In the 1840s, when Queen Victoria’s close friend, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, suggested tea and a little bread and butter to stave off 3pm hunger pangs, she unwittingly lit the flame on a national love affair with afternoon tea.
Our pursuit of being served dainty pastries, finger sandwiches and scones, jam and clotted cream, with lashings of tea or fizz, has since sparked an entire industry – with five-star hotels, rustic farm tearooms and tourist double-decker buses all wooing us with three tiers of treats and a loose leaf brew.
TV chef Raymond Blanc, who owns Oxfordshire fine dining pile Le Manoir aux Quat Saisons, says afternoon tea is the one quintessential English treat that, as a Frenchman, he’s definitely on board with.
Scones are king when serving it, he adds, telling the Daily Mail he’s always surprised by just how much passionate debate one humble bakery favourite can ignite.
‘My British friends constantly disagree on both how it should be pronounced and how it should be eaten. Some say scone should rhyme with “gone”, others insist it rhymes with “own”.
Where does he stand on the cream or jam first argument? ‘For me, it’s always cream first.’
Cake forks at the ready, here’s our pick of the nation’s best afternoon teas…
LONDON
The Ritz, Piccadilly
Tea at The Ritz might be the most irresistible cliché ever. Leave the cacophony of Piccadilly behind and make for the hotel’s gold-drenched Palm Court, where a pianist or harpist will soundtrack a menu that includes 20 loose leaf teas (sourced by tea master Giandomenico Scanu), champagne should you wish, and a catwalk of perfectly-piped pastries, scones and crustless sandwiches. Served five times daily, Monday to Sunday.
Book it: From £79, £57 for children, theritzlondon.com
The OWO, Raffles London, Whitehall
We’re a nation that runs on tea, so a cup of char where Winston Churchill plotted the allied victory feels poignant. The Old War Office (OWO) is now the five-star Raffles London hotel; tea is served in the drawing room, where the cosy fireplace, toffee-coloured Chesterfields, grand piano and view of Whitehall make it feel like Winnie could walk in at any moment. There’s work-of-art pastries and tea from luxe brand Camellia’s Tea. Served daily from 12:30pm to 5:30pm.
Book it: From £82, raffles.com
COMO The Halkin, Belgravia
How to bring a centuries-old foodie tradition bang up to date? Shambhala Kitchen at London’s swish COMO The Halkin, a stone’s throw from Hyde Park, serves up the answer daily between 2pm and 6pm. Inspired by far flung corners of the globe, there’s a carousel of dishes that are delicious and, wait for it, healthy. Think refreshing sorbets, feather-light mousses and sophisticated tartares. Purists may recoil… but more fool them.
Book it: From £55, comohotels.com
The Waldorf Hilton, West End
Ideal for pressing pause on a sightseeing day, The Waldorf Hilton sits in the midst of the theatre district and its post-noon tea is as creative as anything found on stage. Served daily in a setting inspired by Europe’s grand cafés, there’s a pianist and harpist in residence throughout. The scones come with spiced winterberry jam and Devonshire clotted cream, with everything from plant-based to gluten-free versions available too.
Book it: From £59, £35 for children, hilton.com
The Langham, Mayfair
At the top end of Regent Street, The Langham lays claim to being the first hotel to ever offer afternoon tea when it opened in 1865. Now, Michel Roux Jr, alongside Executive Pastry Chef Andrew Gravett, are at the helm and dishes such as Gentleman’s Relish and Devilled quail’s egg reflect the Victorian heritage. Chase them down with teas such as Darjeeling 2nd Flush and Phoenix Honey Orchid. Served Wednesday to Sunday, 12.30pm to 5.00pm.
Book it: From £85, £50 for children, palm-court.co.uk
The Original Maids of Honour, Kew
Next to Kew Gardens in leafy West London, this oh-so-twee teahouse has been here since the mid-19th century. It doesn’t serve the refined pastries the five-star hotels do but it has bags of country charm. Served daily, the High Tea comes with unlimited tea or coffee, a selection of five sandwich quarters and two scones with cream and jam, with Henry VIII’s beloved Maid of Honour tart, filled with sweet cheese curds, also on the menu.
