On Sunday I had the pleasure of trying An Creagan’s (located between Omagh and Cookstown) new ‘Summer Afternoon Tea’ with about 20 other photo-taking, blog-writing insta-lovers!
We arrived a little early and, while some were taking photos (see, told ya!) and sitting outside enjoying the sun, I was eyeing up the massive outside games they had set out for the kids (I didn’t see an age limit so I really should have had a go on the ‘4 in a row’?). Theres also a great wooden playground a short walk from the Visitor’s Centre which looked like a lot of fun…..but that’s ear-marked for another day ?.
As well as the play area, there are loads of nature walks and trails (*puts on to-do list*), a licensed restaurant, craft shop, coffee shop and cottages to rent (all wheel chair accessible). There is even reconstructed bronze age dwellings and a duck pond to enjoy. I’m ashamed to say I‘d forgot how great An Creagan was and my visit yesterday quickly reminded me that it really has something for everyone of every age!
The Afternoon Tea itself was served inside and we were seated around a beautifully decorated table with matching tea sets and wildflower centre pieces.
First we enjoyed a glass of prosecco (well I had water!), then after being welcomed by our host, Elaine, from ‘Elaine’s Roves n Troves‘, and Sinead, from An Creagan, we had a chance to really appreciate the room before the tea and food arrived. It had been decorated specially for a wedding the day before and between the material draped along the ceiling to the other small touches, such as the chair covers and the floral wreaths (Instagram: @jasmineandlilyfloralwreaths), it was stunning. I can see why there is a demand to hold events here, the decor coupled with the scenery outside really make this a fantastic venue (Think of the pictures ?).
The food itself was fresh; from the sandwiches, (there were 3 or 4 varieties), to the buns, pastries and scones, and everything was delicious. Although it was difficult to know what everything was, as it was buffet style and there were no labels on plates, the staff were on hand to answer any questions. We also had to request butter, jam and cream for our scones as honestly, it’s not a proper afternoon tea without them! The portions were big, (the shortbread biscuits were particularly impressive!), and the sandwiches were made with homemade bread, thick and fresh with the crusts on.
When the tea arrived it was hot, wet and brewed perfectly, with refills readily available (that’s my type of tea!!).
Coffee was also served and sweetener was available when requested.
I had the chance to try some of their loose teas. I chose ‘Mint Chocolate’. It was amazing. Kinda like a thin minty hot chocolate. (Apricot & Peach, Earl Grey, Jasmine Blossom, and Spring Berry Fruit were also available)
All in all, this wasn’t exactly what I was expecting from an afternoon tea; but it worked! Amazing buffet style food, huge servings. great service and a whole lot of fun.
So If you’re looking for an afternoon tea which is fresh, tasty and has a country twist, then this is definitely it!
Thanks again to An Creagan and Elaine for organising this and re-introducing me to this little gem right on my doorstep.
I’m really looking forward to taking the boss and John up and having a go on that play area I mentioned earlier. ?
I’d love to hear what you think of An Creagan or if you have found any hidden gems yourselves, please feel free to leave a comment below.
25 Comments
Oh wow! It looks amazing! I love the rustic decor of the place and the food looks delish!
The vintage setting just looks stellar! Plus the treats look so delicious. It look like it was a grand time and I’m glad I got the opportunity to read it!
Wow I’ve never seen a buffet style afternoon tea before, this would be right up my street as there’s always a sandwich or two that I’m not keen on. The table decorations look so pretty x
This is the first time I’d seen one too. So much food lol
Wow, mint chocolate would have been my choice as well — since you hardly ever see that as an option anywhere! And what a classy venue — Will have to stop by if I make a trip to the area!
The rest were quite fruity. But I needed to try the mint choc one. I have never heard of that flavoured tea before !
This looks fab!!! I love the sound of the mint chocolate tea too! And those desserts have made me crave sweet stuff now! Delic
The strawberry shortcakes were so big I couldn’t get my mouth round them lol
Great review Amanda, it’s left me hungry…. ?
Think of how I was editing it. Although to be fair I was finishing off the buns I got home with me so it wasn’t too bad lol
What a lovely review. Good to know the food was fresh. The cakes look very yummy.
Thanks. First review but I think I did it well. The food was amazing!!
That’s so cool! I want to find some other bloggers in my area that I can do this with! It sounds like so much fun! And the pictures look amazing!
A few us meet up in a local hotel and do afternoon tea every now and again. It’s brilliant. We set it up as an event and pre-book with tickets sonthey know where to put us depending on how many of us there are. It’s brilliant. I’ve got to know some amazing people.
This place looks amazing, love the decor and the variety of food and tea!
I hope I did it justice. It was great!!
That food looks tasty! Great photos.
It was sooo good. We got a box full home with us!!
Thanks. I didn’t take too many. I just wanted the food lol
Afternoon teas are so elegant and classy. I really like partaking in one. Last time, I was invited to have tea with my daughters and mother in law. It was an awesome experience. 😀
It makes me feel like such an adult. I love them. And they’re something different and special!
Thats an afternoon tea which looks amazing and those cakes look absolutely delicious. We are planning since so very long to do a high tea, I think we should be doing it this month
They are a great idea. So much fun and a bit special!
An Creagan looks amazing! It’s a great find, indeed. I’d love to try the mint chocolate.
It really was. They do an afternoon tea for kids too with mocktails (I only just found this out!) I’m looking an excuse to organise one for my daughter now lol