Carbis Bay’s new afternoon tea has a Paddington twist

Somewhere on a table overlooking the sea at Carbis Bay sits a small battered suitcase. Open it up and there’s a label that reads “Please look after this bear. Thank you.”

It belongs to the Paddington-inspired Afternoon Tea, which arrives at the Carbis Bay Hotel this autumn. The much-loved adventures of the Peruvian visitor are the inspiration for an afternoon of nostalgia beside the sea.

As Paddington himself says: “A wise bear always keeps a marmalade sandwich in his hat in case of emergency.”

📷Paddington Bear Afternoon Tea, Carbis Bay Collection

What’s on the table

The tea keeps all the traditions of a classic afternoon tea and adds a few playful Paddington touches.

Expect delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with Cornish cream and preserves, and an assortment of sweet treats. And, of course, there’s a nod to Paddington’s favourite marmalade.

It’s served in the Main House Orangery, which looks out over one of Cornwall’s most spectacular stretches of coast.

📷Paddington Bear Afternoon Tea, Carbis Bay Collection

When and how much

The Paddington-inspired Afternoon Tea runs throughout October and November. It’s served daily from 12pm to 3.30pm.

Afternoon Tea for Two costs £70. You can find out more and book on the Carbis Bay Hotel website.

About the Carbis Bay Collection

The Carbis Bay Collection includes the Carbis Bay Hotel, which hosted the G7 Summit in 2021 and has 35 individually designed rooms. Alongside it are beach lodges, beach suites, self-catering cottages and serviced apartments, all set within the Estate and its privately owned 25-acre Blue Flag beach.

Guests can use the C Bay Spa, and dining options on the Estate include Walter’s on the Beach, The Beach Club, The Orangery and The Deli.

Nearby, the Collection also owns The Gannet in St Ives and POD St Ives, which offers luxury glamping. Its newest addition, The Basset Arms in Portreath, opened in summer 2025 with dining and rooms.

The Collection even has a 28.15-metre Sunseeker motor yacht, Play the Game, moored a long way from Cornwall in Marina Ibiza.