As the festive season approaches, why not elevate your holiday traditions with an experience that perfectly blends historic charm and culinary sophistication? The countdown to Christmas has begun, and The Maltings Coffee Shop at Annandale Distillery invites you to step into a world of seasonal elegance.
Housed in the original, beautifully restored maltings floor of the distillery, The Maltings is far more than a coffee shop. It's a chic, award-winning, and fully licensed destination where heritage meets modernity. The sophisticated, yet welcoming, atmosphere—complete with a dog-friendly policy—makes it an ideal setting for a relaxed gathering or a memorable celebration.
The signature Festive Afternoon Tea
The Maltings is celebrated for its exquisite two-course afternoon teas, and the seasonal edition is a must-book event. Running from November 18 to January 4, the Festive Afternoon Tea is a curated culinary journey, featuring an impeccable selection of sweet and savoury delights crafted from the finest local ingredients.
Your experience begins with an amuse-bouche, followed by a refined savoury selection: delicate smoked salmon and caper cream cheese roulade, a classic pear and stilton vol-au-vent, and inventive festive bites like a roast potato topped with Brussels and pancetta and miniature pigs in blankets.
The sweet course offers a sophisticated take on holiday favourites: a nostalgic sherry trifle, a light and airy pavlova topped with cream and fruit compote, an artisanal mince pie, a rich chocolate roulade, and fragrant lemon amoretti biscuits.
Each tea is expertly paired with your choice of premium Brodie’s loose-leaf teas or rich Caffia coffee. For those seeking to enhance the occasion, consider adding a glass of elegant Prosecco or indulging in a fascinating Whisky Flight featuring the distillery's exceptional single malts.
Extending the festive menu
Should your plans call for a more substantial meal, The Maltings’ main Christmas menu also launches on November 18. Enjoy sophisticated starters like a warm beetroot, goats’ cheese and walnut salad, followed by mains such as the succulent turkey escalope stuffed with sage and onion and wrapped in streaky bacon, or a flavourful mushroom, spinach and chestnut parcel. Both are served with traditional, perfectly prepared trimmings. Desserts include classic apple and mincemeat crumble or a bright lemon posset with shortbread.
Reserve your exclusive experience
Please note, the Festive Afternoon Tea is a bespoke experience and must be secured through pre-booking, with a minimum of 24 hours' notice. We encourage early reservations to ensure your preferred date.
The Maltings Coffee Shop and Annandale Distillery Shop is conveniently located:
· Just 30 minutes away from Carlisle.
· Approximately 75 minutes away from Whitehaven.
Book your table today and make this festive season unforgettable. Open every day EXCEPT Christmas Day, Boxing Day and January 1.
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