Following National Fossil Day, we’re transporting guests at Blossoms restaurant back in time to the era of the dinosaurs, with our brand-new interactive Jurassic Afternoon Tea!
This themed afternoon tea is set to be a staple on our menu, offering whimsical fun for all our younger guests.
Read on to uncover the secrets behind our afternoon tea, and the significance of the history of Rutland Water…
The History of Rutland Water: Our Jurassic Afternoon Tea
So, why the Jurassic theme?
Well, you may remember when, back in January 2022, the fossilised remains of a 180 million-year-old ichthyosaur were discovered in the Rutland reservoir.
The colossal sea predator, measuring a whopping 10 metres long, hailed from the early Jurassic period, and surfaced just a stone’s throw from our hotel.
This unprecedented discovery marked one of the largest and most complete ichthyosaur skeletons ever found in the world, making it an incredible and significant revelation for us in the history of Rutland Water — especially as Rutland is the smallest county in England!
History of Rutland Water: Celebrating the Ichthyosaur
So, to celebrate, we’ve launched our ‘Jurassic Afternoon Tea’ — a delightful, themed treat for our fossil fanatics!
Prepare for an extraordinary journey into the prehistoric land, as we unveil a playful menu filled with delectable delights and interactive fun. Here’s a sneak peek at what awaits you:
- Dino-Sandwiches: Enjoy freshly-made sandwiches that have been transformed into adorable dinosaur shapes.
- Sausage Roll: Sink your teeth into a savoury sausage roll that’s sure to satisfy your dino-sized appetite.
- Interactive Shortbread Biscuit: Youngsters (and the young at heart) can get in on the action by personalising their very own dinosaur-shaped shortbread biscuit using icing pens.
- Chocolate Brownie and Cupcake: Satisfy your sweet tooth with a rich and indulgent chocolate brownie — a true Jurassic treat.
The Jurassic Afternoon Tea will be available 12-5pm every day. Priced at just £20pp, it’s the perfect way to treat your family to a roarsome experience!
Our Successful 2022 Competition
Back when the ichthyosaur was first found, we launched a competition encouraging the public to pen a compelling short story about the mysterious and almost mythical ‘sea dragon’, and how it came to be here.
A local school pupil, Phoebe, won the competition with her creative piece, titled ‘The Beast of Rutland’. Excitingly, we’re going to be sharing Phoebe’s story for guests to read as they tuck into our Jurassic Afternoon Tea!
A thrilling take on the ichthyosaur’s existence, printing Phoebe’s story for guests to read seemed like the perfect way to enhance this immersive, themed tea.
Blending scrumptious flavours with interactive fun, this afternoon tea promises to be a roaring success, drawing on the history of Rutland Water and showcasing all that Blossoms has to offer in 2023 and beyond.
Book an Overnight Stay
If you’re coming to experience our Jurassic Afternoon Tea for a special occasion, why not make it even more memorable by booking a stay here at Rutland Hall?
With a wide range of activities suitable for all ages, including on-site and off-site options like swimming, cycling, and fishing, there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained!
Wake up to views of the reservoir, immerse yourself in the history of Rutland Water, and enjoy spending some quality time together.
For further information about our afternoon tea and other dining options, or to book a table, please contact a member of our team.
Alternatively, why not read our previous blog to discover our top tips for getting in the Christmas spirit early this year?
