There are some buildings in Suffolk that make visitors swoon. The Swan at Lavenham is one of them. Perched in the centre of the village, the handsome beamed hotel is one of the most-photographed and illustrated properties in the county.

And it has long been regarded as a superlative spot for afternoon tea - served atop linen-lined tables in the impressive Gallery restaurant, or fireside in one of the cosy lounges.

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With autumn in full swing, it's time for the menu to steer into a new season. The hotel's executive chef Jon Ellis, and pastry chef Sarah Gilbert, are delighted to have been able to collaborate with Great British Bake Off finalist, and Netflix's Baking Impossible judge, Andrew Smyth on a collection of new sweet and savoury delights.

Andrew says he was "blown away" by a recent visit to The Swan, adding that it was a dream to work with the team to design the new afternoon tea, which is available for just six weeks.

Served on fine bone china, the experience includes smoked salmon and lemon cream cheese, egg mayonnaise, ham and mustard, and cucumber sandwiches. These are followed by freshly made plain and sultana scones with clotted cream and jams.

And the procession of goodies is completed by a collection of showstopping artisanal cakes - from a white chocolate mousse with pickled blackberries, blackberry gel, roasted pistachios and a pistachio tuille inside a white chocolate 'boat' (inspired by Andrew's time on Bake Off), to carrot cake, baked cheesecake with orange and hazelnut, and cherry and pistachio Battenberg.

James Sanders, The Swan's general manager, says: "We're always developing our afternoon tea, so this collaboration suits our joint passion for innovation.

"From initial concepts through to delivery, working with Andrew was an absolute pleasure,

and we are sure that our guests will be delighted with the newest edition to our afternoon tea menu."

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The experience (£27.50 per person) includes unlimited refills of coffee or Novus tea, and can be booked from Monday to Saturday, 12noon to 4pm, or from 2.30pm to 4pm on Sunday until November 26.

Pre-booking is essential either online, by calling 01787 247477 or via email [email protected]

Read more tasty SUFFOLK FOOD STORIES from freelance feature writer Charlotte Smith-Jarvis here...

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