A HAT inspired by an afternoon tea table setting definitely caught people’s attention at Ascot Ladies Day.

In celebration of the iconic British institutions of Afternoon Tea, Dorset bakery Thomas J Fudge helped to create the one metre wide hat, which highlighted the very Best of British.

Featuring real Florentines displayed on a cake stand and a pale blue gingham table cloth, the tempting table setting meant racegoers didn’t have to choose between a bite of afternoon tea or a flutter on the horses.

The bakery in Stalbridge was founded in 1916, and the hat was designed as a nod to Thomas J. Fudge’s British heritage, with resplendent red poppies, a quintessentially British gingham print and British butterflies.

Like Britain itself, the bakery has had a long-standing affection for headpieces and illustrations of the accessory adorn each product. Incorporating iconic British landmarks, flowers and animals, the designs are as exciting and eccentric as their Ascot counter-part.