Book it: From £24.50, theoriginalmaidsofhonour.co.uk
The Kensington Hotel, Kensington
Love a themed tea? Five-star Regency hotel The Kensington, tucked away close to the Royal Albert Hall, frequently weaves art into its afternoon refresher. Over selected weekend dates until summer, illustrator Niki Groom will capture your portrait inbetween bites of pastry creations that are inspired by the likes of Jackson Pollock, Yayoi Kusama and Alicja Kwade. Served daily, 12:00pm to 4.30pm.
Book it: From £58, doylecollection.com
British Pullman, Victoria
While away an afternoon on the majestic British Pullman, which starts in the capital but quickly chug-chugs out of Victoria station into Kentish rural splendour. Watch the scenery flicking past the picture window in your opulent carriage as you imbibe half a bottle of Veuve Clicquot and tiers of savoury and sweet delights; there’s petit fours and a cuppa on the return leg too. Available at various times throughout the year.
Book it: From £480, belmond.com
The Grand Saloon, Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Covent Garden
A Regency-style high tea that’ll leave you singing. Served on custom bone china on round tables draped in white linen under stately chandeliers, tea in the Grand Saloon feels like a proper treat. There’s homemade jam for the warm scones, Taittinger should you fancy fizz and classic English dishes on the tiers, including John Ross Jr smoked salmon with Earl Grey-infused cream cheese. Served daily from 12pm to 4:30pm.
Book it: £59, £20 for children, thelane.co.uk
SOUTH EAST
Cliveden, Taplow, Berkshire
The spicy history of Berkshire country pile Cliveden House – which famously had a cameo in the Profumo Affair – remains as tantalising as the fine china plates that are put before today’s high tea guests. Available every day (although you’ll pay £5 more on weekends), there’s 12 teas to choose from and nods to history in the savouries including a Charlie Chaplin soft sour cake and a Winston Churchill roast beef and yorkshire pud.
Book it: From £60, clivedenhouse.co.uk
Brighton Regency Routemaster, Brighton
Multi-tasking at its most delicious, this bright red 1960s RML 2333 Routemaster bus lets you eat finger sandwiches and slurp tea while also rumbling you past Brighton’s most famous sights. On the menu alongside buttermilk scones are fruit-filled eclairs and colourful bite-size macarons… and if you upgrade, a nip of Brighton Gin.
Book it: From £50, brightonregencyroutemaster.co.uk
The Old Station House, New Forest
Once a thriving station, now a thriving tea room, quaintness rules proceedings at The Old Station House in the heart of the New Forest. Order the afternoon tea and you’ll get a round of finger sandwiches, a scone with Dorset clotted cream and Tiptree jam plus tea, or sparkling wine for an extra £7. Wander the disused Brockenhurst to Ringwood railway line when you emerge.
Book it: From £21.50, stationhouseholmsley.com
Coworth Park, Ascot
Natural light floods the Drawing Room at Ascot’s posh Coworth Park, where afternoon tea is served daily from 12.30pm till 4.30pm. Great for families, the sandwiches are classic, including a honey roast ham with farmhouse cheddar and pickle, and children will love the ‘chocolate choux with malted milk’. Dress code? ‘Elegant glamour’, please.
Book it: From £80 (including champagne), £30 for children, dorchestercollection.com
The BarnYard, Sittingbourne, Kent
A rustic barn conversion that’s mostly a wedding venue deep in the green fields of the north Kent coast serves up a fun and hearty high tea with zero pretentiousness – you can bring your dog too if you sit in the courtyard. Don’t miss the caramelised red onion sausage wellington… but there’s also great vegan and veggie options too.
Book it: From £30, £12.50 for children, the-barnyard.com
The Cobbles Tea Room, Rye
The oldest tea room in the Cinque Port of Rye, The Cobbles serves the same purpose now as it did when the Rouse sisters opened it in the early 1950s… sweet sustenance. American tourists can’t resist the homey charm – and the scones are as they should be, warm, fresh and fluffy, and served on Spode earthenware plates.
