Guide to the Best Afternoon Tea in UK and Ireland

The Informed Luxury Ambassadors have been traveling the country to find, in our ‘opinion’, the best afternoon tea in UK and Ireland. Judging the various locations and places to afternoon tea was very challenging, there are so many well known and hidden gems to have afternoon tea. To help our IL ambassadors, we gave them a strict criteria and minimum rating checklist. We chose the best of the places that the IL ambassadors visited for afternoon tea, all venues were unaware that they were being rated by IL ambassadors. This afternoon tea feature is based on the IL ambassadors’ findings.

 The Edgbaston Boutique Hotel – Birmingham

The afternoon tea at the Edgbaston Hotel in Birmingham, is one of our favourites. The afternoon tea started with a glass of champagne or prosecco, or you could have a cocktail.  We were then presented with an array of delicious intricate cakes, finger sandwiches and scones accompanied with a extensive selection of teas. The service was exemplary as the staff were very attentive and knowledgeable about the food served.  The afternoon tea was served using vintage crockery in decadent 1920s surroundings, this is one very special treat not to be missed!

The Edgbaston Traditional Afternoon Tea |  Laurent Perrier Rose Afternoon Tea

Sketch – London

We had heard a lot about Sketch, and agreed we had to go and find out if Sketch was going to be in our top 10. The place itself has quirky unconventional decor and the different artwork themes throughout and then we stepped into the well designed luxurious tea room. The service was outstanding as the staff were warm and friendly and happy to cater to my co-ambassador’s dietary requirements. We were not disappointed as they presented us with curious selection of savouries and beautiful sweets, along with the scones.  We just went to powder our nose and as you would expect the toilets are not conventional but ‘pod like’. The whole experience was outstanding and a must if you are in London, visit the Sketch.

Sketch Classic Afternoon Tea  | Champagne Afternoon Tea | Children’s Afternoon Tea:        

Dormy House Hotel – Cotswolds

The afternoon tea at the Dormy House Hotel, a contemporary Cotswold farmhouse, set in a beautiful location with amazing views across the Cotswolds.  The afternoon tea is served in the ‘Garden Room Restaurant’ or if it’s a nice day you can have it outside as we did.  The presentation of the food was stunning as was the quality, i would add we did have to wait a little extra time, but it was worth the wait. The staff we attentive, after the food had been delivered. If you don’t live locally, and or you just want a night away you, it is worth treating yourself to an overnight stay, enjoy a few of their gin cocktails and and dining in their restaurant. This is one of our ‘hidden gems’ and highly recommended.

Dormy House Classic Afternoon Tea

 The Lygon Arms, Worcestershire

The Lygon Arms has a certain charm and has mixed tradition with modernisation in this historic building. Afternoon Tea at the Lygon Arms, is served in their Courtyard on a lovely sunny day or in one of their intimate lounges. The service albeit a little slow, but this was quickly forgotten as we were presented with the afternoon tea, the food was excellent; fruit scones with clotted cream, the taster deserts are a real indulgence for any sweet tooth. Classic finger sandwiches and a selection of pastries, something for all.  The setting of this historic and stunning building lends itself to an overnight stay. The Lygon Arms is one of our favourites.

The Chase Afternoon Tea 

GB1, Brighton

The idea to have a seafood afternoon tea, was not appealing, much as we love seafood, it just didn’t seem to conjure up a good image with the traditional afternoon tea. However curiosity got the better of us and we decided to venture to Brighton and it surpassed any expectations we had. When the seafood afternoon was set in front of us we were blown away, it was beautifully presented and although does not look like an afternoon tea, it was outstanding! The seafood was spot on, obviously fresh and very filling. The ice cream cone was a nice finish and satisfied that sweet craving. If you want to try something different and break from the traditional afternoon tea, then go to GB1, Brighton.

Seafood Afternoon Tea 

Douneside House, Aboyne

Scone Palace, Ayrshire

Bodysgallen Hall, Llandudno, North Wales

Afternoon tea at the Bodysgallen Hall, restored and opened in the 1980s as part of the Historic House Hotels, whose special features are its remarkable garden and its central tower. Afternoon tea is served in; oak paneled hall, library or drawing room, or on warm summer days outside on the terrace. Bodysgallen’s Traditional Afternoon Tea includes a selection of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam, cakes and pastries and a choice of freshly brewed teas.

Bodysgallen Hall Afternoon Tea

Hammet House, Cardigan, Pembrokeshire

Set in beautifully landscaped gardens, Hammet House,  Grade II listed, 18th century country house in Pembrokeshire. Afternoon tea, can be enjoyed in the library bar, dining room, drawing room or on the terrace. The interior  is a quirky twist with modern colourful decor contrasting with the building’s history throughout. The afternoon tea was selection of sandwiches, savouries, freshly baked scones accompanied by clotted cream and strawberry jam. Indulge in a selection of homemade cakes, enjoyed with a good selection of whole leaf teas and freshly ground coffee.

Hammet House Afternoon Tea 

Hayfield Manor Hotel, Cork City, Ireland

Situated in the heart of Cork City, this stunning hotel is established as Corks first 5 star Hotel offer an Award Winning Afternoon Tea, indulge in array of freshly baked scones, tea breads, sandwiches and treats from their in-house patisserie and finished off with home made chocolates. Hayfield Manor also offer a ‘Prince & Princess Afternoon Tea” for VIC’s’ (Very Important Children) offering a tailored Afternoon Tea experience for the young ones.

Hayfield Manor Hotel Afternoon Tea

Corick House Hotel, Northern Ireland

Corick House hotel, style and elegance meet country hospitality, set amongst impressive garden, this idyllic 17th Century House offers a warm welcome in this family-owned and managed property. Sit and enjoy your afternoon tea with breath-taking views of the valleys and mountains. This includes sandwiches, bakery, patisseries and Tea/Coffee,  there is an option to include the Therma Spa facilities.

Corick House Hotel Afternoon Tea