Tewinbury Farm unveils chocolate afternoon tea with acclaimed chocolatier Paul A Young

Tewinbury Farm, a rural retreat in Welwyn, Hertfordshire, has launched a new Chocolate Afternoon Tea created in partnership with master chocolatier Paul A Young, available from this May. The collaboration brings together one of Britain’s most recognised chocolatiers and the farm’s Tythe Barn venue, offering guests an alternative take on a classic British tradition less than 30 minutes by train from London King’s Cross.

Paul A Young brings more than two decades of experience in chocolate making to the venture. He began his career as head pastry chef under Marco Pierre White at Quo Vadis and Criterion before establishing his own business, Paul A Young Fine Chocolates, which now operates three London stores. He has authored four books on chocolate, including Adventures With Chocolate, which received the Best Chocolate Book in the World award at the 2009 Gourmand Cook Book Awards. He has also made television appearances on BBC’s Saturday Kitchen Live, This Morning, and served as a judge on The Apprentice.

The afternoon tea menu reflects Young’s background in fine chocolate and his focus on single-origin and high-quality ingredients. Savoury options include a classic Cucumber Sandwich with Chocolate Cream Cheese and black pepper, a Smoked Cheddar and Caramelised Onion Sandwich, and a Chicken, Tarragon and Lemon Sandwich. Savoury bites extend to a Wild Mushroom and Truffle Tartlet and Ham Hock with Beetroot Ketchup.

On the sweeter side, the menu features Double Chocolate Chip Scones served with sea salted caramel spread alongside a traditional fruit scone with clotted cream and jam. Dessert options include a Chocolate Fudge Brownie made with 70% Colombian chocolate ganache, cocoa nibs and chocolate pearls, a White Chocolate and Rhubarb Tartlet using rhubarb grown on the farm, and a Chocolate Loaf Cake served with Earl Grey tea butter ganache.

The menu also incorporates a cocoa nib infusion made from single-origin Colombian cocoa beans roasted and sweetened with local honey, offering an alternative to the traditional pot of tea.

A vegetarian version of the afternoon tea is available, featuring alternatives such as egg mayonnaise with watercress and an apple and celeriac croûte.

In addition to the afternoon tea, Young will lead chocolate making masterclasses at Tewinbury Farm’s cookery school on selected dates, extending the partnership beyond the dining room.

Food Desk

The Chocolate Afternoon Tea price is £42 per person, and it can be booked at Tewinbury Farm’s website here. Tythe Barn is located at Hertford Road, Welwyn, Hertfordshire, AL6 0JB.