Some British traditions will never fade despite food trends coming and going: a Sunday roast, drinking copious amounts of tea, a full English, and dishes with baffling names to non-Brits (bangers and mash, toad in the hole).

However, one particular tradition has not only stood the test of time, but continues to grow in popularity over 150 years after its claimed to have been invented. Legend has it the Duchess of Bedford found herself feeling peckish between lunch and dinner and arranged for sweet and savoury snacks to be brought to her room, inadvertently creating afternoon tea.

While members of Virgin Red have several options for enjoying the elegance (Harrods Afternoon Tea) of afternoon tea (Traditional Afternoon Tea), here are some other options available through our friends at Virgin Experience Days, whatever your Virgin Points balance.

If you love afternoon tea but also enjoy foods with a spicy kick, this unique experience is for you. Hosted by Edible Kitchen in Bedfordshire, the Chilli Afternoon Tea for Two replaces scones with spicy sandwiches, tortilla chips and chilli condiments. After the meal, guests will enjoy a gourmet tasting of sauces and chillies, with glasses of milk provided when things start heating up.

The Amber Collection voucher from Virgin Experience Days has several options for afternoon tea with a spin. Classic Lodges Hotel has six locations across the UK offering an extravagant feast of hand-cut sandwiches, home-baked cakes, and scones with a pot of fine tea or coffee. You’ll also be treated to a chilled glass of champagne.

Alternatively you can venture into London and try an Indian Afternoon Tea at Soho Wala offering the likes of lamb kathi roll, a beetroot kebab wrap, and Bombay Bhel peri, alongside Mitha (sweet) treats, or a tapas-style afternoon tea in MAP Maison’s 1920s art deco decor, featuring mini baguettes with Iberico ham, avocado mash, mini cheeseburgers and tasty vegetarian bites.

Finally there’s Veeno’s Italian Afternoon Tea serving a selection of panini, meat and cheese, cake and scones with jam and cream alongside tea or coffee and a glass of prosecco. This is available at nine locations across the UK.

For a five star culinary experience in Manchester, Lowry Hotel’s gin afternoon tea is our pick. The meal - recently recognised with an Excellence Award by The British Tea Guide - offers an array of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and strawberry preserve, pastries and dainty fancies made with the finest ingredients by the head chef. The experience is made extra special with a bespoke gin and tonic pairing.

If you’re off to Oxford, why not enjoy afternoon tea while you’re there? A Scarlet Collection voucher will allow you to book Oxford Afternoon Tea River Cruise for Two and take in the sights of the historic city along the famous for the University Regatta Course. You’ll drift along the tranquil water meadows surrounding Oxford, before turning home at Rose Island, a favourite destination of Lewis Carroll.

On board, you’ll be served an indulgent afternoon tea provided by The Folly to make the experience more British. Tuck into an array of sweet and savoury delights, including finger sandwiches, homemade scones, cakes, and tarts.

Grab an Ebony Collection voucher and journey to West Sussex for an afternoon of pampering and sweet treats with a Vintage Afternoon Tea and Treatment for Two at the Spread Eagle Hotel and Spa. The building was once a 16th century coaching inn and has been transformed into a boutique hotel and spa. This voucher will grant access to full use of the spa - including an indoor heated pool, gym, steam room, sauna and jacuzzi - and one 25 minute treatment each.

Afterwards, enjoy the delicious afternoon tea served in the historic surroundings of the hotel’s conservatory.

P.S. We always do our best to include the most up to date information, but our offers do change from time to time. Click on each offer for the current points price and all the details.