Afternoon tea is a favorite activity for many people in the UK. But as most places all across Britain had to close their doors over the last year due to the coronavirus pandemic, plans to enjoy a tier of freshly made sandwiches and tasty treats were put on hold.
However, the good news is that venues up and down Britain have now opened their doors to welcome eager customers back as lockdown restrictions begin to ease, meaning you can indulge in afternoon tea once again.
So, where are the best places to go for afternoon tea in the UK? Age Co has created an afternoon tea map of the very best tearooms, cafes, and restaurants offering this traditional light meal. If you are looking for somewhere to enjoy a selection of light sandwiches, scones, cakes, and a pot of tea, then keep reading to find out which places serve the best afternoon tea.
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Betty’s Cafe Tea Rooms, York & Harrogate
If you ask any afternoon tea fan where some of the best locations to go are, Betty’s Cafe Tea Rooms is bound to crop up in conversation. There are several Betty’s locations, but the most popular Betty’s tea rooms are based in York and Harrogate.
For a traditional and elegant afternoon tea experience, the York location boasts of the luxurious Belmont Room, with the decor taking inspiration from the RMS Queen Mary ocean liner. Meanwhile, the Harrogate tea room offers a sophisticated setting upstairs in the Imperial Room.
Whether you opt for the afternoon tea with or without champagne, you’re guaranteed a grand dining experience. On offer is a prawn cocktail appetizer served in a shot glass, a smoked salmon and dill roulade, Yorkshire lavender scones, and a pot of Betty’s tea blend served in bone china cups. The perfect afternoon tea experience for a special occasion.
The Titanic, Belfast
If it’s sumptuous afternoon tea you want, then look no further than the Titanic in Belfast. Here in the Titanic Suite, you can step back in time and enjoy a selection of savory bites inspired by those who served on the original Titanic and a variety of finger sandwiches, cakes, and classic scones with Cornish clotted cream, all while admiring the replica of the famous Grand Staircase which were actually used in the 1997 hit film.
Titanic Belfast also has a wonderful selection of loose-leaf teas served in replica White Star Line crockery to give you the ultimate fine-dining experience. If you want to add an extra taste of luxury to your afternoon tea, simply add a glass of prosecco, champagne, or a cocktail.
Located on the very spot where the passenger liner was built and launched, you can enjoy this luxurious afternoon tea that is fit for first-class passengers and get given a taste of life on board the most famous ocean liner in the world.
Richmond Tea Rooms, Manchester
For an afternoon tea with a twist, check out the Richmond Tea Rooms located in Manchester’s vibrant and bustling city. The tearooms take inspiration from Lewis Carroll’s Alice In Wonderland and offer a range of Alice-themed afternoon tea options, such as Alice Tea, Queen’s Tea, and Hatter’s Tea.
Richmond Tea Rooms offer a great selection of finger sandwiches, canapes, homemade fruit scones, cakes, and treats that are all made in-house with many flavors and fillings that their team of chefs has carefully selected. There is also an array of weird and wonderful exotic and rare teas from all over the world. They also have more classic tea options.
This is the ideal afternoon tea location if you want to try something a bit more quirky and different from your traditional afternoon teas. So if you are looking to get family or friends together and try a new fun dining experience, put Richmond Tea Rooms on the top of your list for some exquisite afternoon tea.
A final word
We hope that these three locations have put you in the mood for a spot of afternoon tea in the UK. Whether you are looking for a more traditional style or something out of the ordinary, be sure to check out the other locations on Age Co’s afternoon tea map for more inspiration.
Featured Photo by NIKOLAY OSMACHKO from Pexels
