IT HAS felt like a long time coming, but indoor dining is back up and running.

As of Monday (May 17) people can meet indoors in groups of six, meaning that many of us are now looking forward to catch-ups with friends or family.

We asked our readers where their favourite places to go for afternoon tea in the borough and surrounding area, and received 40 responses. 

In no particular order, here are just nine of YOUR recommendations: 

Tylney Hall

Basingstoke Gazette: Tylney Hall [Credit: TripAdvisor]Tylney Hall [Credit: TripAdvisor]

Located in Rotherwick, Tylney Hall hotel is a Victorian era mansion house which gets a brilliant rating of 4 on Trip Advisor. Whether in need of a romantic retreat, or TLC spa weekend, afternoon tea in its restaurant looks divine. 

Four Seasons Hampshire 

Basingstoke Gazette: Four Seasons Hampshire [Credit: TripAdvisor]Four Seasons Hampshire [Credit: TripAdvisor]

Another stunning country hotel, located in Dogmersfield Park, Four Seasons gets a 4.5 rating on TripAdvisor and makes for an idyllic weekend trip.

The Palm Brasserie

Basingstoke Gazette: The Palm Brasserie [Credit: TripAdvisor]The Palm Brasserie [Credit: TripAdvisor]

Situated between Oakley and Overton, on the Andover Road, The Palm Brasserie received several nominations as a top afternoon tea spot. It has received 4.5 rating on TripAdvisor, it offers a light, bright, modern dining experience.

The Parlour Tearoom 

Basingstoke Gazette: The Parlour Tearoom [Credit: TripAdvisor]The Parlour Tearoom [Credit: TripAdvisor]

With cute-as-a-button china and mouth watering cakes to match, it is easy to see why The Parlour Tearoom in the Viables Craft Centre was a popular choice. It also has a 4.5 TripAdvisor rating.

Kitty’s Tea Room

Basingstoke Gazette: Kitty's Tearoom [Credit: TripAdvisor]Kitty's Tearoom [Credit: TripAdvisor]

Kitty’s Tea Room on Kempshott Lane is a cosy cafe with a huge variety of delicious delights. It has received 4.5 rating on TripAdvisor, and boasts an array of cakes and light bites sure to please the entire family.

Bob-i-Tea Boo

Basingstoke Gazette: Credit: Bob-i-Tea Boo via FacebookCredit: Bob-i-Tea Boo via Facebook

This Basingstoke business describes itself as a “travelling tearoom”, providing afternoon tea packages and scrumptious cake for every occasion, delivered right to your door. Its lack of venue means it's not on TripAdvisor, but it received so many recommendations from our readers we couldn’t possibly leave it out. Got a special occasion coming up? Or just fancy a treat? This sounds right up our street.

Oakley Hall Hotel 

Basingstoke Gazette: Oakley Hall [Credit: TripAdvisor]Oakley Hall [Credit: TripAdvisor]

Oakley hall in - you guessed it - Oakley, dates back to 1795 and boasts connections to literary hero Jane Austen herself. It receives at 4.5 rating on TripAdvisor, and has the most beautiful gardens where you can walk off all the cake! 

Audleys Wood Hotel

Basingstoke Gazette: Audleys Wood Hotel [Credit: TripAdvisor]Audleys Wood Hotel [Credit: TripAdvisor]

Surrounded by woodlands and seven acres of grounds, this 1800s hotel on Alton Road received a rating of 4 on TripAdvisor, and both the food and surroundings are extremely aesthetically pleasing. 

Highclere Castle 

Basingstoke Gazette: Highclere Castle [Credit: TripAdvisor]Highclere Castle [Credit: TripAdvisor]

Finally, it's famous for its starring role in popular period drama Downton Abbey, but did you know Highclere Castle is also open to the public, and serves up a delicious afternoon tea? Surrounded by stunning grounds in Highclere Park, this is a 4.5 rated attraction on TripAdvisor, and we know that Lord and Lady Grantham would approve.