For celebrations, get-togethers or one of those experiential treats that are just a sheer delight – the tradition of taking afternoon tea is tops – So raise a pinkie and indulge yourself with a trip to one of Bath’s finest hotels or tearooms.
The Bath Priory
Enjoy a great British tradition in the peaceful haven of The Bath Priory – a full afternoon tea including a selection of delicate finger sandwiches, delicious homemade cakes and warm scones served with clotted cream and homemade preserve. A vast selection of teas and coffees are available to accompany your treats. Tea can be taken in the celebrated 3 AA Rosette restaurant, with magnificent views across the hotel’s award-winning gardens, in the relaxing atmosphere of The Pantry, with cosy log-fired lounges or on the wisteria-clad terrace in the summer months. Make an afternoon of it with a spa treatment and full use of the indoor pool, heated outdoor pool, aroma steam room and sauna in The Garden Spa by L’Occitane.
Weston Road, Bath, BA1 2XT
Tel: 01225 331 922; Web: thebathpriory.co.uk
Sugarcane Studio
If you are looking for something a little different, Sugarcane Studio is a patisserie and café in the centre of Bath, near the picturesque Pulteney Bridge. They specialise in French patisserie, mixing in East Asian flavours to create a truly unique fusion. With a rotating menu of cakes, pastries and confectionery, you will find a variety of matcha, black sesame, and tropical fruit flavoured delights, along with macarons and the freshest choux buns in Bath! Oolong and black tea is imported from Taiwan, and matcha and hojicha from Japan, making a perfect pairing for the sweet treats. The friendly staff are happy to offer any recommendations for your order.
Opening hours: Wed-Fri 10:00 – 17:00, Sat 9:30 – 17:00, Sun 11:15 – 15:30
1 Grove Street, Bath, BA2 6PJ
Tel: 01225 251707; Web: sugarcanestudio.co.uk
Lucknam Park
Make afternoon tea an experience to remember with Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa near Bath. Indulge in a traditional English afternoon tea served in one of the hotel’s drawing rooms, set within an 18th century Palladian mansion. Lucknam Park is surrounded by 500 acres of stunning countryside, making it the perfect destination for any special occasion. There is a variety of afternoon tea options ranging from a full afternoon tea menu including a selection of sandwiches, scones and dainty patisserie or if you fancy adding a touch of sparkle to your day, you can upgrade to the Champagne afternoon tea menu.
Call or email reservations@lucknampark.co.uk to book.
Colerne, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN14 8AZ
Tel: 01225 742 777; Web: lucknampark.co.uk
The Bird
Soak up the summer vibes on Plate’s terrace, overlooking the Bath Abbey; or curl up in a cosy corner indoors. Afternoon Tea at The Bird is an unmissable treat. There is always the option to add a touch of sparkle with a glass or two of fizz, or their very own gin! For a tasty twist, the ultimate Afternoon Tea experience awaits in their dining domes.
18-19 Pulteney Road,
Bath BA2 4EZ
Tel: 01225 580438;
Web: thebirdbath.co.uk
Pulteney Bridge Coffee
Offering a lighter option of a Cream Tea, rather than the full afternoon tea, Pulteney Bridge Coffee offers a more informal afternoon treat. The homemade scones are baked on the premises and are served warm with clotted cream, strawberry jam and a pot of loose leaf tea. There is the option to have different jam and / or hot drink if desired.
Situated on the World Heritage site of Pulteney Bridge these cosy coffee shops are an ideal spot to pop in, enjoy the freshly baked treats and take in the unique and beautiful view overlooking Bath’s iconic Pulteney Weir.
Cream teas are available to eat in or takeaway.
No booking required.
15-17 Pulteney Bridge, Bath, BA2 4AY
No.15 by Guesthouse, Bath
A noble British tradition done in a subtly playful way. With dainty sandwiches, scones and cakes all made by the talented team at No.15. The seasonal menu currently nods to the Queen’s platinum jubilee with gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian and plant-based diets all catered for. And, despite the name, a glass of Bolney bubbly goes just as well as a pot of tea. If the sun’s shining and only a picnic will do, the team will pack up a hamper full of afternoon tea goodies so you can enjoy a lovely, long, lazy feast in a park.
15 Great Pulteney Street, Bath BA2 4BS
Tel: 01225 807015; guesthousehotels.co.uk
Robun
Taking inspiration from across Japan, Robun’s afternoon tea offers a truly unique experience in the heart of Bath. Swapping sandwiches for sushi and scones for bao buns, this beautifully presented afternoon tea features some of the standout dishes from Robun’s menu of yakiniku, sushi and sashimi sharing plates, alongside sweet treats including miso cake and mochi ice cream – all served with a selection of traditional Japanese teas and the option of sparkling wine.
Served from Tuesday – Sunday, midday until 5pm, Robun’s Japanese afternoon tea is available for £28 per person.
Call Robun or email info@robun.co.uk to make a reservation.
Garden Café at The Holburne Museum
One of the most beautiful outdoor spaces in Bath, only a 10-minute walk from the centre of town, the Garden Café at the Holburne Museum provides the perfect escape for a relaxing cream tea. Located at the rear of the museum and opening out on to a beautiful garden space with the Georgian ‘Vauxhall’ Sydney Gardens behind, you can enjoy The Holburne High Tea – a pot of delicious loose leaf tea, fresh homemade scone, jam, clotted cream, a cake slice for just £8.50, or with Prosecco £13.50 per person.
Or there’s the Holburne Cream Tea option (without the cake slice) for just £5.50 – or with Prosecco at £10.50 per person. Additionally choose from a seasonal selection of light lunches, cakes and desserts to really add to the occasion. Winner of the Restaurant and Bar Design Awards, the Garden Café will make your trip to the Holburne Museum a truly indulgent one.
Cafe opening hours: 10am-5pm (11am-5pm Sunday and Bank Holidays) Last orders: 4.30pm.
Great Pulteney Street, Bath BA2 4DB
Tel: 01225 388 572; Web: Holburne.org
Homewood
An eclectically cool haven of style, spa time and sumptuous sustenance, in the heart of Somerset, just a stone’s throw from the beautiful city of Bath.
Whether in front of a roaring fire, lounging around in the sitting rooms or basking in the sunshine on Olio terrace; enjoy a delicate yet indulgent array of Mediterranean influenced treats, including open sandwiches, dainty pastries and naughty delights, as well as scones with world-famous West Country clotted cream and homemade jam. Sit back, soak in the sun and tuck into a scrumptious afternoon tea on Homewood’s terrace, or plunge into one of its dashing dining domes for a truly lavish experience.
Afternoon tea at Homewood starts from £30pp.
Served daily from 2pm – 5pm.
Abbey Lane, Freshford,
Bath BA2 7TB
Tel: 01225 580439; Web: homewoodbath.co.uk