Afternoon Tea Week returns from Monday 10th to Sunday 16th August 2026, and there’s no better excuse to put the kettle on, gather friends and family, and enjoy one of Britain’s most cherished traditions.
At Nelstrops, we believe no afternoon tea is complete without the humble scone — warm from the oven, generously filled, and endlessly versatile. While the classic fruit scone with jam and cream will always have its place at the table, Afternoon Tea Week is the perfect opportunity to try something a little different.
Scones are wonderfully adaptable, moving effortlessly from sweet to savoury depending on your mood and your ingredients. A traditional plain or fruit scone is comforting and familiar but introducing new flavours and textures can transform your afternoon tea into something truly memorable.
One simple way to refresh your favourite recipe is by changing the flour. Using Nelstrops Maltflake flour brings a deliciously deep malty flavour and an added bite from the flakes, giving your scones extra character and texture. It adds wholesome richness that makes a remarkable difference, especially when paired with adventurous fillings and ingredients.
For those with a sweet tooth, why not fold cranberries and pumpkin seeds into your scone mixture? The tartness of the fruit and the gentle crunch of the seeds work beautifully with the rich malted notes of the flour, creating a bake that feels both rustic and indulgent.
If savoury is more your style, cheese scones are always a crowd-pleaser, but there’s no reason to stop at cheddar. A crumbly Cheshire cheese paired with pickled onions creates a bold, tangy flavour combination that’s guaranteed to get people talking. Served slightly warm with plenty of butter, it’s a savoury afternoon tea experience to remember.
Afternoon tea is steeped in tradition, but that doesn’t mean it has to stay the same year after year. A few thoughtful changes, whether it’s experimenting with flour, adding innovative ingredients, or trying new flavour pairings, you can breathe fresh life into a much-loved classic.
So this Afternoon Tea Week, embrace the versatility of the scone and bake something a little out of the ordinary. From sweet cranberry creations to crumbly Cheshire cheese delights, there’s never been a better time to discover just how exciting afternoon tea can be.
After all, the best traditions are the ones that continue to evolve, so from all of us at Nelstrops, happy baking — and don’t forget the jam.
Maltflake Scones
Makes approx. 8–10 scones
🧾 Ingredients
· 400g Nelstrop Maltflake Flour
· 20g baking powder
· 60g demerara sugar
· Pinch of salt
· 50g cold unsalted butter (cubed)
· 175ml whole milk
· 1 egg (for dough and glazing)
🥧 Optional Fillings
Sweet Variation
· 150g dried cranberries
· 50g pumpkin seeds
Savoury Variation
· 100g crumbled Cheshire cheese
· 100g pickled onions (drained and chopped)
🥣 Method
1. Preheat the Oven
· Preheat to 200°C (180°C fan) / 400°F
· Line a baking tray with parchment paper
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
· In a large bowl, combine:
o Flour
o Baking powder
o Sugar
o Salt
3. Add the Butter
· Rub the cold butter into the flour using your fingertips
· Continue until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs
4. Add Liquids
· Beat the egg into the milk
· Gradually add to the dry mixture
· Mix gently until a soft dough forms
5. Add Fillings (Optional)
· Fold in your chosen sweet or savoury ingredients
· Mix lightly to avoid overworking the dough
6. Shape the Dough
· Turn onto a lightly floured surface
· Gently roll or pat to about ¾ inch (2cm) thick
· Cut out scones using a cutter (don’t twist for best rise)
7. Prepare for Baking
· Place scones evenly spaced on the tray
· Brush tops with egg wash for a golden finish
8. Bake
· Bake for 12–15 minutes
· Until risen and golden brown on top
