Afternoon Tea is an ultimate tradition in the UK, an experience simply unmissable for British culture enthusiasts. Spanning across the country, from the bustling streets of London to the serene countryside, from cosy tearooms hidden in picturesque villages to grand historic mansion buildings - this cherished tradition easily immerses guests in the timeless elegance.
Tabein guide traversed through the UK in search of the most extraordinary places offering the best British Afternoon Tea experience. So, read over the recommendation list and discover your personal must-try!
Taypark House
484 Perth Rd, Dundee, DD2 1LR
Taypark House is an elegant restaurant nestled in a former Scots Baronial mansion building from the nineteenth century. The charm is magnificent here, building a bridge between a splendid past and modern present, between scenic views and aesthetics on plates.
Due to its beauty, this place is popular for special celebrations like weddings, but gourmands are also welcome for dining in style. Award-winning chef Glenn and his team take flawless care to create a delicious homemade food experience greatly inspired by local produce.
Additionally, Taypark House is a picture-worthy destination for quality Afternoon Tea. So, why don’t you indulge in a beautifully crafted selection of finger sandwiches, home-baked cakes, warm scones with homemade jam & clotted cream, pastries, desserts, and a variety of loose-leaf teas? Those willing to upgrade their experience to the crème de la crème level always can enjoy G&T, Prosecco, Champagne, or even luxurious Laurent Perrier Rosé Afternoon Tea.
Offer at Taypark House: Traditional Afternoon Tea; Prosecco or G&T Afternoon Tea; Champagne Afternoon Tea; luxurious Laurent Perrier Rosé Afternoon Tea.
Experience Price: £20-35 per person; Laurent Perrier Rosé Afternoon Tea – £120 for two.
Upstairs at Anna's
9 Castle Street, Conwy, LL32 8AY
Upstairs at Anna's is a restaurant elegantly nestled in a historical building from the 1800s. Its open stairwell, ornate chandeliers, plush carpets and harp music lend it a timeless touch of class, creating an atmosphere unlike any other.
The restaurant invites guests to enjoy a selection of freshly prepared meals and high-end cocktails. But for those seeking a truly memorable experience, the Afternoon tea is a must. Could we call Upstairs at Anna's the paradise of this classical British tradition? And how could it be otherwise, with options ranging from Cream Tea, High Tea, Savoury Afternoon Tea or Gluten-Free Afternoon Tea to Prosecco Afternoon Tea and even Champagne High Tea?
Moreover, the selection offers single or designed-for-two servings, featuring classics such as homemade scones with clotted cream & preserves, Victoria sponge, chocolate mousse, macarons, finger sandwiches, sausage rolls, and canapés. Simply choose your favourite Afternoon tea to enjoy the flavours in an Instagrammable palace-like ambience!
Offers at Upstairs at Anna's: Cream Tea, High Tea, Savoury Afternoon Tea, Gluten Free Afternoon Tea, Prosecco Afternoon Tea and even Champagne High Tea.
Experience Price: Single servings – £6.80- £37.50; designed-for-two servings – £17.95-£57
Cutter & Squidge
20 Brewer Street, Soho, London, W1F 0SJ
Dreaming of the Instagrammable Afternoon Tea in London? Cutter & Squidge is your destination! Nestled in Soho, this all-natural bakery & cafe delights guests with dreamy cakes, biskies, brownies, and all the other treats you may dream of.
The owners' passion is to invent new products or recreate time-honoured classics by experimenting with flavours, so even the familiar favourites each time surprise with new taste sensations here. Moreover, everything is crafted with a health-conscious philosophy so that every bite will be appetizing yet with minimized fat and sugar content.
It's no surprise that Cutter & Squidge also offers a memorable Afternoon Tea with a selection of classic sandwiches, warm scones served with jam & clotted cream, signature biskies, slices of dream cake, and macarons, all complemented by a pot of specially blended tea. Want to enjoy this ritual at home? Packed Afternoon Tea gift boxes are also available!
