Afternoon Tea for Two at The Old Swan Hotel

This was my second visit to The Old Swan Hotel, Harrogate for afternoon tea and I was anticipating it eagerly. I puchased this as a surprise birthday treat for a friend who'd sadly lost her husband 2 years ago and needed cheering up. My previous visit, 9 months prior was superb and a definite 5 stars out of 5, the hotel had been busy with a big wedding, plus numerous other guest and yet the service had been superb, the food fresh and absolutely delicious and what a lovely experience was had by all. We had all enjoyed ourselves so much that I thought what better way to cheer up my friend than a nice day out in Harrogate, with a bit of retail therapy and to round it off a delicious afternoon tea in a relaxing settting before returning home. This visit however didn't turn out as I had hoped. After a wait of about 45 minutes the sandwiches finally arrived, they were dry and more akin to toast than fresh bread! This was despite us having to go and find the waitress to ask if we could order and brusquely being told to wait and that she would be over when she was free. One of the waitresses was lovely, but unfortunately the one who served us had a very poor attitude and was rather rude and we were made to feel a nuisance by being there. We then found that we had been seated next to the TV, which by now had been turned on with the volume up loud for the football. I appreciate that it was an important match and understand that some guests may want to watch, but if so why not open the empty retaurant for those wanting a relaxing afternoon tea in peace and quiet, whilst allowing those who want to watch to do so and enjoy themselves. As it was we may as well have gone to a sports bar rather than a supposedly classy hotel as the ambience would have been the same. I did make a comment about my experience to the chap behind the bar, but he ignored me and didn't even have the courtesy to reply - perhaps he was enjoying the footy too much. The cakes were very nice, hence 3 stars!