There’s nothing more quintessentially English than sitting down to a traditional afternoon tea, and you will find this tasty treat at many of Bath’s cafés, restaurants and tearooms. Whether your idea of the perfect afternoon tea includes dainty sandwiches and cakes, scones slathered with jam and clotted cream, or one of Bath’s famous speciality buns, the city has plenty of mouth-watering options…
- The Abbey Tea Bar at Abbey Hotel Bath’s afternoon teas combine all your favourite British classics with some quirky twists, with a selection of sandwiches, cheese scones with herb butter, and a selection of Hope and Glory tea.
2. Treat yourself to a delectable assortment of savouries, warm scones with seasonal jams, and irresistible mini cakes and puddings at Browns Bath.
3. The Gainsborough Bath Spa’s Canvas Room offers the perfect place to relax and socialise in style. Their traditional afternoon teas are available to enjoy in the Canvas Room, and should be booked 72 hours in advance.
4. Situated in the historic Lilliput Court, the Courtyard Café offers a tasty cream tea with scones, clotted cream, strawberry jam and a pot of tea, or a boozy cream tea with a glass of wine or Cansecco.
5. An afternoon tea from Slug & Lettuce Bath comes in a beautiful bird cage filled with tasty treats. Indulge in tasty savouries, scones with jam and clotted cream, and a range of delicious miniature desserts, with a bottomless option for those looking to maximise the festivities.
6. Enjoy an elegant afternoon tea at Emily’s Tea Room at the Francis Hotel. A feast for the eyes, their beautifully presented afternoon teas combine quintessentially English favourites with seasonal offerings and speciality delights.
7. Head to Abbey Street for a traditional afternoon tea at Hands Georgian Tearoom. Opt for a two-tiered high tea or a clotted cream tea, with all meals served by staff members in period uniform for an authentic feel, and an in-house pianist who plays most weekends and afternoons.
8. Join The Ivy Bath Brasserie for an indulgent afternoon tea, served daily from 3pm to 5pm. Enjoy freshly backed scones, finger sandwiches, and exquisite cakes and tarts, available with a limited-edition festive twist!
9. Take some time out and indulge in a decadent spread of sweet and savoury treats at the Orange Artichoke at Apex City of Bath Hotel. Pick from a traditional cream tea, The Light Tea, or go the full hog with The Afternoon Tea.
10. With its Corinthian columns, glittering chandelier and spa fountain, the Pump Room Restaurant embodies what was once the heart of the Georgian social scene. Enjoy their sumptuous interpretation of the afternoon tea, with a delicious sweet and savoury selection, or for something a bit lighter, try the traditional Bath bun with cinnamon butter.
11. Treat yourself to a deliciously decadent afternoon in the Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa’s English gardens. Enjoy a selection of sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and strawberry preserve, exquisite pastries and cakes, and a choice of Ronnefeldt teas from around the world, with the option of adding some sparkle with a flute or flight of Tattinger Champagne.
12. For a true taste of Bath, head to Sally Lunn’s, a world-famous tea house situated in one of the oldest buildings in the city. Try the Bath delicacy, the Sally Lunn bun, topped with Scottish smoked salmon, strawberry jam and clotted cream, lemon curd and clotted cream, or cinnamon butter, or opt for a Cornish cream tea.
13. Overlooking the River Avon and the historic Pulteney Bridge, the Secret Garden at DoubleTree by Hilton Bath offers a unique dining experience, with a delicious afternoon tea with a view.
14. Head to Sweet Little Things for an afternoon tea in incredibly Instagrammable surrounds. Their traditional afternoon tea can be ordered with breakfast tea, prosecco or gin and tonic, with vegan and gluten-free options available. For the little ones, they also offer a kids’ afternoon tea, or if you fancy something lighter, you can opt for a cream tea.
15. Robun’s non-traditional afternoon tea features a unique tea ceremony where you can choose from a wide selection of Japanese tea! The service brings together elements from their menu and fine Japanese teas, perfect for an elegant afternoon with friends.
16. Enjoy a famous ‘Tea With Mr Darcy’, featuring a decadent and delicious serving of exquisite cakes, divine finger sandwiches and delightful warm scone served with Devonshire clotted cream at the splendid Regency Tea Rooms.