Mel Fewster tries the tea at the historical and beautiful Eynsham Hall

I don’t know where to start, the hall or the tea, as both were fabulous.

I loved the place; Eynsham Hall was big, grand, beautiful, warm and friendly. It was quirky, not at all commercial, and a real historical gem.

We were lucky to visit on a sunny day, the parking was easy and we entered through a huge wooden door. It was a great start. The ladies at reception introduced us to our waiter who was charming and looked after us with care.

The room that will be dedicated to teas was being refurbished, so we had a choice. To eat in the main oak-panelled hall which looked very comfortable with sofas and low tables, or in the garden. We chose the garden because it was such a wonderful day. There we had another choice; the bar siding on to trees and fields or the terrace. We opted for the terrace which overlooked the formal garden and field. It was not manicured and formal but slightly rustic and very charming.

Our table was laid with a crisp white cloth and, as if by magic, a complimentary glass of prosecco suddenly appeared.

A selection of ‘Jeeves and Jericho’ teas were on offer each to be served in their trademark tea pots. Coffee was also available.

The sandwiches were not the tiny and neat variety but more substantial and presented attractively with a garnish of mixed shoots. They were quite a sight – freshly made, crustless, with soft-buttered bread and oodles of egg mayonnaise, layers of smoked salmon with cream cheese and thinly-sliced cucumber or good ham with lashings of mustard and tomato.

The fruit scones were freshly baked and still warm. Every mouthful was a delight, with big fat juicy sultanas, and clotted cream served with redcurrants, strawberries and blueberries. It was surprisingly pleasant to have the sharpness of the redcurrants crossing the sweetness of the scones.

The chocolate eclairs were incredible, perfect choux pastry with vanilla pod flecked cream and really good glossy chocolate on top; and the cherry bakewell was out of this world.

I think I can safely report that the pastry chef is extremely talented.

After gorging ourselves we went for a walk and explored the gardens. A great teatime experience.

Eynsham Hall, near Witney. Call 01993 885200 or see eynshamhall.com 
Tea is £18.50 per person. Booking essential.