Book it: From £10.20, Facebook.com/thecobblesrye
SOUTH WEST
Hawkstone Hall, Shrewsbury
Giving high tea the pomp and ceremony it deserves, the opulent Saloon Restaurant is bedecked with oil paintings galore and gifts a view of the gardens at 88-acre Hawkstone Hall in Weston. There’s a traditional tea, but the Gentlemen’s one is an interesting slant, serving mostly savoury bites, including Moyden’s Ironbridge cheese and ham hock terrine, alongside a distinguished list of teas.
Book it: From £34.95, hawkstonehall.co.uk
Morris & Brown Café, The Cotswolds
Toasty in winter, relaxing in summer, this Cotswolds favourite sits on the 200-acre Broadway Tower estate and keeps things simple – there’s no fancy cakes or finger sandwiches, but if a fine cup of tea and a homemade scone with clotted cream and jam (or try the savoury one with chutney and cheddar) floats your boat, you won’t go far wrong here. There’s walks galore nearby too.
Book it: From £5.50, broadwaytower.co.uk
Strawberry Fields Farm Shop, Lifton, Devon
You’re never more than a mile or two from a top-notch cream tea in Devon, but this farm shop’s jolly reworking of the classic makes it worth putting it on your holiday map. There’s ever-changing themes, with delights including teeny pavlovas, buffet steak pasties and small-scale lemon drizzle cakes, all perched neatly on a tiny oak picnic bench at your table, alongside tea/coffee or prosecco.
Book it: From £21.50, strawberryfieldslifton.co.uk
The Gainsborough, Bath
Inventor of the high tea, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, might be in seventh heaven were she to be seated in the Brasserie at Georgian-era The Gainsborough around three o’clock. The hotel doesn’t deviate from her original vision of delicate but filling treats, including good local ham and Devonshire clotted cream, as well as a signature Gainsborough blend tea to enjoy. Served Mon to Sun, from 3pm to 5pm
Book it: From £40, thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk
Ugly Butterfly, Cornwall
Stellar chef Adam Handling is behind this relaxed Cornish bolthole in beautiful Carbis Bay. The platters served up reflect the north Cornish coast setting; there’s a sea buckthorn tart, St. Ives smokehouse salmon and the tea served comes from the historic nearby Tregothnan Estate. Add bubbles with Handling’s own label English sparkling wine, great value at £21 a bottle.
Book it: From £45, uglybutterfly.co.uk
Duchy of Cornwall Nursery, Cornwall
Served in The Orangery at the upscale nursery on the Lostwithiel royal private estate, guests can spy Restormel Castle while sipping on perfectly brewed tea served in stripey Cornishware crockery. A fusion of traditional and global dishes, there’s Coronation chicken vol-au-vents, Szechuan cucumber bao buns and lemon meringue tart to graze on. Served daily Monday to Saturday from 2:30pm, and Sundays from 2pm.
Book it: From £25, duchyofcornwallnursery.co.uk
MIDLANDS
Parker’s Tavern, Cambridge
Blood orange and earl grey opera cake and apple and stilton sausage roll are among the compact pastry masterpieces that make the tiers at 19th century Parker’s Tavern in Cambridge. Served Monday to Sunday 12:30pm to 4:30pm, this atmospheric brasserie is attached to the University Arms Hotel right on historic Parker’s Piece green.
Book it: From £39, £19.50 for children, parkerstavern.com
Grand by name, grand by nature, this 19th century Brum afternoon tea favourite doesn’t disappoint. Take a seat in the lavish Salon in Madeleine’s Bar – all dark wood and velour chesterfields – and spend an hour or so devouring the divine (and award-winning) creations of Head Pastry Chef Mustapha Rahimi – how does a Dark Valrhona chocolate mousse with spiced orange cremeux and blood orange gel sound? Served Wednesday to Sunday, from 1pm to 5pm.
Book it: From £35pp, thegrandhotelbirmingham.co.uk
The Fourteas, Stratford-upon-Avon
This kitsch tea room 100 metres from the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon takes you back to, you guessed it, the 1940s – where your afternoon breather comes with a side-portion of nostalgia – including Vera Lynn and Glen Miller tunes. There’s real substance behind The Fourteas though; it’s a working bakery and the cakes and scones served up in the ‘Ivor Novello tea’ are as fresh as they come.
