Afternoon Tea

With a splendid choice of cafes, restaurants, hotels, and stately homes, Nottinghamshire is an excellent place to indulge in this classically English pastime.

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.

A traditional afternoon tea consists of a selection of daintily sized sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and preserves, along with bite sized cakes and pastries. Tea was also likely to be served from silverware and in bone china cups. Today, there are lots of variations on what should be included in an afternoon tea, just think Paddington Bear taking tea and marmalade sandwiches with the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Scroll down to browse all of our favourite Nottinghamshire cafes, tea rooms and restaurants serving afternoon tea.

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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.

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.

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.

Inner City Style

If you are looking for a traditional afternoon tea in the heart of Nottingham, then Hart's Kitchen intimate 2 AA rosette restaurant (or sunny courtyard in the summer months), exquisite food and drink are a perfect choice. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion, or just fancy an indulgent treat with a loved one, they will treat you to a selection of finger sandwiches made with Hambleton Bakery bread, the best homemade scones smothered in jam and clotted cream, and an array of tempting home-made cakes.

Chill in the elegant and stylish No/6 Bar and Restaurant at the St James Hotel while enjoying a sumptuous afternoon tea. Located next to Nottingham Castle, this is perfectly located if you need a bit of a break from the custle and bustle of the city and fancy a bit of relaxation in chic surroundings.

Enjoy Afternoon Tea the French way at Bistrot Pierre. A sparkling afternoon tea is also available. Expect croissant style sandwiches, traditional scones and then a selection of sweet treats from the patisserie. Available every day between 2:30pm and 5pm

The Pudding Pantry work hard to create an afternoon tea that is modern, memorable and full of flavour. Everything is made in house from the petit fours to the strawberry jam to our sausage rolls. Pushing the traditional boundaries of afternoon tea but keeping it classy & delicious is their aim. With not a finger sandwich in sight but instead a savoury selection of flavoursome food including homemade slider buns with BBQ pulled pork and our roasted pepper sausage rolls. Their sweet treats are designed for indulgence and are thoughtfully created & tested by the talented baking team. Each afternoon tea is served with a pot of our loose leaf tea or a filter coffee. Fear not if you have little ones to consider also.. a child's version of afternoon tea is also offered! 

Get away from it all for an afternoon & relax in comfortable surroundings at the Lace Market Hotel. With a selection of finger sandwiches, homemade scones and delicious pastries lovingly prepared by the hotel’s team of Chefs, this fresh Afternoon tea is something else! Served Thursday to Saturday at either 1pm or 3pm.

Take Tea in the Countryside

One of our country’s most treasured simple pleasures; served on the finest vintage China, traditional afternoon tea with a contemporary twist at Ye Olde Bell bursts with homemade deliciousness. Available year round; enjoy in the tranquil gardens during the Spring and Summer or if it’s chilly outside, in the lounge by a roaring log fire

At Langar Hall you are guaranteed a remarkable experience. This is a restaurant which prides itself on its unique & personable service in keeping with the warmth and good memories that it certainly had as a family home. Afternoon Tea is served Thursday & Friday 3pm – 5pm. For more information  or to purchase a gift voucher please contact the hall directly. Please note they are unable to cater for vegan & dairy free guests for afternoon tea.

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.

Gift Vouchers

If you'd like to gift an Afternoon Tea experience to someone, all of our recommendations above would be happy to arrange this for you. Contact the venues directly for more information.

At Home

Fancy an Afternoon Tea from the comfort of your own home? The Pudding Pantry and Colwick Hall also provide a click and collect service. Perfect for older members of the family or as a picnic alternative when out and about!