Traditional Afternoon Tea at the manor house
On the last Saturday of every month, Bårdshaug Herregård invites you to Afternoon Tea in the historical rooms of the manor. Learn more about this British tradition that Queen Maud brought to the palace in 1905 and which Christian Thams continued with his tea gatherings at Bårdshaug Herregård.
Historical tea party
During Christian Thams’ time, King Haakon and the British Queen Maud regularly served Afternoon Tea in the Queen’s “Drawing Room” at the palace in Kristiania. The creative and resourceful friend of the king, Thams, was likely inspired by the royal customs and often invited distinguished guests and businessmen to tea parties at Bårdshaug Herregård, including on the occasion of the opening of the Thamshavn-Svorkmo Line in 1908.
Afternoon Tea developed into its own meal.
The tradition of tea drinking in England can be traced back to 1662 when tea was introduced to the court by the Portuguese princess Catherine of Braganza, wife of King Charles II. By the mid-19th century, tea had become widespread in England, and afternoon tea evolved into a distinct meal. According to the Norwegian Royal House it was one of Queen Victoria’s courtladies, the Duchess of Bedford, who founded the ritual.
The upper class dined late, and the duchess would often have bread with butter, biscuits, and cakes sent up to her dressing room as a light snack. This meal was accompanied by a cup of Darjeeling tea. The duchess began inviting friends to afternoon tea, and even Queen Victoria embraced the idea. Gradually, afternoon tea evolved into an elegant ceremony with multiple courses and the use of silver and porcelain serving ware. As Queen Victoria began hosting such events, they grew in scale and formality.
Bårdshaug Herregård carries on the tradition
The current hosts at Bårdshaug Herregård continue this British tradition by inviting guests to our regular Afternoon Tea service in the historic manor house parlors, held on the last Saturday of each month (except for July and December) from kl. 13.00 til kl. 16.00, with the last seating at kl. 14.00.
Our goal is to enrich our guests’ dining experience with a historical touch, presenting our unique local interpretation of this classic service, where local flavors change with the pulse of nature and the availability of seasonal ingredients. Filled finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with whipped jam and fresh cream, homemade tarts, cakes, and sweets are always part of our Afternoon Tea, regardless of the season.
Bårdshaug Herregård has recently partnered with Gravraak Teateliér to serve their exquisite teas during our Afternoon Tea. Gravraak Teateliér is a workshop in Trondheim where Master Tea Blender Hanne Charlotte Heggberget blends teas with knowledge and care, in collaboration with tea farmers and masters worldwide, often infused with wild herbs from Trøndelag.
Something beyond the ordinary
The Baroness’s room on the second floor of the manor was the private room of Thams’ first wife, the Dutch-born Baroness Sarah Sybille Francoise Antoinette Elèonore de Spengler. Her room is beautifully and authentically furnished, with replica furniture in the Louis Seize style and with a view of the manor park. Due to the room’s romantic and delicate details, many couples have fallen in love with the atmosphere of this room. Afternoon Tea in the Baroness’s room is a completely unique experience for up to four guests, where the room can be booked as a Chambre Séparée during our scheduled Afternoon Tea services, on the last Saturday of each month.
Book your Afternoon Tea experience
Our Afternoon Tea is inspired by the historical charm of the past and the best seasonal ingredients. Included per person is one Afternoon Tea serving, delicately arranged on traditional tiered plates, along with a pot of our exclusive tea from Gravraak Teatlièr. Afternoon Tea in the historical rooms at Bårdshaug Herregård is best enjoyed with a bottle of champagne or a good Norwegian cider.
Would you like to elevate your experience to new heights? Feel free to upgrade your Afternoon Tea experience with an overnight stay in one of our historical rooms in the manor or in one of our newer rooms in the modern hotel building. If you book Afternoon Tea for two or more people, we offer you a 15% discount on your accommodation when booked alongside your Afternoon Tea reservation.
Reserve a table and book your Afternoon Tea:
You can make a reservation via email at post@baardshaug.no or by phone at 72 47 99 00.
We aim to accommodate allergies and intolerances as best as possible for our Afternoon Tea guests. Therefore, we kindly request that any food allergies be communicated upon reservation or by email to post@baardshaug.no, at least one day before the event begins.