Book it: From £29, thefourteas.co.uk
EAST ANGLIA
The Assembly House, Norwich
In a characterful Grade I-listed Georgian boutique hotel in Norwich’s heart, The Assembly House themes its high teas, and it all plays out under enormous, glinting chandeliers. Four decadent tiers of impressively crafted morsels, from hand-decorated biscuits and gourmet chocs await those who visit.
Book it: From £32, £18.95 for children, assemblyhousenorwich.co.uk
Sandringham Estate
Feast like, well, a King at the royal estate in Sandringham. Head to The Restaurant and drink and dine from Chelsea botanical porcelain that carries a design once beloved by the Queen Mother. Estate produce features in the Classic Tea and recipes are unwaveringly traditional. Sittings at 2pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturday – parking is included.
Book it: From £30, £16.50 for children, sandringhamestate.co.uk
Lavenham Blue Vintage Tea Rooms, Lavenham
A 15th century Grade II-listed timber framed cottage provides snug surrounds for an authentic celebration of tea and cake – and particularly gorgeous-looking cupcakes – in the Suffolk village of Lavenham. Super local, the bread comes from the bakers two doors down and salad from the village grocer Heeks & Son. Gluten-free and veggie versions available.
Book it: From £27.50, lavenhambluetearooms.com
The Cliff Hotel, Gorleston-on-Sea
Served on The Terrace or in the Garden, with a view of the custard sand of Gorleston Beach and the big blue beyond, the Cliff Hotel’s afternoon tea is a chocoholic’s dream, with billionaire’s salted caramel shortbread, brownie truffles and choc chip cookies sitting pretty amongst the scones and sandwiches. It’s a similar story for kids too, with s’mores cookies, cake pops and chocolate-dipped strawberries.
Book it: From £21.95, £11.95 for children, thecliffhotel.co.uk
YORKSHIRE
Betty’s Tea Room, Harrogate
A North Yorkshire institution since 1918, Bettys is now so famous there’s four additional cafés and a whole range of merchandise too. Pitch up at the OG, as the kids say, at 1 Parliament Street in Harrogate and you’ll find the traditional tea room packed with tourists – but it’s still worth getting a table. The standard afternoon tea with Collet pink champagne is reasonable at £37.50… but if you’re on a budget, the Yorkshire Tea – comprising two scones, jam and clotted cream and a teapot for one, is a steal at £13.50. Open daily.
Book it: From £13.50, bettys.co.uk
The Grand, York
Head pastry chef Devni Jones is behind the tower of edible adventures that greets guests at York’s 1906-built five-star The Grand hotel. In the Rise Restaurant, nibble on smoked beef brisket, asparagus quiche and a chocolate, coffee and hazelnut streusel. There’s views out across York’s medieval city walls too. Served daily from 12:30pm to 4pm.
Book it: From £39.50, £24.50 for children, thegrandyork.co.uk
Harewood House, Leeds
If the Yorkshire weather is playing ball, ask for a terrace table at this 18th century country abode and wash down your tea with a view of the Capability Brown-designed gardens. Alongside a decadent selection of pastries and sandwiches, tea specialist Bird&Blend is on the hot drinks, while you can add a class of local Nyetimber classic cuvee for £14.
Book it: From £45, £25 for children, harewood.org
Tickton Grange Hotel, Beverley
Four miles from the upmarket town of Beverley, Tickton Grange rivals London’s big hitters with its stately tea. Served on ‘blush broke stroke’ bone china every day of the week, the signature blend is Buckingham Palace loose leaf and the kitchen is constantly evolving the sweets and savouries – with lemon posset, Wensleydale cheese rounds and blueberry bakewell currently coming out of the kitchen.
Book it: From £35, ticktongrange.co.uk
NORTH EAST
Seaham Hall, Seaham, Country Durham
This Georgian coastal hideaway majors on spa and relaxation but is a fine place to take high tea too. Mop up all the crumbs on house-baked scones or lose yourself in an eclair with 70% Valrhona chocolate. There’s eight teas by Hoogly to choose from and if you’re in need of a caffeine kick, Paddy & Scott’s Muchomba coffee can help. Served Thursday to Sunday between 12pm and 3pm.
