Afternoon tea has been a tradition in Cambridge – and England as a whole – since the 1840s. Back then, dinner (supper) was conventionally served at 8 PM, and there was no such thing as lunch. So, what were people supposed to do when they got hungry in the middle of the day? They would have a light meal of tea and snacks, which we now know as afternoon tea. This tradition was introduced by Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford.
This simple afternoon ritual quickly evolved into a social event, especially for those who belonged to the upper classes of society. Filled with tiny finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and preserves, and of course, cake, afternoon tea soon became a favourite pastime for ladies who lunch.
Anyone for tea? Or maybe something stronger
Nowadays, afternoon tea is enjoyed by people of all classes and is often seen as a special treat, whether it’s to celebrate a birthday, an anniversary, or just because. And there’s no better place to enjoy a spot of tea than in one of Cambridge’s many historic tea rooms. Today we will give you a run-down of some of the best afternoon tea spots in the city and what you can expect when visiting each.
Six Restaurant, Varsity Hotel, Cambridge
Situated within Cambridge’s much loved, boutique Varsity Hotel, Six Restaurant offers one of the best afternoon tea experiences in the city. As the name suggests, it’s located on the building’s sixth floor, and is accessible by both lift and stairs.
Visitors love Six’s unique design and décor; panoramic, floor-to-ceiling windows encompass this dining space while rich wood flooring and red seating arrangements bring its character to life. Casually take in Cambridge’s beautiful skyline as you browse through the restaurant’s diverse menu of classic tea time staples.
Tea with a view
From finger sandwiches and cakes to warm scones with clotted cream and jam, there are plenty of delicious options to choose from. As for the tea itself, Six Restaurant doesn’t disappoint. They have worked in collaboration with master tea blenders to craft a selection of bespoke blends, all of which are sure to delight.
If you’re in the mood for something a little different, try one of the restaurant’s speciality Champagne Afternoon Tea times, £26.50 per person Monday to Friday and £32 per person Saturday to Sunday. This includes a glass of Champagne each, as well as all of the classic treats you’d expect to find in a traditional afternoon tea service.
The Orchard
The Orchard Tea Garden is a must-visit for anyone in search of a truly classic Cambridge afternoon tea experience. Dating back to 1858, it’s one of the city’s oldest tea gardens and is located in the heart of picturesque village of Grantchester Meadows.
Afternoon tea isn’t just about the tea itself – it’s also about the experiences that come with doing so. Great company, beautiful scenery, and a relaxed atmosphere are key components to the perfect afternoon tea service. The Orchard Tea Garden in Grantchester hits the mark on all of these fronts.
A great place for tea in the summer
When it comes to the food, The Orchard Tea Garden takes a traditional approach. Sandwiches, scones and cakes are all served fresh and made using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant also offers a wide range of teas, as well as Champagne and prosecco if you’re feeling celebratory. If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, this is the place to do it.
Quy Mill Hotel & Spa, Cambridge
If you’re looking for a more traditional afternoon tea experience, then the Quy Mill Hotel & Spa is the perfect place for you. This charming hotel is located just outside of Cambridge in the picturesque village of Stow-cum-Quy.
Set amidst landscaped gardens and picturesque countryside, the Quy Mill Hotel & Spa is surrounded by natural beauty. The hotel’s afternoon tea service is served in either the Mill House Restaurant or in the lounge, both of which boast stunning views of the gardens.
The menu changes seasonally, but you can expect to find an assortment of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and sweet dainties. Of course, no afternoon tea is complete without a hot drink, and the Quy Mill Hotel & Spa offers a selection of loose leaf teas and coffees to choose from.
Parker’s Tavern
Established in 1834, Parker’s Tavern is located in the heart of Cambridge. This historic venue has welcomed some of the world’s most celebrated figures over the years, not to mention some high society events.
The reality checkpoint shows the way
Today, Parker’s Tavern continues to uphold its reputation as one of the city’s most popular gathering spots, serving up modern British fare in a warm and inviting atmosphere. The restaurant’s afternoon tea service is no exception.
