Executive Chef Billy Bush and his team at The Orangery have created an exclusive afternoon tea to coincide with Blenheim Palace’s exhibition: Victorian Passions & Pursuits..  

The new afternoon tea at Blenheim Palace is a five-course celebration of Queen Victoria’s favourite desserts, freshly baked in-house each day.

Queen Victoria was well known for her appreciation of French patisserie, and her long reign influenced native bakers to create prestigious cakes in her honour, many of which have now become classic British teatime treats.

The menu will also give a nod to other notable occasions from the era such as the marriage of Princess Victoria, the granddaughter of the late Queen, to Prince Louis of Battenberg in 1884 .

The occasion called for a celebration cake of royal proportions and a Genoese sponge in alternate squares of pink and yellow, wrapped in delicate Marzipan sheet – the Battenberg Cake –  was born. 

After a tour of the exhibition, guests can enjoy the full menu for £26 per person, in the newly refreshed restaurant, which will include:

Mini Victoria Sponge

Classic Chocolate Eclair

Strawberry and Vanilla Battenburg 

Mini Classic Sherry trifle

The Lady’s Finger

Afternoon Tea can be reserved from Monday to Sunday, from 2pm to 4.45pm on 01993 810518 or via email on  [email protected]

Victorian inspired cakes such as the Banbury Cake, Victorian Sponge and a Ginger and  Honey Loaf Cake will also be available at the Oxford Pantry and the Water Terrace Cafes at the Palace.

Victorian Passions and Pursuits exhibition at Blenheim Palace runs until 16 April. Tickets are available via www.blenheimpalace.com