Afternoon Tea York Guide – the best afternoon teas in York
If you’re looking for where to treat yourself to the most delectable afternoon tea in York, this afternoon tea York guide has you covered. The lovely historic city of York – in North Yorkshire, England – with its quaint cobbled streets and rich history, makes the perfect setting for the quintessentially British experience of an afternoon tea.
The best afternoon teas in York include a traditional afternoon tea in an iconic tea room, a chocolate themed afternoon tea in a beautiful hotel and a magical Alice in Wonderland afternoon tea in a stylish brasserie.
The best afternoon tea in York at a glance
The best luxury afternoon tea York – The Grand
The best afternoon tea for chocolate lovers – The Principal
The best unique afternoon tea York experience – Forest
The best iconic tea room afternoon tea York – Betty’s Cafe Tea Rooms
The best country house hotel afternoon tea York – Middlethorpe Hall
The best themed afternoon tea in York – The Ivy
The best boutique hotel afternoon tea – Hotel du Vin
The best afternoon tea in York
1. Bettys Cafe Tea Rooms
Best for: a delicious afternoon tea in an iconic York tea room
Betty’s Cafe Tea Rooms is one of York’s most well known spots and famous for its afternoon teas. At Bettys York you can choose from a traditional afternoon tea (no need to book in advance), or a luxury bookable afternoon tea experience that includes a live pianist to add to the atmosphere.
What’s on Betty’s afternoon tea menu: Traditional Afternoon Tea: a selection of sandwiches, a sultana scone with cream & jam, a miniature cake selection and a pot of tea for one. Bookable Afternoon Tea: sandwich selection, plain & spiced orange scones, a luxury miniature cake selection and luxury leaf teas. With both afternoon teas you have the option to upgrade to a prosecco or pink champagne afternoon tea.
Price: Traditional Afternoon Tea – from £29.95 per person. Bookable Afternoon Tea – from £39.95 per person
Website: bettys.co.uk
2. The Grand
Best for: an award winning afternoon tea at a five star hotel
For one of the best afternoon teas in York visit The Grand, winner of ‘Best Afternoon Tea 2022’ by Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence. The Grand’s afternoon teas offer up an elaborate tower of savoury and sweet treats to enjoy, with optional Prosecco, Champagne and Gin & Tonic upgrades, perfect for special occasions.
For an extra treat you can book a Hendrick’s Afternoon Tea with ‘Tipsy G & Tea’ served in a Hendrick’s Gin and Tonic teapot, or a Blissful Spa Afternoon Tea package which includes four serene hours in the spa and a decadent afternoon tea.
What’s on The Grand York afternoon tea menu: savoury treats including a paprika croissant, salmon roulade & black pudding sausage roll, scones with clotted cream, lemon curd & strawberry jam, patisserie including mango tartlets, chocolate craquelin and greek yogurt cheesecake
Price: from £34.50 per person
Website: thegrandyork.co.uk
3. The Principal York
Best for: an indulgent chocolate themed afternoon tea
The Principal hotel, just steps from York train station, is another lovely option for afternoon tea in York. Their afternoon teas are inspired by York’s well renowned history with chocolate. York was once known as ‘the chocolate city’ and at its peak over 14,000 people were employed in the city’s famous chocolate factories. The Principal’s mouth-watering afternoon tea menu is inspired by some of the nation’s favourite chocolates.
What’s on The Principal York afternoon tea menu: classic cut finger sandwiches, cheese & caramelised onion scones + white chocolate & cranberry scones, cakes & patisserie including a chocolate orange delice & a mint chocolate brownie, a hot beverage of your choice + the option to add on prosecco or champagne
Price: from £29 per person
Website: theprincipalyork.com
4. Forest at Galtres Lodge
Best for: the most exciting afternoon tea in York!
Forest is a warm, cosy, relaxed, and rustic restaurant in Galtres Lodge hotel in York. For their ‘Forest Afternoon Tea’ they wanted to create something a little different and very special. Each of the unique afternoon tea courses is paired with a different interesting tea.
What’s on the Forest afternoon tea menu: a shot of Chef’s soup with an Olde Yorke cheese straw, sandwiches served with Lapsang Souchong tea, mini filled Yorkshire puddings with cauliflower cheese, homemade cherry scones and sticky toffee pudding
Price: £25 per person
Website: galtreslodge.uk
5. Middlethorpe Hall
Best for: a traditional afternoon tea in a historic country house hotel
Middlethorpe Hall is a country house hotel – just two miles from York’s city centre – set in 20 acres of beautiful gardens and parkland. The hotel serves up their traditional English afternoon teas in their historic drawing rooms.
What’s on the Middlethorpe Hall afternoon tea menu: a selection of finger sandwiches, apple & black pudding sausage roll, homemade fruit scones with clotted cream & strawberry garnish, raspberry & white chocolate pavlova, an assortment of cakes, all served with Hoogly Tea + the option to upgrade and add champagne
Price: from £39 per person
Website: middlethorpe.com
6. Hotel du Vin
Best for: afternoon tea at an enchanting boutique hotel
Hotel du Vin York is cosy boutique hotel in Grade II-listed mansion, just a stone’s throw from the York’s historic city walls. Their popular Afternoon Tea includes a variety of sweet and savoury delicacies alongside a selection of fine teas and coffees
What’s on the Hotel du Vin Afternoon Tea menu: finger sandwiches, scones with jam and cream, a selection of cakes and tarts and tea from the Bird & Blend Tea co. + the option to add champagne or cocktails.
Price: £29.95 per person (+£11.95 for champagne)
Website: hotelduvin.com
7. The Ivy St Helen’s Square
Best for: a magical themed afternoon tea experience
The Ivy St Helen’s Square brasserie brings friendly, sophisticated all-day dining to the city of York, offering a perfect haven for tourists and locals alike. They offer up a delicious Alice in Wonderland themed afternoon tea.
What’s on The Ivy in the Lanes Afternoon Tea menu: finger sandwiches, scones with fresh strawberries and clotted cream, cakes, macarons and a strawberry milkshake + a choice of teas, infusions & coffees. You can also upgrade you afternoon tea and add a glass of Nyetimber English sparkling wine.
Price: £29.95 per person, or £39.95 with sparkling wine
Website – theivycollection.com
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