Josephine’s Tea Lounge in Nottingham: A cosy, nostalgic dinner.

There's something wonderfully comforting about discovering a place that feels like it's been there forever. Nestled opposite Nottingham's Theatre Royal on Upper Parliament Street, Josephine's Tea Lounge offers exactly that, an elegant retreat where traditional British dining, vintage surroundings and warm hospitality come together. 

I recently made a spontaneous visit with my grandma, who had been wanting to experience Josephine's for a while now. Sometimes the best little outings are the ones that aren’t planned too much, and this was one of those lovely afternoons that felt relaxed, special, and full of charm from the moment we walked in.

Stepping through the door feels like entering another era. With its carefully chosen antiques, classic décor and intimate 32-seat dining room, Josephine's has a timeless charm that wouldn't look out of place in an Agatha Christie novel. If you've ever enjoyed the famous atmosphere of Bettys Tea Rooms in York or Harrogate, you'll recognise that same sense of nostalgia, where afternoon tea, homemade cakes and hearty meals are all served with a little old-fashioned elegance.

My grandma immediately fell in love with the surroundings, commenting that they reminded her of places she remembered visiting when she was younger. Seeing how much she enjoyed the atmosphere made the visit feel even more special, and it's easy to see why Josephine's appeals to all generations. 

Whether you're stopping by for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner, the menu celebrates classic British favourites. On our visit, we opted for two of the house specialities. The Peppered Steak & Ale Pie arrived filled with melt-in-the-mouth tender beef in a rich, flavoursome gravy, served alongside creamy mashed potato and seasonal vegetables, while the Filled Yorkshire Pudding proved every bit as comforting as it sounds. Both dishes were generous, beautifully presented and exactly the sort of hearty, homemade food that perfectly suits the cosy surroundings.

To accompany our meal, we enjoyed refreshing Fentimans Elderflower drinks before taking time to soak up the relaxed atmosphere. Service was friendly throughout and, despite the restaurant being busy, there was never any sense of being rushed, making it the perfect place to linger over lunch, catch up with family or simply enjoy a slower pace.

Josephine's is particularly popular with theatre-goers thanks to its location directly opposite the Theatre Royal. If you're heading to a show, concert, cinema screening or event at the nearby arena, you can enjoy 10% off your bill by showing a valid same-day ticket for the Theatre Royal, making it an ideal choice before or after an evening out.

If you're visiting during the day, the fixed-price Lunch & Brunch menu, available daily until 4pm for £14.99, offers excellent value. Alternatively, those looking for something a little more indulgent can choose one of the restaurant's popular Afternoon Tea experiences, served alongside a selection of 20 loose leaf teas. Weekday visitors can also take advantage of the Quiet Hour between 3pm and 4pm, when cream teas are half price and selected menu items are available at reduced prices.

While the menu features much-loved classics such as steak and ale pie, lasagne, quiche and filled Yorkshire pudding, you'll also find homemade favourites including Beef Cobbler with scone dumplings, Thatcher's Pie and Moroccan Tagine. It's a menu that balances traditional comfort food with a few unexpected additions; all served with generous portions and plenty of character.

In Nottingham we are lucky to have such a quantity of independent cafés and restaurants, Josephine's Tea Lounge stands out for its welcoming atmosphere and unmistakable sense of nostalgia. Whether you're planning a pre-theatre meal, celebrating a special occasion over afternoon tea, or simply looking for somewhere to slow down and enjoy a proper homemade lunch, it's a charming addition to Nottingham's food and drink scene. For us, it was a lovely afternoon spent making memories together, and somewhere we'll happily return to. 

By Saria Rhodes - Visit Nottinghamshire