Tearooms across the UK are preparing to take part in this year’s Afternoon Tea Week, which takes place between 12 and 18 August 2024.
The celebration of the fantastic British tradition is a brilliant excuse to organise a catch up with your friends or family over a cup of tea and some delicious food.
If you’re looking for somewhere to celebrate this wonderful event, read on to discover 15 unique afternoon teas to try across the UK.
1. The English Tea Bus, London
If you want to combine a sightseeing trip with some delightful sweet and savoury treats, hop on this double decker bus to enjoy a panoramic tour of the capital as well as a delicious afternoon tea.
2. The Ivy on the Square, Edinburgh
If you’re looking for a Gatsby-feeling experience for a reasonable price, try the Dream Afternoon Tea at The Ivy on the Square in Edinburgh.
The restaurant’s gorgeous décor and the nature-themed platters offer a whimsical experience for you and your loved ones to enjoy.
3. The Cauldron, London
Step into a magical world to enjoy this afternoon tea at The Cauldron, a wizard-themed cocktail bar which allow you to blend your own tea and dine from a dragon’s nest platter.
The Cauldron also have locations in Edinburgh and Brighton if you’d like to enjoy this magical experience elsewhere.
4. The Falcondale Hotel, Lampeter
This restaurant, located in a Victorian Grade II listed country house, has been awarded two AA Rosettes so you can be sure their food is delicious.
Enjoy a delectable afternoon tea made with local produce before enjoying a walk around the gorgeous surrounding gardens.
5. Sherlock’s Mind Palace Afternoon Tea and Mini Mystery, London
Run by the official Sherlock: The Live Game team, book this afternoon tea to put your puzzle solving skills to the test while snacking on their delicious sweet and savoury treats.
6. Holy Cow, Edinburgh
If you are vegan or vegetarian, head to the Holy Cow on Dundee Street to enjoy a delicious animal-friendly and gluten-free afternoon tea.
7. House of Books and Friends, Manchester
For an afternoon tea located in a picturesque bookshop in the heart of Manchester, visit the House of Books and Friends.
Not only do they serve incredible homemade treats, but they also spend every penny of their profit on addressing loneliness and creating opportunities to bring people together.
8. Cobbles Kitchen & Deli, Ogmore-by-Sea
Can’t get enough of afternoon tea? Why not try a bottomless one?
Just a short drive from Ogmore-by-Sea beach, this deli offers bottomless tea, coffee, or soft drinks. Or, if you wish, you can upgrade to bottomless prosecco, mimosas, Aperol spritzs, or gin fizzes.
9. The Ampersand Hotel’s Science Afternoon Tea, London
Drawing inspiration from the nearby Science Museum, this afternoon tea is out of this world!
Enjoy their selection of science-themed treats, such as dinosaur biscuits and planet-shaped cakes, before exploring the Science Museum for free afterwards.
10. Palm Court at the Balmoral, Edinburgh
For a luxurious afternoon tea experience, visit the 2022/23 Hotel of the Year Scotland for a selection of over 80 teas, impressive tea pouring ceremony, and gourmet food.
11. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory afternoon tea, London
If you’re a fan of Roald Dahl’s beloved book, head to One Aldwych to enjoy the likes of “blue as a blueberry” cake pops and scones with snozzberry jam.
12. Pettigrew Tea Rooms, Cardiff
Located in the Victorian gatehouse right next to Cardiff Castle, the Pettigrew Tea Rooms is a picturesque spot for a delicious afternoon tea.
They also cater for vegetarians, vegans, and those on a gluten- or dairy-free diet.
13. The Cookery School, London
Have a hands-on afternoon tea experience at The Cookery School at Little Portland Street to learn how to craft your own cakes, sandwiches, pastries, and scones.
At the end of your class, you will sit down to enjoy the rewards of your freshly cooked food with a glass of sparkling wine or a soft drink.
14. The Lemon Tree, Wrexham
If a selection of unusual but delicious cocktails in a beautiful Victorian Grade-II listed neo-gothic building sounds tempting, then head to The Lemon Tree, which sits just outside of Wrexham’s town centre.
15. The Bulkely Hotel, Beaumaris
The Bulkely Hotel offers a luxurious afternoon tea experience, with their resident pianist playing while you indulge in delicious finger sandwiches and cakes.
Even better, you can bring your dog along to their dedicated indoor and outdoor dog-friendly areas so you don’t have to leave any member of the family behind.