The summer flower shows have got us thinking of wonderful spreads packed with colour and delicate aromas just fit for royalty. Afternoon tea has long been a staple of the Royal Household, ever since Anna Russell, one of Queen Victoria’s Ladies of the Bedchamber, too hungry to wait for dinner, asked for some bread, butter and small sweet treats to enjoy with her friends. So give yourself a little treat fit for a queen - here are our favourite treats for a majestic afternoon tea.

Scone recipes

The centrepiece of any great afternoon tea, scones can be either lightly sweetened or a more savoury fare. Anyone with a sweet tooth will love these traditional scones with homemade strawberry and vanilla jam, while savoury sage scones are perfect for topping with your favourite cheese and pickle.

Coronation chicken finger sandwiches

Did you know that coronation chicken was invented for the dinner guests of Her Majesty’s special day in 1953? So for a savoury bite truly fit for royalty, these coronation chicken finger sandwiches are just the ticket. Delight kids of all ages by using classic white sandwich bread - crusts discarded!

Classic cinnamon shortbread

Nothing beats buttery, crumbly, melt-in-the-mouth shortbread with a hint of spicy cinnamon. Originating in Scotland from a recipe by a certain Mrs. McLintock, shortbread is one of the most loved biscuits in Britain - so much so that Queen Elizabeth II is said to have her own special recipe served up in Balmoral Castle.

Mini carrot cupcakes

Not too sweet, not too heavy - carrot cake cupcakes with a beautiful cream cheese icing are a delicate treat the whole family will enjoy. These mini versions are just the right size for enjoying with a cup of the finest Darjeeling or Orange Pekoe tea. For an extra extravagant flourish, finish with fondant carrots.

Chocolate and vanilla sponge bites

These wonderfully light yet decadent cake bites are the perfectly indulgent finale to an afternoon feast. Made with ground almonds, dark chocolate and a hint of rum, these are sure to satisfy the cravings of any chocoholics at the table. Coat with a luscious chocolate icing and your favourite topping - think desiccated coconut, crushed nuts or hundreds and thousands.