Only the finest Wedgwood for Britain's most exclusive afternoon tea

Now, two of Britain’s iconic names of the 18th century have formed a new partnership to create a new luxurious afternoon tea experience at one of the region’s most lavish stately homes.

Chatsworth House’s stable block has been transformed into the new Flying Childers restaurant - named after the second Duke’s legendary racehorse.

It will exclusively serve afternoon tea - and thanks to a new partnership with the internationally renowned pottery firm - it will only be served on Wedgwood china.

Bought by the second Duke, William Cavendish, in 1719, Flying Childers gained such a reputation over his racing career that the Duke received many offers from would-be buyers - including one willing to pay the horse’s weight in gold.

The thoroughbred stallion was bred at Cantley Hall in Doncaster in 1714, by Colonel Leonard Childers, and was sired by Richard Darley’s Arabian, imported from Aleppo, Syria around 1704.

He was brought by the Duke in 1719, and began an unblemished racing career at the age of six, competing in three races that year and winning them all. Further wins at Newmarket and York the following year, cementing his reputation.

More races, and more wins, followed, and he retired unbeaten and untested to the Devonshire’s stud at Chatsworth, where he died at the age of 26 in 1741.

Not to be forgotten, a painting of the stallion by James Seymour has been hung at Chatsworth, and now his name has been immortalised at the new restaurant.

But Flying Childers is not of course the only famous British name to be marked at the new restaurant. Founded a decade after the horse’s death, the name of Wedgwood has become synonymous with classic English craftsmanship.

All food and drink at the restaurant will be served on Wedgwood’s Butterfly Bloom Collection, which features intricate patterns of graceful butterflies and colourful florals with each piece gilded with gold banding, while the tea is some of the company’s finest blends.

Yesterday representatives from Wedgewood joined the current Duke and Duchess of Devonshire in opening the new restaurant.

The Duke of Devonshire said: “We are delighted that all of the tea ware and tea in our Flying Childers Restaurant has been provided in partnership with Wedgwood. Josiah Wedgwood began designing tea ware collections in response to the fashion for drinking tea, which flourished from the mid-18th century and which we’re delighted to continue that tradition here at Chatsworth in the present day.”

Sally Warmington, marketing and ecommerce director of Wedgwood said the company was “delighted” to be embarking on its first collaboration with Chatsworth House.

She added: “With Wedgwood being synonymous with tea drinking it fits that the Wedgwood Afternoon Tea is part of the launch of the Flying Childers Afternoon Tea Restaurant. This partnership offers us the perfect opportunity to encourage people to discover our delicious tea blends as well as showcase our beautiful designs such as Butterfly Bloom and Daisy which have been selected to complement the delicious afternoon tea experience at Chatsworth.”