Book it: From £35, seaham-hall.co.uk
Matfen Hall, Northumberland
Across 300 acres of bucolic splendour, Matfen Hall serves its elegant teas from 12pm till 4pm from Tuesday to Saturday in The Drawing Room. Tea devotees can find everything from Lapsang Souchong to Assam being poured, alongside Laurent-Perrier (for an extra fee). Scones come laced with either treacle or good cheese and there’s plenty of other dishes that keep things interesting, including a forced Yorkshire rhubarb gel that sits atop a white chocolate and vanilla mousse.
Book it: From £35, matfenhall.com
The Running Fox, Felton, Northumberland
There are now a quintet of this popular north-east cafe but head to the first one, close to the banks of the River Coquet in Felton, to see why it’s become such a hit. Diners can choose to go savoury or sweet-only, or go classic and have both. The pies and quiches are particularly good – including a tasty Pan Haggerty, say locals. Served daily.
Book it: From £25.50, runningfoxbakery.co.uk
Old School House Kitchen, Penshaw, Tyne and Wear
This former 19th century schoolhouse in the rolling hills outside Sunderland comes with a view of local landmark the Penshaw Monument and offers an education in afternoon tea. At the honey-coloured Old School House Kitchen, mini cheesecakes often make it into the mix, alongside quiches, sandwiches and scones – and a good old-fashioned builder’s tea. It gets busy, mind, so book ahead.
Book it: From £23, coxgreenoldschoolhousekitchen.com
Jesmond Dene House, Newcastle
This boutique hotel on an Arts and Crafts estate just out of Newcastle isn’t scared to twist the traditional scone recipe, with sour cherry and tonka currently wowing guests. There’s also an Earl Grey Macaron – because the man himself was born an hour up the road in Fallodon – plus refillable tea or coffee and the chance to upgrade to Exton Park sparkling wine. Served Wednesday to Sunday, 1pm to 4pm.
Book it: From £29.50, £16.50 for children, jesmonddenehouse.co.uk
NORTH WEST
Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, Lake District
This 14-mile round trundle through the Lake District National Park seats lucky passengers in the ‘Ruth’ Director Saloon compartment, enjoying plush velour seats, a window on the world and ‘a sumptuous tea on the move’. Find mini quiches, sausage rolls, plenty of cakes and, yes, scones, cream and jam on your plate. You even get a souvenir cup to take home too.
Book it: From £175 for two, ravenglass-railway.co.uk
Linthwaite House, Lake District
‘Tirami-choux’ buns and a smoked mackerel tartlet brush shoulders with kitchen-made scones on three tiers of fine china at Linthwaite House, which also serves up unfettered views of Lake Windermere. The tea selection comes from Dorothy’s Teas in nearby Grange-over-Sands. Request a table outside on a sunny day and you’ll feel the lake is all yours. Call ahead for timings.
Book it: From £39, leeucollection.com
Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, Manchester
Afternoon tea is finally back on the menu at this Mancunian grand dame. Served in the plant-filled Winter Garden, refreshment comes from specialists Tea from the Manor – with Silver Needle white tea and Gunpowder green tea listed. The food is as interesting as the Victorian interiors, with a doughnut of braised ox cheek and truffled egg mayo finger sandwiches amongst the morsels. Served weekends only; call ahead for times.
Book it: From £35, kimptonclocktowerhotel.com
Panoramic 34, Liverpool
This lofty 34th-floor perch above Liverpool’s iconic waterfront might be the best vantage point on the city – and Panoramic 34’s luxury afternoon tea is packed with local flavour, from the Wirral watercress to the Langs farm eggs. There’s a dash of exotic too; the pina colada syllabub and Yuzu and Matcha green tea macarons. Served Tuesdays to Saturdays from 12pm to 5pm.
Book it: From £32, panoramic34.com
Rookery Hall Hotel, Nantwich, Cheshire
The kids afternoon tea at this Cheshire country house hotel might leave the grown-ups envious; there’s jam sandwiches, brownies and cute little scones. The main menu includes local produce such as Whipped Kidderton Ash goat’s cheese and Rookery Hall honey plus nine teas to choose from. Served daily from 12pm to 4pm in the panelled Drawing Room or al fresco on the terrace.
