Tea for 65 business leaders was served at a private bank’s elegant headquarters.

Duncan Lawrie opened historic Wrotham Place to the Institute of Directors’ (IoD) Kent branch annual members meeting.

The visit featured a tour of the impressive house and grounds, tutored tea tasting – the firm has long-standing links with the tea industry – arts and antiques, canapes and entertainment.

David Philpott, IoD Kent chairman hailed the spectacular surroundings. “Our hosts provided us with unrivalled grandeur and we felt privileged to be able to enjoy superb networking, good wine, tea and exquisite canapes on the sun-dappled terrace.”

Dina Henry, the bank’s Kent regional director, added: “The evening was fantastic and we met the most interesting and diverse set of people, involved in all sorts of businesses. It was wonderful to see people explore Wrotham as it is such a hidden gem in Kent.”

Debbie Cameron, IoD Kent manager said: “The team at Duncan Lawrie Private Bank were an absolute pleasure to work with.”