Letchworth Hall Hotel and Beautiful setting – nice afternoon tea too !!

Lytton's Restaurant at Mercure Letchworth Hall Hotel
Letchworth Lane
Letchworth Garden City
Hertfordshire
SG6 3NP

I was late as got stuck in traffic – (But the other ladies were there already keeping my seat warm) so arrived a tad flustered, but immediately relaxed as there was plenty of parking outside – the grounds are a delight and the Great Hall is quite stunning; wooden panelled, a minstrels Gallery,   lots of comfy seats around low tables, there was also a wonderful open fire. 

As I was so late they had already been served their three tier cake stand and had started munching, but I was immediately fussed over and brought tea which was served in nice white china teapots and teacups. 

Staff were very friendly and helpful – my two friends are vegetarian and were well catered for on the sandwich front. The scones were fluffy with generous pots of cream and jam.    
We were quite surprised the cakes were tray bakes rather than the homemade patisserie promised in the menu,  but comprised of coffee and walnut, delicious lemon drizzle, chocolate brownie, and carrot cake , and were actually really moist and tasty . Sue was slightly disappointed about the lack of " a nice wedge of cake with thick icing or filling " ….. Honestly ! 

 
All in all this was excellent value - was a Travelzoo 2 for 1 deal, but a reasonable cost even without the deal! I even forgave them for using tea bags as they were posh ones and had a good choice of teas -English Breakfast,  Earl Grey,  2nd Flush Assam,  Gunpowder Green Tea & Mint,  Peppermint,  Blackcurrant & Lavender. 
Best of all we were not disturbed at at all , we could have stayed all evening, having even more tea! In fact we there there chatting for about 3 hours and finished off with coffee to wake us up for our journeys home.
Definitely stuck to tradition and one to repeat.