By confirming a booking with Afternoon Tea Services, the hirer agrees to the following terms and conditions. These terms apply to all crockery, serving ware, urns, linen, accessories and associated hire equipment supplied by us.

General Hire Terms:

All hire items remain the property of Afternoon Tea Services at all times.

Hire periods are agreed in advance at the point of booking. Items must be returned on the agreed collection date and time unless otherwise arranged.

The hirer accepts full responsibility for all hired items from the point of delivery or collection until returned safely to us.

We reserve the right to charge for:

• Missing items
• Damaged items
• Excessive staining or misuse
• Late returns
• Irreparable damage caused by improper handling or cleaning

However:

• All items supplied will be clean, functional and fit for purpose
• We do not hire items with cracks, chips or unsafe damage
• Due to the nature of vintage collections, exact patterns and matching sets cannot always be guaranteed

Please DO NOT wash hired crockery before return.

Vintage china can easily be damaged by incorrect washing methods, stacking or abrasive cleaning products. We ask that all items are:

• Emptied of food and liquid
• Lightly rinsed if heavily soiled
• Repacked safely into the supplied crates or packaging

Standard cleaning is included within the hire charge.

Additional cleaning charges may apply where items are returned excessively dirty, stained or with food left for prolonged periods.

The hirer accepts responsibility for all breakages, losses and missing items during the hire period.

Replacement charges are as follows: 

• Teapots £30 each
• Plates £5 each
• Cups £3 each
• Saucers £3 each
• Sugar pots, milk jugs & jars £3 each
• Accessories & small serving items £2 each

Where damage exceeds standard replacement costs, we reserve the right to charge the reasonable replacement or repair value of all on hire.

Delivery and collection times are estimates and may vary due to traffic, venue access or operational requirements.

The hirer must ensure:

• Safe and suitable access for delivery
• Someone is present to receive the items
• All items are ready and repacked for collection at the agreed time

Additional charges may apply for failed collections, inaccessible venues or excessive waiting time.

All hired items should be used safely and appropriately.

Afternoon Tea Services accepts no liability for:

• Injury caused through misuse of hire items
• Damage caused after delivery
• Allergies or food-related issues unless catering services are separately supplied by us.

Deposits are non-refundable unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Cancellations made close to the hire date may be subject to additional charges depending on preparation, staffing or delivery arrangements already made.

Payment of deposit, invoice or confirmation of booking constitutes acceptance of these terms and conditions. If you have any questions regarding your hire, please contact us prior to booking.