NATIONAL Tea Day - the most British day of the year!

Our love of tea dates back centuries and only seems to get stronger as the years go by.

As a nation, we consume more than 60 billion cups a year - which is in excess of 165 million cups a day!

Whether you need something to jump start your day or a nice hot drink to help you relax, there is a tea to suit all palates.

And what better way to enjoy a nice cup of tea on National Tea Day than with a few sandwiches, cakes and freshly baked scones - afternoon tea treats!

Today, Sunday, is National Tea Day – a day dedicated to the great British cuppa.

This year’s slogan is ‘brew more, do more’ which is aimed at inspiring special moments with tea.

How about you enjoy National Tea Day with afternoon tea?

Last year, we crowned Nirvana Coffee Shop as St Helens' Best for Afternoon Tea.

You nominated your favourite destinations for afternoon tea and we created a shortlist of the top eight.

Why not visit one of these top places today for a spot of afternoon tea and good cup of tea?

ST HELENS' BEST AFTERNOON TEA DESTINATIONS:

TOAST

This popular venue has more than 450 reviews on Tripadvisor, and is a past winner of ‘Best of’ in the English Breakfast category.

The Dentons Green Lane eatery has people regularly flocking to quaint site, including Thatto Heath’s own Johnny Vegas who often visits when he’s back in town.

It got several votes for the Best of Afternoon Tea call out.

For more details, go to facebook.com/yummytoast

LILY's VICTORIAN TEAROOM

St Helens Star:

With nomination reviews like “nowhere comes close” and “amazing afternoon tea, fab service and an absolute bargain” it’s no wonder that Lily’s has been put in the mix.

Another said: “Lily's Victorian tea rooms for sure, it's excellent and plentiful”.

For more details go to facebook.com/LilysVictorianTeaRooms

ECCLESTON ARMS BAR AND GRILL

St Helens Star: Eccleston Arms

An afternoon tea at The Eccleston Arms is the perfect way to treat yourself.

With friendly staff and excellent service, you can relax and enjoy freshly prepared sandwiches and cakes each afternoon.

For more details go to facebook.com/EcclestonArmsBarandGrill

WHISTLES TEA ROOM

St Helens Star:

Whistles on Walmesley Road in Eccleston has been a staple of the community for many years.

The venue was taken over by former employee Nicola Lancaster last year following the previous owner's retirement.

And the mum-of-one has put a few changes in place, aiming to create events that make it more of a community hub.

So being shortlisted will be a huge pat on the back.

For more details, go to facebook.com/profile.php?id=100065173523919

PARK ROAD CAFE

Park Road Cafe

 

According to one nomination, this café is “perfection” so it had to make our top eight.

With a relaxed atmosphere and homecooked food, this popular spot is a favourite for hungry customers.

For more details go to facebook.com/PRCSTHELENS

INGLENOOK FARM

St Helens Star: Afternoon Tea at the Cherry OrchardAfternoon Tea at the Cherry Orchard (Image: Cherry Orchard)

Just off the Rainford bypass, this Lavender Farm has a popular eatery.

The Cherry Orchard Tearoom, a family-run business that has been established in Rainford since 2014, resides within Inglenook Farm and is popular with readers.

For more details, go to https://m.facebook.com/thecherryorchardtearoom

The LIVING WELL, WILLOWBROOK HOSPICE

St Helens Star:

With dine in and takeaway options available on their menu, The Living Well café is a firm favourite amongst Star readers.

The venue is based inside Willowbrook Hospice, with funds directly benefitting the charity, which is one way to feel incredibly good about splurging on delicious cakes.

For more details go to facebook.com/willowbrookthelivingwell

NIRVANA COFFEE SHOP

St Helens Star:

The popular Waterside Village estate is home to Nirvana Coffee Shop, famed for its gigantic milkshakes and delicious food.

It’s made the shortlist and with one view of the profile page, it’s easy to see why.

For more details, go to facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057071785463