Classic poem inspires luxury afternoon tea at Knowsley Hall

I didn't know that as I cruised along the grand driveway of Knowsley Hall on Saturday afternoon for a dining experience that was inspired by Edward Lear's rhyme, written at the luxury stately home in 1831 for the then Lord Derby's grandchildren.

The home of Lord and Lady Derby is launching a very special series of luxury Signature Afternoon Tea events to celebrate the fact on Saturday, October 19.

Knowsley Hall (Image: Knowsley Hall)Guests at the preview event on Saturday were given a taste of culinary delights forming part of the afternoon tea, with ingredients described as freshly-sourced from Knowsley Estate’s farms, gamekeepers and private gardens. The menu was curated by in-house chef Alex Makin.

Live music was played by a string quartet as we were escorted to our tables, seated and invited to create a personal cocktail/mocktail, utilising Knowsley Hall’s Walled Garden Gin as a base and adding our own choice of a tea-based tincture.

On the plates were rare roast beef with creamy horseradish sauce and heritage tomato on a mini brioche bun and smoked salmon and dill creme fraiche and tomato ice cream cone to name but a few.

Reporter Craig Manning takes in the Afternoon Tea at Knowsley Hall (Image: Karen Manning)There were also delicious freshly baked sweet scones, served with strawberry jam. My wife Karen went for the one with blueberry jam. 

Guests enjoying the Signature Afternoon Tea at Knowsley Hall on Saturday (September 28) (Image: Knowsley Hall)There are also the savoury scones – all accompanied by Knowsley estate honey and fresh thyme from the grounds.

An assortment of equally delicious pastries, cakes and trifle rounded the afternoon tea off, washed down by a choice of flavoured tea.

Guest enjoying the Signature Afternoon Tea at Knowsley Hall on Saturday (September 28) (Image: Knowsley Hall)The afternoon tea was held in the opulent Stucco Ballroom in the heart of the hall.

Afterwards, there was a chance to go on a tour of the building, with mocktail in hand. It is a chance to really take in the home's heritage and beautiful surroundings.

Knowsley Hall has been in the ownership of the Stanley family (The Earls of Derby) since 1385, when it was a medieval hunting lodge. 

Knowsley Hall (Image: Knowsley Hall) Knowsley Hall took over from Lathom House as the family seat in 1495. It is family-owned and situated in the private-walled Knowsley Estate, home to The 19th Earl & Countess of Derby.

Having walked around the venue, it is easy to see why it is one of Merseyside’s hidden treasures; having been open for a brief period after the Second World War. 

One half of the Hall was then rented to the Merseyside Police as offices for about 30 years until 1997. 

The present Earl and Countess of Derby have made it their home and their life’s work to restore the Hall to its former glory. The first phase of restoration was completed in 1999. 

The venue and grounds are available for private stays, weddings, conferences, product launches, award ceremonies, charity balls, private parties and as a filming location which in the past has included Peaky Blinders, Coronation Street, Hollyoaks and British Spy thriller The Ipcress Files.

The Signature Afternoon Tea menu at Knowsley Hall inspired by 'The owl and the pussycat' (Image: Craig Manning / Newsquest)

Michael Hamilton, general manger at Knowsley Hall said: "We are delighted to be introducing our Luxury Signature Afternoon Tea of which we are incredibly proud.

"We wanted to create a unique experience that pays homage to our incredible history, in a beautifully whimsical manner that would leave guests truly wowed.

"We promise guests a beautifully thought-out, deliciously fresh menu to be enjoyed amidst the grandeur of Knowsley Hall.

"Here, they will be transported to a world of elegance and refinement and can look forward to the warm hospitality and impeccable service expected of one of the region’s finest stately homes." 

Knowsley Hall’s Luxury Signature Afternoon Tea costs £60pp. For bookings and event dates click here.

Knowsley Hall runs events all year round, including its guided tours, murder mystery evenings and new for December, Masquerade Balls. Keep up to date with what’s on via the website, Instagram or Facebook.