Whether you like it classic, quirky or just fancy stuffing your face with cake and scones, we’ve picked some of our favourite afternoon teas across the East of England – pinkies at the ready!
The Folly Tearoom
Hoppers Yard, Bull St, Holt NR25 6LN | Tel: 01263 713569 | www.follytearoom.co.uk
The vibe: Tucked away in a little courtyard in this pretty North Norfolk town, the tearoom is quintessentially English. Expect vintage tea cups, pretty cake stands and a relaxing atmosphere.
The menu: A tea-lovers dream! Folly’s offers so much more than just your Early Grey, check out the curiosi-teas menu where you’ll find tasty blends full of flavour such as ‘Banoffe’, a sweet Sri Lankan tea, ‘Rose Congou’, a sweet and malty Chinese black tea, and a personal favourite, ‘Masala Chai’, a sweet, spicy and milky black tea from India. There are a number of afternoon teas to choose from including a traditional tea, fruit, cheese and gentleman’s folly, if you were thinking of taking dad along for Father’s Day! There’s also breakfast, lunch and light bites.
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Price: From £6.25-£18.95
The Gallops Tearoom
The Island, Fred Archer Way, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 8FF | Tel: 01638 667765 | Follow on Facebook @thegallopstearoom
The vibe: Newmarket’s newest tearoom features stylish muted interiors and views over the Severals with a cool and calm atmosphere making it perfect for any occasion.
The menu: Choose from cream, traditional, high or a gentleman’s afternoon tea, alongside a wide range of other lunch dishes including sandwiches and savoury snacks. Their breakfast menu is impressive too!
Price: £4.95-£18.95
The Tamburlaine Hotel
27-29 Station Rd, Cambridge CB1 2FB | Tel: 01223 792888 | www.thetamburlaine.co.uk
The vibe: It doesn’t get much more glamourous or stylish than the Tamburlaine’s garden room. Think pretty palms, pastel pinks, velvet sofas and sophisticated modern elegance. This is an Instagram hotspot!
The menu: As colourful as the décor, the seasonal afternoon tea with pretty little cakes is created by head pastry chef, Jérôme Viard, who likes to use two or three ingredients in different ways. Go all out and add a glass of Champagne to your afternoon tea – after all, the décor will have you feeling like a queen!
Price: £9.50-£37.50
White Lion Hotel
Market Cross Pl, Aldeburgh, IP15 5BJ | Tel: 01728 452720 | www.whitelion.co.uk
The vibe: Perched on Aldeburgh’s pebbly beach, the hotel offers a calming oasis from opposite the seashore. A classic setting for a traditional afternoon tea.
The menu: Head Chef, James Barber creates a different themed afternoon tea every month. In June the menu will honour HM The Queen’s official royal birthday with an afternoon tea fit for HRH featuring a selection of finger sandwiches and sweet treats reminiscent of those street parties of years gone by. During July it’s time to indulge in a delicious Parisian themed afternoon tea with a selection of sweet and savoury delights, all with a French twist, while in August the town’s carnival will be celebrated. September sees the return of the very popular ‘Confessions of a Chocoholic’ afternoon tea followed by ‘Around the World in 31 Days’ in October; a traditional cream tea in November and the ‘Festivi-tea’ in December to mark the festive season.
Price: £15 – £21.
Knebworth Barns
Old Knebworth Lane, Knebworth SG1 2AX | Tel: 01438 812661 | www.knebworthhouse.com
The vibe: This is exclusive as it comes as there are only two dates to have afternoon tea at this gorgeous location on 22 July and 9 September. Spend the morning walking around the beautiful gardens of Knebworth House, before taking your seat in the barns with its high ceilings and beams for a traditional afternoon tea.
The menu: As classic as its surroundings, the afternoon tea will feature finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and homemade jam, mini tea fancies, tea, coffee and a glass of Prosecco, served from 2.30pm.
Price: £21.50 for adults, £10 for children up to 13 years.
Maddogs & Englishmen
1349-1353 London Rd, Southend-on-Sea, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 2AB | Tel: 01702 714766 | www.maddogsandenglishmeninteriors.co.uk/the-parlour-afternoon-tea
The vibe: It’s all oh so fancy at The Parlour. Elegant chandeliers hang from the ceilings while tables are adorned with candles, silverware and flowers – this afternoon tea is a hidden gem and can easily be compared to the Ritz! You’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time to the elegance of the 1920s/30s.
The menu: As classic as the décor, expect tasty finger sandwiches, scones, cakes and fancies. For something a little different book a Sunday jazz session or choose the genie themed afternoon tea from 18 July to 31 August.
Price: £25 and under
Orwell Lady River Cruises
Orwell Quay, Wet Dock, Ipswich, Suffolk IP3 0BQ | Tel: 07773 369970 | orwellrivercruises.com
The vibe: How about a view of Suffolk alongside your sandwich? For a relaxing and refreshing take on afternoon tea, hop aboard the Orwell Lady and gently cruise down the River Orwell while enjoy a traditional afternoon tea. Available May to September.
The menu: The Orwell Lady River Cruises keep it simple and classic with a selection of assorted mini sandwiches, scones and homemade jam, cakes and tea and coffee.
Price: adults £32-£39, children £28-£30.