Offers at Cutter & Squidge: Soho signature Afternoon Tea, also available in vegan, gluten-free or nut-free options.
Experience Price: £32.5 per person on-site
Optional Upgrade: Add a glass of Prosecco for £6.50 or a bottle for £26
Afternoon Tea gift box: from £31.99
The Willow Tree
29 High St, Bourn, Cambridge CB23 2SQ
Located in the scenic village of Bourn, The Willow Tree is a beloved country pub offering a charming hideaway for impressive dining. Whether it’s lunch, dinner, Sunday roast, cocktail magic, drinks in the beer garden, a special event, or a family celebration, this is always the right place to create new memories!
Guests are invited here to choose from a seasonal, monthly-changing menu or dive into Sunday specials, all with a perfected British cuisine essence. Of particular note is also the unmatched Wonderland Afternoon Tea, served from Thursday to Saturday.
What’s so unique about this experience? Besides the classical bites, also available in gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options, not less impressive is the serving on beautiful vintage crockery with hand-painted Alice in Wonderland teapots and pretty table decor details. All that's left is to choose where to enjoy this suitable-for-all-ages ritual: in the restaurant, garden, terrace, dining domes, or Teepee!
Offers at The Willow Tree: Alice in Wonderland-themed Wonderland Afternoon Tea.
Experience Price: £35 per person
Jack's
120 Victoria Road, Old Town, Swindon, SN1 3BH
Jack's is an independently owned restaurant-coffee house in Swindon, treating its guests to gastronomic experiences, perfectly combining local British and world-inspired cuisines, all in a cosy setting.
Yet, there's another standout reason why Jack's is widely known: the unforgettable Afternoon Tea ritual, the classical version of which is elegantly served from Monday to Saturday. Willing to dive into an even more unique experience? Then, go for Bottomless Prosecco or Bottomless Gin Afternoon Tea, which are held from once to six times per month on specific dates.
It's better not to come here with a full stomach as the experience is well-fulfilling! Stands may include homemade sandwiches, quiche, sausages, cheese & pineapple, cakes, and scone-clotted cream-jam classics, all complemented by unlimited beverages. Moreover, if you are a vegan or vegetarian, do not hesitate to inform the restaurant in advance and enjoy the Afternoon Tea prepared according to your dietary requirements.
Offers at Jack’s: Jack’s Afternoon Tea, Bottomless Prosecco Afternoon Tea, Bottomless Gin Afternoon Tea.
Experience Price: From £25 per person
Cobbles Kitchen
Tymaen Farm Buildings, Vale of Glamorgan, Ogmore, CF32 0QP
Cobbles Kitchen is an award-winning restaurant on the Vale of Glamorgan coast, housed in a charming Grade II listed barn within beautiful surroundings. Flawless for special events or celebrations!
Those willing to enjoy the exceptional ambience are also invited here for dining, featuring a gourmet selection of seasonal dishes crafted from local Welsh produce.
Additionally, Cobbles Kitchen is beloved for its legendary Bottomless Afternoon Tea, offering a modern take on classics. Platters come filled with brioche sliders including Mustard, Cheese & Pastrami, Classic Egg Mayo & Cheese, Red Onion Chutney & Tomato, house-made scones & clotted cream with fruit jam, macarons, and a selection of artisanal cakes. Just a reminder, all bottomless! And, if your aim is the maximum experience, do not hesitate to upgrade your Afternoon tea to a bottomless selection of beverages ranging from Prosecco to Mimosa, Aperol Spritz, or Gin Fizz.
Offers at Cobbles Kitchen: Bottomless Afternoon Tea, offering a modern take on classics.
Experience Price: £25 per person
Optional Upgrade: Bottomless Afternoon Tea with bottomless Prosecco, Mimosa, Aperol Spritz or Gin Fizz – £45 per person
The Merry Fiddlers
4, Fiddlers Hamlet, Epping CM16 7PY
The Merry Fiddlers is a picturesque restaurant that enchants diners not only with beautiful surroundings but also with a masterfully curated menu. Enthusiastic about French & English cuisines and always keen to experience modern interpretations of classics? From gourmet burgers or perfectly cooked roasts to gourmet lobsters and fresh sea bass – you've found your place in Epping!