For £36 per person, guests can enjoy a selection of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and an assortment of cakes and pastries. This experience can be made even more special with the addition of a glass of Champagne. Parker’s Tavern also offers a range of loose-leaf teas, coffees, and herbal tisanes to enjoy with your meal.
Fitzbillies, Trumpington Street
Fitzbillies is an iconic Cambridge establishment, and for good reason. This restaurant has been serving the local community since 1920, and holds a long-standing reputation of offering the best food and service in town. It’s a particularly great place to visit for afternoon tea for a number of reasons, one of which is the extensive selection of menu options and another the unique picnic-style service on offer.
Choose to enjoy your afternoon tea from one of Fitzbillies’ classically-decorated cafes or by the river through their popular takeaway service. If you opt for the former, you’ll be able to take your share of a variety of freshly prepared items pre-packaged and neatly bundled into a wicker basket wherever you’d like to sit.
Regardless of location, tea time from Fitzbillies comes with all the stops – finger sandwiches, sultana scones, fruit tarts, chocolate éclairs, macarons, and a bottle of sparkling elderflower. And of course, no afternoon tea would be complete without a freshly brewed pot of tea. Fitzbillies offers a range of both herbal and regular teas, so there’s sure to be something to please everyone. Prices start at £18.00 per person and picnic service must be requested a minimum of 24 hours in advance.
Clayton Hotel Cambridge
Clayton Hotel is a staple of Cambridge – as a four-star hotel, it’s known for its luxury and elegance. Visitors from all around the world choose it as a premier place to stay when in the area, not to mention a great spot to enjoy a true British afternoon tea. The hotel’s opulent setting is the perfect place to take some time out of exploring the city and indulge in some of the best food Cambridge has to offer.
Located a stone’s throw from the Cambridge University Botanic Gardens, and conveniently near Cambridge’s main train station. The Tamburlaine Restaurant serves a traditional afternoon tea, complete with all of the classics – scones, finger sandwiches, and cakes.
The restaurant takes pride in its perfect scone, which comes with a side of jam and fresh cream. A range of prosecco, champagne and cocktails are available to enjoy alongside the meal. Clayton Hotel’s afternoon tea is served in The Tamburlaine Restaurant daily from 2:00pm to 5:00pm, and prices start at £12.50 per person.
If this is a bit too rich for your blood, why not check out some of Cambridge’s more budget friendly places to stay.
Le Patissier, St John’s Street
Le Patissier is a quaint, local-style café located in between the buildings of Cambridge’s bustling city centre. Whilst modest, it’s definitely one of the city’s hidden gems for afternoon tea, with its convenient location, delicious food, and wonderful service.
The café is only a short walk away from the main shopping centre, river and colleges, making it a great place to go for tea when you’re out exploring the city.
Le Patissier offers a range of both sweet and savoury items on its afternoon tea menu. Choose from a variety of finger sandwiches, scones, fruit tarts, chocolate éclairs, and macarons. The cafe also offers a selection of regular and herbal teas to enjoy with your meal.
Le Patissier’s afternoon tea is served daily and includes vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options.
Bedouin
For those in search of a truly unique experience, Bedouin is an absolute must-visit. This North African inspired establishment seeks to reflect Cambridge’s rich history and cultural diversity through its food, drink and atmosphere.
Conveniently located in the city’s downtown azaar, Bedouin is the perfect place to enjoy an afternoon tea service with a twist. The menu features both traditional and modern items, such borek jubna, crevettes mchermla and Mahalbi alongside more familiar treats like baklava and ice cream. A pot of African mint tea is served alongside, providing a refreshing and exotic twist to the classic English afternoon tradition.
Harriets Tearoom
If you were expecting to see Harriets Tearoom, Cambridge mentioned on this list, we have included it but only to note that their Cambridge tea room has now closed, so you will have to visit one of these other establishments in your search for afternoon teas.
Whether you’re looking for a classic afternoon tea experience or something a little bit different, Cambridge has plenty to offer. So make sure to add afternoon tea to your list of things to do while visiting this historic and beautiful city.
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