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A Taste of Britain: The Best Afternoon Tea Spots for Travelers in the UK

A Taste of Britain: The Best Afternoon Tea Spots for Travelers in the UK

Welcome, dear tea enthusiasts, to a quintessential British tradition that has graced hearths, hearts, and hotel lounges across the UK for centuries. Whether you’re a local or a visitor to this sceptered isle, experiencing a proper afternoon tea is simply non-negotiable. Grab your monocles and tiaras, because we’re about to embark on a scrumptious journey through the best afternoon tea spots in the UK. Pinkies up!

What Is Afternoon Tea?

Before we dive into the crème de la crème of tea spots, let’s get the basics right. Afternoon tea is a light meal typically eaten between 4 PM and 6 PM. It was introduced by Anna, the Duchess of Bedford, in the early 19th century. Finding herself peckish during the long gap between lunch and dinner, she began inviting friends to enjoy tea and light snacks, a tradition that soon became a British institution.

Why You Can’t Miss Afternoon Tea in the UK

Afternoon tea is not just about scones and finger sandwiches; it’s a cultural experience infused with history, charm, and, of course, deliciousness. From luxurious hotels to quaint countryside tea rooms, the UK offers an array of options that suit every kind of traveller. Not to mention, the Instagram opportunities are second to none. Just imagine your feed – #TeaGoals indeed.

Top Afternoon Tea Spots in the UK

When it comes to afternoon tea spots, the UK doesn’t disappoint. Here are some of the top places where you can sip, nibble, and feel utterly posh.

1. The Ritz, London

When you think of opulence, The Ritz in London likely springs to mind. With tea served in the elegant Palm Court, this is the epitome of traditional afternoon tea.

  • Address: 150 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London W1J 9BR
  • Price: Starts at £58 per person
  • Website: The Ritz London
  • Menu Highlights: Freshly cut sandwiches, scones with Cornish clotted cream, pastries, and a selection of 18 different teas.

2. Bettys Café Tea Rooms, York

Hailing from Yorkshire, Bettys Café Tea Rooms offers a timeless tea experience that has been beloved since 1919. Don your best vintage attire; you’ll feel right at home.

  • Address: St. Helen’s Square, York YO1 8QP
  • Price: Starts at £21.95 per person
  • Website: Bettys Café Tea Rooms
  • Menu Highlights: Fat Rascal scones, classic sandwiches, and their own exclusive Bettys teas.

3. Claridge’s, London

For a slice of art deco elegance, head to Claridge’s in Mayfair. This hotel’s afternoon tea has been a tradition since 1865, offering a sophisticated yet comfortable ambiance.

  • Address: Brook Street, Mayfair, London W1K 4HR
  • Price: Starts at £75 per person
  • Website: Claridge’s
  • Menu Highlights: Sandwiches with freshly baked bread, warm scones with Cornish clotted cream, pastries, and a choice of over 24 teas sourced from around the world.

4. The Balmoral, Edinburgh

For those travelling north of the border, The Balmoral in Edinburgh serves an opulent afternoon tea in the stunning Palm Court. Think high ceilings, Venetian chandeliers, and live harp music.

  • Address: 1 Princes St, Edinburgh EH2 2EQ, Scotland
  • Price: Starts at £50 per person
  • Website: The Balmoral
  • Menu Highlights: Scottish delicacies including smoked salmon sandwiches, Dundee cake, and, of course, scones with clotted cream.

5. Browns Hotel, London

For a more intimate atmosphere, Browns Hotel offers a delightful setting in their English Tea Room. Charles Dickens and Rudyard Kipling were known to frequent Browns; if it’s good enough for literary legends, it’s good enough for us.

  • Address: Albemarle Street, Mayfair, London W1S 4BP
  • Price: Starts at £55 per person
  • Website: Browns Hotel
  • Menu Highlights: Variety of seasonal and traditional sandwiches, madeleines, chocolate éclairs, and an extensive tea menu.

6. The Lanesborough, London

Experience Regency elegance at The Lanesborough, adorned with handmade Wedgwood china and an award-winning team of tea sommeliers.

  • Address: Hyde Park Corner, Belgravia, London SW1X 7TA
  • Price: Starts at £49 per person
  • Website: The Lanesborough
  • Menu Highlights: Finger sandwiches with classic British fillings, freshly baked scones, exquisite pastries, and various rare teas.

7. Fortnum & Mason, London

It’s impossible to talk about tea without mentioning Fortnum & Mason. Their Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon, opened by HMQ herself, is the epitome of British afternoon tea excellence.

  • Address: 181 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London W1A 1ER
  • Price: Starts at £70 per person
  • Website: Fortnum & Mason
  • Menu Highlights: Rare breed smoked salmon sandwiches, sultana scones, and artisanal pastries, alongside a vast selection of their famous teas.

8. Coworth Park, Surrey

If you’re yearning for a countryside escape, Coworth Park in Ascot offers a picturesque setting. Their award-winning Drawing Room serves an afternoon tea that complements the sublime surroundings.

  • Address: Blacknest Road, Ascot SL5 7SE
  • Price: Starts at £35 per person
  • Website: Coworth Park
  • Menu Highlights: Traditional finger sandwiches, house-made scones with fresh clotted cream, and seasonal pastries.

Conclusion

No matter where your travels take you in the UK, pausing for afternoon tea is an opportunity to indulge in a bit of British tradition, elevate your palate, and give those feet a rest after hours of exploring. From the regal opulence of The Ritz to the intimate charm of Bettys in York, these spots offer an array of unforgettable experiences that will undoubtedly make for a memorable visit.

So, next time you find yourself in this beautiful country, pop into one of these delightful places and elevate your travel experience with a cup of tea. After all, nothing says "I’m in Britain" quite like a perfectly steeped brew and a freshly baked scone.


What’s your favourite afternoon tea spot in the UK? Share your experiences or suggestions in the comments below!🍰☕

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