaper meal around the corner in a back street. Was I ripped off? No i had a choice and chose this option as I may never go there again.

😁

Spa days. What a bloody money spinner!!

£49 for a basic one and what is it - a white robe, paper slippers and access to a pool. Absolute rip off!!

A friend used to regularly announce "let's do a spa day!" In the end I threw my dressing gown at her and told her she was welcome to sit in my bathroom 🤣

I love afternoon tea although I go rarely. I know they are not value for money if you just break down the ingredient cost. I usually go to a beautiful hotel/country house where you can dress up to the nines I see a few men there (mainly in couples). You pay for the ambience (like many things).

Wow, so nasty. I've never heard anyone giggle about afternoon tea or think that prosecco is naughty, nut then I'm obviously not as cool as you, OP😒