Afternoon Tea

When you think of quintessentially British cuisine, there is nothing more elegant than a spot of afternoon tea. The custom became fashionable in the mid 19^th century after the 7^th Duchess of Bedford began inviting friends to join her for sandwiches, tea and cake in the long hours between lunch and dinner. Today this light, leisurely meal is served in many restaurants and cafes and is an increasingly popular way to celebrate a special occasion, often complimented by champagne or prosecco.

With a splendid choice of cafes, restaurants, hotels, and stately homes, Nottinghamshire is an excellent place to indulge in this classically English pastime. Sit back and enjoy delicate finger sandwiches, freshly-baked cakes, scones with jam and clotted cream, along with a fine selection of teas and coffees served in china cups. Or why not treat yourself to a glass of something fizzy as you while away an afternoon with a friend or loved one?

Opulent surroundings

Nottinghamshire is home to numerous stunning buildings with equally impressive interiors which make the perfect backdrop to your classic afternoon tea.

The beautiful state rooms at Kelham Hall are the perfect setting for an extravagant afternoon tea, where delicate sandwiches and pastries can be enjoyed before roaming the 88 acres of gardens and parklands.

For a truly indulgent treat, try the exquisite Eden Hall Spa and pair afternoon tea with a treatment or spa day. Along with finely cut sandwiches and fresh scones, Eden’s afternoon tea includes antipasti, fruit skewers with dipping chocolate, and prosecco on request. All to be enjoyed in the sumptuous and relaxing atmosphere.

In Nottingham’s grand and historic Lace Market Hotel, Merchants Restaurant & Saint Bar offers a sophisticated choice of afternoon tea in the city. The creative kitchen also regularly devises themed teas such as the Alice in Wonderland Afternoon Tea, which features Queen of Hearts scones and Mad Hatter’s Black Forest Mess.

Steeped in history

Once home to the family of Romantic poet Lord Byron, Byron's Brasserie at Colwick Hall Hotel pride themselves on serving elaborate afternoon teas with a twist! Along with the Traditional and Grand Afternoon Teas, previously themed teas have included Peter Rabbit, Harry Potter, and Star Wars.

At The Larder on Goosegate in Hockley you can enjoy a traditional afternoon tea in airy and elegant surroundings. Built as the flagship Boots the Chemist store, the large windows were designed so passers-by could watch chemists whipping up their potions!

In Retford’s beautifully-restored 17th century coach house Ye Olde Bell Hotel & Spa, you can take an exquisite afternoon tea in the tranquil gardens or terraces during the spring and summer months, or cosy up next to the roaring fire in winter months.
 

Tea room perfection
 

In grand and historic Lace Market, Debbie Bryan is a hub of creativity and heritage in Nottingham. Browse the heritage inspired artisan goods and enjoy a classic afternoon tea with all the trimmings. A perfect choice for those with vegan, vegetarian and gluten free diets.

Newly opened in 2018, Josephine's Tea Room and Cafe makes for an elegantly traditional setting for afternoon tea. Due to the handy location, their decadent three-tiered offering is a perfect pre-theatre treat, and you'll feel taken back in time by the classically vintage music and decor.

Over in the delightful district of West Bridgford, Tiffin Tea Rooms are serious about tea tradition. Serving delicious homemade cake on fine bone china, and with over 30 loose leaf teas to choose from, this is a grand spot for a refreshing lunch.
 

Inner city style

The Kitchen at Harts Hotel in the city centre pride themselves on impeccable standards and delicious food, and their afternoon tea is no different. With all the usual trimmings, plus freshly made sweet treats from the award-winning Hambleton Bakery, Harts is perfect for celebrating for hen parties, anniversaries, baby showers and birthdays.

Over at Brown’s Brasserie & Bar, afternoon tea is a truly deluxe experience. With the menu including specialties such as lobster and prawn brioche rolls, home baked buttermilk scones with clotted cream, and salted caramel profiteroles, you know you’ll have a lunch you won’t forget.
 

Take tea in the countryside

While you're out and about exploring all that the Nottinghamshire’s countryside has to offer, make sure you stop at the Ollerton Watermill & Teashop near to the town of Newark and give their award winning afternoon tea a try in a former watermill on the banks of the River Maun.

Nearby the pretty town of Southwell you can easily spend an afternoon at Reg Taylor’s Garden Centre. Check out the huge range of gardening materials, swan sanctuary and sculpture garden before enjoying a delicious afternoon tea.

At the Garden Tea House in Clumber Park, many ingredients are sourced from the Walled Kitchen Garden just next door, so you can be sure to enjoy fresh, seasonal produce. Explore this huge National Trust park before enjoying an afternoon tea and a stroll around the lake.

Browse all Nottinghamshire cafes, tea rooms and restaurants serving afternoon tea below.