At The Merry Fiddlers, equally impressive is the Afternoon Tea, rich in classical flavours. Freshly baked scones with clotted cream & jam, petit fours, and macaroons make the sweet part of a 3-Tier stand. What about sandwiches? They may come with smoked Scottish salmon, mature cheddar cheese, cucumber & butter as well as hand-cut ham. All that you can expect but with a secret chef twist!
Prefer an even more memorable experience? Choose to enjoy your Afternoon Tea in a dome, nestled in the beautiful Merry Fiddlers garden!
Offers at The Merry Fiddlers: Classical or Sparkling Afternoon Tea.
Experience Price: Regular – £34.95 per person; Sparkling – £39.95 per person
The Oaklands & Oak Bar
89 Yarmouth Road, Norwich, NR7 0HH
Located in a country-house-style hotel, The Oaklands & Oak Bar is a perfect dining destination with a modern twist. Gourmet experiences here are focused on local Norfolk produce and offer a range of delicious dishes to make your breakfast, lunch, dinner, or Sunday roast shine bright!
Also, don't miss unique Afternoon Teas, held here only for special events. From King’s Coronation or Jubilee celebrations to Mother’s Day, you simply must make a reservation for it!
The experience includes classical and chef’s creative Afternoon Tea servings. Furthermore, you're likely to enjoy bottomless Prosecco, live music, or other attractions, all within the unique charm of Oaklands!
Offer at The Oaklands & Oak Bar: Afternoon Tea on special occasions.
Experience Price: from £29.95
The WatersEdge
Packet Boat Ln, Cowley, Uxbridge UB8 2JS
Beautifully overlooking the Grand Union Canal, The WatersEdge is a restaurant in Cowley offering a perfect getaway within a warm ambience. The magic here starts with a homely atmosphere and confidently continues with foodie experiences. What can you expect from the repertoire? The main menu radiates nearly two decades of expertise, and every classical choice impresses with the chef's signature twist.
The Afternoon Tea ritual at The WatersEdge is also a magnet, allowing you to enjoy your treat time in a beautifully set dome. Imagine - you, your loved ones, a lovely garden, and a tray full of classics! Isn't it magic? The selection includes unlimited tea, scones with clotted cream & preserves, cakes, mini brioche rolls, smoked salmon-cream cheese, egg-mayonnaise, and ham-mustard sandwiches.
Additionally, you can always have your Afternoon Tea at home: reach out, and The WatersEdge will deliver! A longer layover at London Heathrow Airport? Instead of just waiting in the terminal, why not enjoy Afternoon tea at The WatersEdge, which is only 10 minutes away?
Offer at The WatersEdge: Traditional Afternoon Tea
Experience Price: £17.90 per person
Optional Upgrade: Add a glass of prosecco for £7
The Owl Tearooms
Janaway House, White Lion St, Holt NR25 6BA
The Owl Tearooms is the oldest tea room in Norfolk, established nearly a century ago. Thus, this place radiates pure nostalgia, as many guests enjoy recalling visits even with their grandparents as children!
The Owl Tearooms offers a tempting variety, from homemade bread, cakes, or cookies to savouries and a fresh salad bar. What's more, is artisan coffee from Norwich's Little Red Roaster that perfectly complements any choice.
All Afternoon tea enthusiasts are not forgotten either, with a cosy ritual rich in classy options, all made on-site. Moreover, this shop considers all dietary requirements, so don't hesitate to ask for vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and decaffeinated options.
Offer at The Owl Tearooms: Afternoon Cream Tea includes a selection of sandwiches, scones, and cakes served with a pot of speciality tea.
Experience Price: £18.50 per person
Optional Upgrade: Add a mini bottle of Prosecco for £8.50
Afternoon Tea menu and prices at restaurants across the UK may change. Check here for the latest offerings.