Cheers To Beer With Afternoon Tea

Beer is no longer just ‘a drink for the boys’, and why should it be? A good glass of beer or ale can give a vintage vino a run for its money in the right setting, and what better setting for enjoying a few drinks than at Afternoon Tea? So to celebrate Beer Day Britain which takes place across the country today, we’ve teamed up with There’s a Beer for That, the campaign to promote the quality, diversity and versatility of beer, and award winning beer sommelier Marverine Cole, to give the longstanding British tradition of afternoon tea a makeover…

Here’s our comprehensive guide showing you just how well a delectable treacle tart can pair with a fruity cherry beer, or how an indulgent Chocolate Porter is the perfect partner to a creamy chocolate éclair. So swap the cuppa for a craft beer and discover that afternoon tea is best enjoyed with a real brew!

Mini Finger Sandwiches

Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese on granary bread paired with Cascade Single Hops

The lilting citrus and floral nature of the Cascade Single Hops makes a lovely contrast to the light smokiness of the salmon, with neither overpowering the other. A perfect starter! Stocked by Marks & Spencers, £2.29 per bottle.

Egg Mayonnaise and Mustard Cress on white bread paired with Hoegaarden

The aroma of orange peel, coriander and spiced citrus flavour in this Belgium wheat beer perfectly compliments the sharp taste of the Mustard Cress, while the light-bodied texture of the Hoegaarden contrasts against the density of the egg mayonnaise. Stocked by Sainsburys, £3.00 per bottle.

Cheddar Cheese & Celery with a Chive Mayo on granary bread paired with Fullers Vintage Ale

Beer makes a fantastic match with cheese, and some say even better than wine does! A strong cheddar needs a strong ale to stand up to its rich flavours, and the malt in Fuller’s Vintage Ale combined with the cinnamon pineapple and marmalade notes rests easily against the fuller flavoured mature cheddar, making it a delicious combination. Stocked by Waitrose, £4.09 per bottle.

Tuna Mayonnaise on granary bread paired with Heineken

The citrus notes of the Heineken compliment the taste of the fish just like a slice of lemon, while the lightness of the lager also cuts through the mayonnaise, refreshing the pallet. Stocked by Tesco, £1.50 per bottle.

Honey Roasted Ham with Mustard Mayonnaise on white bread paired with Innis & Gunn Original

Brewed in a whisky barrel, Innis and Gunn Original is a classic golden honey colour with a lovely creamy and warming finish. It tastes even better alongside a honey roasted ham and mustard mayonnaise sandwich, as the hints of toffee, vanilla and oak really bring out the sweetness in the ham. Stocked by Beers of Europe, £1.89 per bottle.

Coronation Chicken & Spinach on white bread paired with Pilsner Urquell

A fail-safe combination as the crisp hoppy aroma and gentle fizz of the Pilsner Urquell goes hand-in-hand with the creamy texture and taste of the coronation chicken, while the smooth taste of the pilsner stands up well to the gentle spices. Stocked by Beers of Europe, £2.48 per bottle.

Vanilla Macaroon paired with Thornbridge Wild Swan

Thornbridge Wild Swan is white gold in colour, and the aromas of light bitter lemon and the subtle spicy undertones provide a tasty yet sharp contrast to the soft sweet vanilla flavor in the macaroon! Stocked by Beers of Europe, £2.49 per bottle.

 Viennese Whirls paired with Meantime Raspberry Wheat and Carlsberg

The fruity and refreshing taste of the Raspberry Wheat is the perfect partner for the butter jam middle of a viennese whirl, while the biscuit sandwich goes perfectly with the lightly hopped wheat flavor of the beer – some might even say that Meantime Raspberry Wheat is the liquid version of a Vienesse whirl! Stocked by Beers of Europe, £2.19 per bottle.

Chocolate Eclairs filled with Whipped Cream Paired with Meantime Chocolate Porter

The natural mocha flavor of the four different roasted malts combined with the addition of real chocolate during maturation gives Meantime Chocolate Porter a strong, a rich coco flavor, while the creamy center of the chocolate éclair pleasantly lightens the taste! Stocked by Beers of Europe, £2.29 per bottle.

Pistachio Macaroon Paired with Theakstons Old Peculier

This rich, dark, smooth-tasting beer is most enjoyable with Pistachio Macaroon, as the complex character highlights the nutty flavor of the Pistachio. Stocked by Asda, £1.70 per bottle.

Treacle Tart Paired with Bacchus Kriek

This delectable tangy, sour cherry beer provides a mouthwatering contrast to the sweet, sticky treacle tart, bringing you the ultimate sweet treat in beer and cakes. Stocked by Tesco, £2.49 per bottle.

Chocolate Macaroon Paired With Little Valley Stoodley Stout

Stoodley stout is a rich, dark stout. With chocolate and crystal malts mixed with oats and wheat, and a rich, creamy roasted flavor, Little Valley Stoodley Stout proves to be the perfect accomplice to a chocolate macaroon for a double chocolate treat! Little Valley Stoodley Stout, £2.39 per bottle.