Afternoon Tea at British Garden Centres: A Serene Treat in Bloom
Escape into a world of calm, greenery, and wholesome flavours at British Garden Centres, where weekday Afternoon Tea offers a gentle retreat from the everyday. Available across 70+ locations, this inviting experience takes place amid lush plants and light-filled cafés, offering soothing surroundings to enjoy a delightful afternoon treat.
A Relaxed Café Ambience After 2:00 pm
Each participating centre’s café such as Gardener’s Retreat or Coffee Haven welcomes Afternoon Tea guests from 2:00 pm on weekdays. These spaces are bright, airy, and purpose-built for comfort, with a calm atmosphere perfect for conversations, gentle browsing or reading amid floral displays and greenery.
What’s Included: Simple, Savoury, Sweet
Although offerings may vary slightly by location, the standard Afternoon Tea includes:
Freshly prepared finger sandwiches, using familiar fillings
Warm, home-baked scones, served with indulgent clotted cream and jam
A rotating selection of cakes and traybakes, made in-house , check the specials board for this week’s treats
Tea from “Tea from the Manor” or freshly brewed Stokes coffee
This comforting trio satisfies both savoury and sweet cravings without being overly formal.
Transparent and Affordable Pricing
Afternoon Tea is priced at £14.95 per person, with a £29.90 option for two which is a popular gift choice . A £5 non-refundable deposit per guest is required to secure your booking, helping staff prepare fresh items and confirm dietary options.
Who Will Love It
Ideal for a wide range of guests, this Afternoon Tea suits:
Solo visitors craving a calm spot and good food
Friends or couples seeking a cosy daytime catch-up
Families, as menus can accommodate children
Loyalty card holders making the most of café rewards
Coach parties visiting garden centres with easy parking and staff support
With advance notice, vegetarian, gluten‑free, and other dietary requirements can be catered for.
Booking & What to Expect
Available: Weekdays from 2:00 pm onwards with some centres opening cafés earlier.
Booking method: Reserve via centre websites or phone
Deposit: £5 per person payable on booking
Arrival: Enjoy tiered trays delivered with tea or coffee, plus friendly service in a green, relaxed space
Extras: Loyalty stamps and gift cards accepted; designated café spaces for events such as birthdays or small gatherings
Why It’s Worth Visiting
Casual elegance without formality, a calm break in a busy day
Great value, starting from £14.95 per person
Inclusive and flexible, supporting dietary needs and children
Garden-centre perks, such as parking, plant browsing, and café loyalty rewards
This serves as a pleasant moment of indulgence without pretence, wrapped in greenery and customer care.
British Garden Centres’ Afternoon Tea creates a charming, accessible twist on tradition perfectly suited to weekday visits, plant-loving shoppers, and peaceful solo moments. With quality cakes, tea, and simple sandwiches delivered in tranquil café surroundings, it’s a delightful pause that feels like an oasis in any day. Whether gifting it with a pair option or enjoying the solo experience, this is a grown-up treat served simply, added with warmth and ease.
Reviews

Fabulous afternoon tea after browsing—the sandwiches, scones, and cakes were wonderfully fresh and delicious.

A peaceful tea in the café—warm and generous treats paired with friendly, attentive staff.

Great value afternoon tea—plenty of tasty bites and lovely tea, all served in a calming garden setting.

Perfect stop for afternoon tea during a garden visit—relaxed atmosphere and delightful homemade-style treats.

Delicious afternoon tea with a home-baked feel—sandwiches and pastries were fresh, nicely presented, and enjoyable.
The Palm Court
Celebrate the holiday season with a luxurious Festive Afternoon Tea at The Palm Court, blending British tradition with seasonal flavours in a glamorous Art Deco setting. Enjoy savoury treats like roast turkey & cranberry brioche and egg & truffle sandwiches, alongside warm cranberry scones and Christmas-inspired pastries such as gingerbread choux and mulled wine macarons.
Pair with festive teas or Champagne upgrades. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free menus available. A magical Christmas afternoon tea experience in Mayfair’s iconic setting.
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 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 Chesterfield Mayfair
Indulge in the Sweet Shop Afternoon Tea at The Chesterfield Mayfair, a playful twist on the British tradition inspired by childhood treats. Served in a light-filled conservatory, this award-winning afternoon tea is perfect for families, friends, and nostalgic sweet lovers.
Enjoy classic savoury sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream, and themed patisserie delights like Drumstick macarons and liquorice allsorts cheesecake. Pair your experience with signature teas or Champagne. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available. A fun and indulgent tea experience in Mayfair.
The Rubens At The Palace
Located opposite Buckingham Palace, The Rubens at the Palace offers a quintessentially British Afternoon Tea in a regal setting. Guests enjoy a curated tea selection, including exclusive blends, alongside finely crafted finger sandwiches with classic fillings like Scottish smoked salmon and roast chicken with tarragon mayonnaise.
The experience continues with handmade pastries inspired by Royal traditions and warm scones with clotted cream and homemade preserves. For added indulgence, guests can opt for Champagne Afternoon Tea. Advance reservations are highly recommended.
The Point Astley
Enjoy a warm, stylish Afternoon Tea at The Point Astley, a suburban gem in Greater Manchester. Expect gourmet sandwiches, warm scones, and sweet treats, all made in-house. Upgrade with Prosecco or cocktails for a celebratory touch. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available. A cosy, welcoming setting perfect for any occasion.
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