Afternoon tea with a twist

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.

(Photocredit: @carrieanneelizabeth)

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.