In the same year that the nation has celebrated the Diamond Jubilee and the Olympics, it seems that another British institution is also alive and well, as one hotel in the Classic Lodges group can attest.

Charingworth Manor, a 700 year-old hotel near Chipping Campden in Gloucestershire, served no fewer than 700 afternoon teas in just one month – and not just your everyday ‘cuppa’, but a whole variety of cream teas, champagne teas and – for 2012 only – the Diamond Jubilee tea that includes a specially created jelly.

Director of Marketing and Associates, Richard Smith says that the increased demand for tea reflects an overall increase in the number of visitors to Charingworth Manor, and to the Cotswolds generally: “We have seen a large number of tourists this year, markedly more than last, and certainly more from Japan following a promotional campaign we have had over the last couple of years,” he says.

“I think there has been a feel good factor across Britain this summer and for some hotels and restaurants that has meant an increase in business. We have benefited not only because of the quality of our teas, but also because of our location, with our lawns overlooking the 55 acres of grounds and the Cotswolds countryside beyond.”

www.classiclodges.co.uk