Book it: From £36, £17 for children, handpickedhotels.co.uk/rookeryhall
SCOTLAND
Old Course Hotel, St Andrews
On Fife’s craggy coast, the world’s oldest golf course provides the scenic backdrop for precision-cut sandwiches and pretty pastries, with guests served in the Old Course Hotel’s Conservatory. Edinburgh-based brand PekoeTea is behind the 16 loose leaf selections, including a bespoke blend. Served Fridays and Saturdays between 1:30pm and 3:30pm, you can upgrade to a Laurent-Perrier Champagne pairing too.
Book it: From £40, £18 for children, oldcoursehotel.co.uk
The Scottish Café, Edinburgh
Seeking a high tea with high culture? The award-winning Scottish Café sits within the National Gallery in Edinburgh, with views out over East Princes Street Gardens. This afternoon feast is a love letter to Scotland, incorporating Kaimes smoked sea trout, Isle of Kintyre cheddar and Ramsay of Carluke ham. The scones? Straight from the oven, and there’s a kids’ menu too. Served 12pm to 4pm daily.
Book it: From £35, £15 for children, contini.com
Clarinda’s Tearoom, Edinburgh
On Edinburgh’s Royal Mile since 1976, cute and cosy Clarinda’s Tearoom serves up occasional afternoon teas that are worth planning ahead for. Just-baked scones are made to an in-house recipe, there’s great Scottish tea and sandwiches include the East Lothian free-range egg and cress. It’s great value but small, so call ahead in advance.
Book it: From £7, clarindastearoom.com
Crossbasket Castle, Glasgow
This imposing 15th-century Scottish castle turned five-star hotel in lush greenery 20 miles south of Glasgow can be pricey so booking a tea, devised by Albert Roux, is a great way to experience it without breaking the bank. Pull up a chair in the Sitting Room (or outside in summer) and pick from artisan sandwiches, moreish scones and dinky pastries…but the historic backdrop is the real show-stealer. Served daily from 12:30pm to 4:30pm.
Book it: From £39, crossbasketcastle.com
WALES
The Angel Hotel, Abergavenny
A member of the prestigious UK Tea Guild – and holding the ‘Award of Excellence’ since 2008, The Angel refreshes its high tea offering, served in the Wedgwood room, frequently, which the hotel’s loyal fans love. The townhouse setting, next door to Abergavenny Castle, amps up the allure – and the care taken in the kitchen comes through in the bakes, with current treats including a pistachio cream horn and custard slice. Serve Thursday to Sunday from 1pm to 5pm.
Book it: From £50, angelabergavenny.com
The Grove of Narberth, Pembrokeshire
Enjoy a winsome Narberth Hills skyline as you take tea in this small, luxurious Pembrokeshire bolt-hole. Take a pew in the Artisan Brasserie where menu highlights include buttermilk scones, homemade sausage rolls and zingy Lemon Verbena tea. Served Thursday to Sunday from 2:30pm to 4pm and available in the gardens in summer.
Book it: From £40, grovenarberth.co.uk
Lake Vyrnwy Hotel and Spa, Powys
Who could resist a cup of Barry Island rock or Dragon’s breath tea? The four-star Lake Vyrnwy Hotel serves afternoon tea daily from midday to 5pm, so plot a morning stroll in the verdant Vyrnwy Valley beforehand to work up an appetite. From your table, there’s spectacular views of this historic North Wales reservoir with scones, jam and clotted cream, local pastries and finger sandwiches.
Book it: From £23, lakevyrnwy.com
Llangoed Hall, Brecon Beacons
Take tea as a Lord or Lady of the manor might at Llangoed Hall, an easy-on-the-eye country house set in 17 acres close to the River Wye. Choose from the Classic or Ashley Afternoon Tea, the latter coming with elderflower champagne. Tea is decanted from pot to bespoke gold rose and butterfly fine bone china cups and there’s chic patisserie alongside the scones. Served Thursday to Sunday between 2pm and 4pm.
Book it: From £28, llangoedhall.co.uk
