Afternoon Tea at The Belmont Room, Bettys York
Tucked away above the busy café at St Helen’s Square, The Belmont Room offers a quiet and elegant setting in the heart of York. Designed in 1936 by the same craftsmen responsible for the Queen Mary ocean liner, the space is furnished with art deco features, soft lighting, and polished wood. It’s an ideal choice for those seeking a classic afternoon tea in calm surroundings, away from the bustle of the city.
Afternoon Tea Menu Highlights
The afternoon tea in The Belmont Room begins with a selection of sandwiches, all prepared using locally sourced ingredients. These include smoked salmon with prawn and garlic & saffron mayonnaise, dill cream cheese with gin-pickled cucumber & capers, Kit Calvert Wensleydale with onion chutney, and Yorkshire chicken with tarragon and lemon mayonnaise. Each is neatly presented on appropriately paired breads, providing a well-balanced savoury course.
Following the sandwiches, warm miniature scones both plain and lemon & poppyseed are served with clotted cream and strawberry preserve. Bettys’ scones are made fresh daily and served warm to the table, offering a soft centre with a slight crust on the outside.
To complete the service, guests are presented with a selection of mini patisserie items. These typically include a passion fruit & lemon macaron, caramel & chocolate pillow, and an apple & vanilla custard tart. Each element on the tier reflects Bettys’ heritage in baking and attention to detail.
Tea Selection and Drinks
Guests can select from a large variety of loose-leaf teas, all sourced and blended by Bettys’ experts. Options include traditional black teas, such as Darjeeling and Earl Grey, as well as green, fruit, and herbal infusions. Staff are on hand to offer recommendations depending on guests’ preferences or dietary considerations.
For a celebratory option, guests can add a glass of Collet Rosé Champagne or Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore, which is served alongside the tea and adds a refined finish to the experience.
Dietary Requirements and Accessibility
Bettys caters to a range of dietary needs, offering vegetarian, vegan, and non-gluten alternatives to the standard menu. These must be pre-booked in advance to ensure the kitchen team has adequate time to prepare. While all items are made in the same kitchen, every effort is made to ensure that dietary requirements are met to a high standard.
Booking Information
Afternoon Tea in The Belmont Room is available by booking only. Sittings are held Thursday to Sunday, with service typically running from early afternoon through to early evening. The standard Afternoon Tea is priced at £39.95 per person, with the champagne and prosecco options available as add-ons.
Phone: 0800 456 1919
Email: heretohelp@bettys.co.uk
The Belmont Room at Bettys York offers a calm and well-paced afternoon tea experience in one of the city’s most architecturally unique dining rooms. Whether you’re a regular guest or visiting for the first time, it provides a measured, consistent approach to one of Britain’s best-loved food traditions.
Reviews

A quintessential British afternoon tea experience! The Belmont Room's elegant art deco design and live piano music set the perfect ambiance. The selection of finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries was impeccable, and the staff's attention to detail made our visit truly special.

An unforgettable afternoon at Bettys. From the warm welcome to the exquisite tea selection, every aspect was top-notch. The lemon scones were a delightful surprise, and the variety of sweet treats showcased the bakery's craftsmanship. Highly recommended for a luxurious treat.

Bettys exceeded all expectations. The afternoon tea was a delightful journey of flavors, with each tier offering something unique. The staff were attentive and knowledgeable, enhancing the overall experience. A must-visit when in York.

A perfect blend of tradition and taste. The Belmont Room's serene atmosphere, combined with the delectable assortment of sandwiches and pastries, made for an exceptional afternoon. The pianist added a charming touch to the experience.

An elegant and memorable afternoon tea at Bettys. The variety of teas available catered to all preferences, and the food was both visually appealing and delicious. The staff's professionalism and warmth made us feel truly valued.
Bettys York
The Belmont Room at Bettys York offers a calm, art deco setting above the main café for a refined afternoon tea. Guests enjoy freshly made sandwiches, warm scones, and handcrafted patisserie, paired with a wide choice of teas or optional champagne. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available with advance notice. Afternoon tea is served Thursday to Sunday by booking only, priced at £39.95 per person. For reservations, call 0800 456 1919 or email heretohelp@bettys.co.uk.
Brod Penarth
BRØD, The Danish Bakery in Cardiff, offers a distinctive Afternoon Tea that blends British tradition with Danish flavours and the cosy spirit of ‘hygge’. Served Tuesday to Friday from 2:00 pm–4:00 pm, the menu includes pastries like Spandauer and Kanel Snegl, savoury open sandwiches on artisan bread, and drinks from Waterloo Tea or Clifton Coffee. A 48-hour booking is required. While gluten-free and vegan options aren’t available, it’s an ideal choice for those seeking something original and comforting.
The Ivy, St Helen’s Square, York
Afternoon Tea at The Ivy St Helen’s Square in York is served daily from 3–5pm in a stylish brasserie setting near York Minster. Guests enjoy a three-tiered stand of finger sandwiches, fruit scones with clotted cream and jam, and seasonal cakes, with a selection of teas or coffee. Champagne upgrades are available. Vegetarian options are offered, though other dietary requests may be limited. Ideal for both locals and visitors, booking ahead is recommended to secure a table.
Waterloo Gardens Tea House, Wyndham Arcade, Cardiff City Centre
Enjoy a calm and refined afternoon tea at Waterloo Tea in Cardiff’s historic Wyndham Arcade. Choose from a selection of sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and handmade cakes, with classic or vegan options available. The teahouse also features a small gallery space and a private room for groups up to 14, making it ideal for celebrations or quiet catch-ups. Afternoon tea is £25 per person and must be booked 24 hours in advance. Open seven days a week.
Brod
BRØD, The Danish Bakery in Cardiff, offers a distinctive Afternoon Tea that blends British tradition with Danish flavours and the cosy spirit of ‘hygge’. Served Tuesday to Friday from 2:00 pm–4:00 pm, the menu includes pastries like Spandauer and Kanel Snegl, savoury open sandwiches on artisan bread, and drinks from Waterloo Tea or Clifton Coffee. A 48-hour booking is required. While gluten-free and vegan options aren’t available, it’s an ideal choice for those seeking something original and comforting.
Waterloo Gardens Tea House, Penylan
Waterloo Gardens Teahouse in Penylan, Cardiff, offers a carefully prepared afternoon tea served Monday to Friday from 2pm to 3:30pm at £25 per person. The menu features savoury sandwiches, scones, and elegant desserts like chocolate mousse and macarons, paired with a broad selection of teas from classic to unique blends. Vegetarian and vegan options are available with notice. Set in a quiet location, this welcoming teahouse provides a relaxed and memorable experience. Advance booking is required.
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