THE ALL new Lady Herbert’s Garden in Coventry is once again hosting its popular afternoon tea this summer following last year’s success.
Historic Coventry Trust has been working with Coventry City Council to transform the 91-year-old garden in the city centre with extensive planting.
After introducing the afternoon teas in 2021, Historic Coventry Trust has organised three more afternoon teas in collaboration with Esquires Coffee – starting this Sunday.
The garden was developed in the 1930s by Coventry industrialist and philanthropist Sir Alfred Herbert for his wife Florence, aka ‘Lady Herbert’, to be a ‘haven of peace and floral beauty’ in the city centre.
A big supporter of local heritage, Sir Alfred also wanted to make visible and highlight the surviving section of the medieval city wall and two gatehouses.
Sadly, Florence died just one day before the official plans were approved to build the garden so she never saw the project completed.
However, Sir Alfred made sure that she would always be remembered by using her initials FH on all the original gates and railings as well as at the top of Swanswell Gate.
Francesca Marsland, heritage engagement coordinator at Historic Coventry Trust, said they had been working with Coventry City Council and volunteers to carry out new planting in the garden over the last few months.
“The work has been inspired by the original 1930s planting plan and we think Lady Herbert’s Garden is now looking lovelier than ever,” she said.
“We introduced Lady Herbert’s Afternoon Tea in 2021 and were overwhelmed by its success.
“Now that the current programme of work has nearly finished and to celebrate the site’s amazing heritage, we thought it was the perfect time to organise our afternoon teas for 2022.
“We think it will be the perfect place to spend a sunny, summer Sunday in Coventry.”
The teas are running on Sunday, June 26, Sunday, July 31 and Sunday, August 28, with sittings at 12-1.30pm and 1.30pm-3pm.
Visit https://www.historiccoventrytrust.org.uk/whats-on/lady-herberts-afternoon-tea/ to book.
