Discover the Best Afternoon Tea
Explore the UK’s leading Afternoon Tea guide, featuring a variety of venues across England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. Find your ideal spot, make a reservation, and savour the experience.
Afternoon tea is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. From elegant hotel lounges to charming tearooms, every venue offers its own twist on this classic tradition. Some places serve extravagant spreads with champagne, while others focus on delicate pastries and traditional scones. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a leisurely afternoon, the right setting can make all the difference. Consider the ambiance, menu variety, and any dietary options when choosing your spot. With so many unique experiences to explore, there’s an afternoon tea for every taste and occasion.
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.
A.C. Perch’s Thehandel
A.C. Perch’s Thehandel in Copenhagen offers a refined Afternoon Tea in a historic tearoom above its 1835-established tea shop. Guests enjoy finger sandwiches, scones with jam and lemon curd, petit fours, and a pot of tea from over 150 blends. Options include seasonal cakes, sandwich-only menus, or a glass of Crémant for a celebratory twist. Ideal for tea lovers and those seeking a peaceful, elegant setting. Available in Copenhagen, Aarhus, and Odense with advance booking recommended.
Hensol Castle
Hensol Castle serves afternoon tea in its grand atrium, combining historic charm with modern flavours. The £30 traditional menu includes sandwiches, scones, cakes, and a pot of speciality tea or dark roast coffee. Prosecco at £37 & Champagne at £45 upgrades are available. Vegan & gluten-free menus are offered with pre-order. Its served Friday to Sunday, booking is recommended. Gift vouchers are valid for 12 months & available by post or email. Ideal for occasions, gifting, or a peaceful afternoon out.
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.
Rhosyn Restaurant, Penally Abbey
Penally Abbey’s Rhosyn Restaurant offers a refined afternoon tea experience with views over the Pembrokeshire coast. Served Wednesday to Sunday, the menu includes finger sandwiches, homemade cakes, pastries, and scones with clotted cream and jam. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available with 24 hours’ notice. Priced at £32 per person, bookings are required in advance. Guests dine in a light-filled space overlooking the gardens. Enquiries can be made via phone or the Penally Abbey website.
Brigit’s Bakery
Nestled in the heart of historic Bath, The Abbey Hotel’s Kitchen & Bar offers a refined afternoon tea blending British tradition with a contemporary twist. Guests enjoy savoury sandwiches, including smoked salmon with dill crème fraîche and Coronation chicken, alongside freshly baked scones with clotted cream and homemade preserves.
The patisserie selection features raspberry & pistachio tartlets and rich chocolate opera cake, complemented by a curated loose-leaf tea menu. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available. A perfect setting for a stylish and indulgent afternoon. Advance booking recommended.
Vicinity, the Tower Hotel
Enjoy Afternoon Tea at Vicinity, The Tower Hotel, with riverside views of Tower Bridge. Served daily from 1pm to 4pm, it includes classic sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream and jam, and handcrafted desserts like Pimm’s sponge and rhubarb slice. Choose from teas or upgrade with Champagne or cocktails. Priced at £35 per person, it’s ideal for relaxed meetups or special occasions.
The Ritz
Served in The Palm Court, Afternoon Tea at The Ritz is a world-famous experience of elegance, tradition, and impeccable service, accompanied by a live pianist and harpist. Guests enjoy finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with Cornish clotted cream, and exquisite pastries crafted daily by expert pâtissiers.
With over 20 loose-leaf teas, including The Ritz’s exclusive blend, this tea is perfect for special occasions and classic afternoon tea lovers. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available. Served daily at multiple times. Advance reservations required.
Haute Couture Cafe
Haute Couture Café in Tokyo offers a themed afternoon tea that changes with the seasons. Current menus include “Purple Afternoon Tea” (until 23 June) featuring berry-based dishes, followed by “Peach Afternoon Tea” from 26 June. Each set includes sweets, savouries, and a drink, served in four daily sittings. Prices range from ¥6,350 to ¥7,600. Ideal for those seeking a creative and visually memorable experience. Booking required.
The Crêpe Escape
Enjoy Afternoon Tea at The Crêpe Escape in Penarth, served daily from 10am to 4pm. The Classic Picnic Escape for two includes sandwiches, croissants, scones, crêpe bites, waffles, and petite fours, with the option to add fizz. A themed children’s Afternoon Tea is also available. Perfect for birthdays, baby showers, or casual get-togethers. Pre-booking is required with 24 hours’ notice.
The Dorchester
Served in The Promenade, The Dorchester’s Afternoon Tea blends British tradition with luxury. Guests enjoy finger sandwiches, warm scones with jam and clotted cream, and seasonal pastries crafted by award-winning chefs. A curated tea selection features exclusive blends and classic favourites, with the option to upgrade to Champagne Afternoon Tea.
Ideal for those seeking a refined British tradition, The Dorchester also offers a Children’s Afternoon Tea and vegan options. Served daily from 12:00 pm to 4:30 pm, prices start at £110 per person. Reservations recommended.
Fortnum & Mason
For over 300 years, Fortnum & Mason has epitomized British elegance. Served in the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon, this iconic afternoon tea features classic finger sandwiches, including Coronation chicken and smoked salmon on rye, alongside warm scones with clotted cream and Fortnum’s signature jams.
The patisserie selection showcases seasonal cakes and tarts, perfectly paired with Fortnum’s world-renowned loose-leaf teas. Guests can enhance their experience with Champagne Afternoon Tea. A timeless and luxurious tradition in the heart of Piccadilly. Advance booking recommended.
Abbey Hotel Bath
Nestled in the heart of historic Bath, The Abbey Hotel’s Kitchen & Bar offers a refined afternoon tea blending British tradition with a contemporary twist. Guests enjoy savoury sandwiches, including smoked salmon with dill crème fraîche and Coronation chicken, alongside freshly baked scones with clotted cream and homemade preserves.
The patisserie selection features raspberry & pistachio tartlets and rich chocolate opera cake, complemented by a curated loose-leaf tea menu. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available. A perfect setting for a stylish and indulgent afternoon. Advance booking recommended.
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.
The Bulgari Lounge
The Bulgari Lounge at Bulgari Hotel Tokyo offers a refined afternoon tea curated by Michelin-starred chef Niko Romito. Served on the 40th floor with panoramic views, the experience features Italian-inspired savouries, elegant pastries, and freshly baked scones. Guests can choose from a curated tea menu or opt for coffee and Champagne. Afternoon Tea is served daily in 120-minute sittings from 11:30 AM to 7:15 PM. Booking is recommended.
The Ivy, Victoria Brasserie
The Ivy Victoria on London’s Victoria Street offers a refined afternoon tea daily from 3:00 –5:00 pm. Guests can enjoy a classic selection of finger sandwiches, fruit scones with clotted cream and jam, and a variety of cakes and tarts, served with tea or coffee. Champagne upgrades are available for special occasions. With elegant interiors and a relaxed atmosphere, it’s ideal for couples, families, or group gatherings. Advance booking is recommended
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.
Prestonfield House
Set in Edinburgh’s scenic parkland, Prestonfield House offers a luxurious afternoon tea blending Scottish heritage with elegance. Served in opulent dining rooms or on the terrace with garden views, guests enjoy Scottish-inspired delicacies, including smoked salmon on rye, roast beef with horseradish, and warm scones with clotted cream and preserves.
Indulge in raspberry & whisky chocolate tart, cranachan mousse, and heather honey lemon drizzle cake, paired with handpicked teas, Champagne, or premium Scotch whiskies. A refined retreat in Edinburgh, perfect for special occasions. Advance booking recommended.
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