A trip to Bath is as good a reason as any to indulge in afternoon tea. In fact, it's become a bit of a tradition for tourists and locals to take part in this British pastime when visiting. That's why we've rounded up the best afternoon teas in Bath, to bring you the daintiest, and most fabulous, teas in town.
In our modern day lives, where everything moves at record speed via email and social media, it’s a miracle that we Brits still find the time in our busy schedules for one cuppa, let alone several served with an array of dainty finger sandwiches, savouries, scones, pastries and petit fours. And yet this most quintessential of British traditions still remains a thriving part of our culture that is known world-over as a part of our gastronomic heritage. Perhaps it is the antiquated nature of dressing up a little, sitting in a smart hotel lounge and whiling away a few hours sipping on Early Grey and quaffing cupcakes that is all part of the appeal.
Afternoon tea is a time to reminisce on when life moved at a slower pace and when excuses didn’t need to be made for consuming a small feast mid-way through the afternoon. Granted, it’s probably not a good idea to partake in this pastime every day or you may find that your waistband, and indeed your wallet, starts to tighten a little. However, for special occasions and rainy days there really is no experience quite so spoiling.
After a morning of sightseeing, shopping and maybe even a climb up the 212 steps of Bath Abbey’s Tower, tucking into a delicious afternoon is definitely the best way to refuel. Many visitors flock to Bath for its renowned spas, and it’s a known fact that a pamper day is incomplete without the addition of afternoon tea to make sure you leave feeling indulged both inside and out.
If we still haven’t persuaded you to indulge in one of Bath's best afternoon teas, then consider the fact that the city is the home of Jane Austen and the famous Bath Bun, and we reckon that’s reason enough to book into one of the spots below. Here's where to enjoy a traditional afternoon tea in Bath.
The Gainsborough
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What: Originally built in the 1800s, The Gainsborough Bath Spa comes with a wealth of history, finding its home inside a Grade II listed building in the heart of the World Heritage Site. Afternoon tea is served inside the Canvas Room, where you can tuck into plenty of classic sandwiches, cakes and freshly-made scones.
How much: £38 per person
Where: Beau Street, BA1 1QY
Book now: The Gainsborough
The Pump Room Restaurant
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What: The Pump Room Restaurant is an attraction in itself with its stunning Georgian architecture that includes a famous fountain spewing water from a natural hot spring. No where does a Champagne afternoon tea feel more fitting, and this one is about as traditional and luxurious as they come.
How much: £38.50 per person
Where: Stall Street, BA1 1LZ
Book now: The Pump Room
The Bath Priory
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What: The Bath Priory is only a mile from the city centre and epitomises country-house comfort complete with velvet lawns, plump sofas and gilt-framed portraits. Served in the pantry, terrace and lounge, afternoon tea here evolves with the seasons and features dedicated vegan and vegetarian alternatives too.
How much: £48 per person
Where: Weston Road, BA1 2XT
Book now: The Bath Priory
Browns Bath
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What: Known for its menu of crowd-pleasers, Browns Bath also serves a popular afternoon tea. A three-tiered platter features a selection of savouries, sandwiches, home-baked scones, and an assortment of mini cakes and puddings, with highlights such as mango and passionfruit tortes. Gluten-free options are also available.
How much: £23 per person
Where: Old Police Station, Orange Grove, BA1 1LP
Book now: Browns Bath
Lucknam Park
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What: Although Lucknam Park is not in Bath itself, it’s worth the six mile trip just to enjoy a traditional afternoon tea in an 18th-century Palladian mansion surrounded by 500 glorious acres of parkland and manicured gardens. Served inside a Michelin-starred restaurant, you can set your expectations high for the dainty patisseries here.
How much: £48 per person
Where: Lucknam Park, SN14 8AZ
Book now: Lucknam Park
The Ivy Bath Brasserie
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What: The Ivy Bath Brasserie, as with all The Ivy Collection's restaurants, offers old-school glamour with plush furnishings, white table cloths and slick service. The afternoon tea menu comprises a selection of unusual savouries and sweets including a truffled chicken brioche roll and a sticky caramel sauce.
How much: £29.95 per person
Where: 39 Milsom Street, BA1 1DS
Book now: The Ivy Bath Brasserie
The Regency Tea Rooms at The Jane Austen Centre
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What: Afternoon tea at The Jane Austen Centre is part and parcel of the package – and as you would expect is inspired by Austen’s heros and heroines. Visitors can choose from the likes of Mrs Bennet’s cake of the day, Miss Dashwood’s afternoon tea, or Lady Catherine’s proper cream tea. For the full experience, opt for ‘Tea with Mr Darcy’, which comprises a full selection of sweet and savoury treats.
How much: £26.50 per person
Where: 40 Gay Street, BA1 2NT
Book now: The Regency Tea Rooms
Montagu's Mews at The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa
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What: This five-star hotel in the heart of Bath is a haven of elegance and tranquillity, with a blissful spa and glorious gardens to wander around in the summer months. A number of afternoon tea spreads are available, comprising a selection of gourmet sandwiches with luxurious fillings, savoury canapés, and intricate pastries. There’s even a special afternoon tea for children under the age of 11.
How much: £42 per person
Where: 16 Royal Crescent, BA1 2LS
Book now: Montagu's Mews at The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa
Sweet Little Things
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What: This little café was practically made for Instagram, with pastel colours aplenty and flowers all over the walls and in the food. Rainbows, unicorns and heart shapes abound – it’s a millennial's dream. Everything is picture perfect and sickly sweet, including the bottomless afternoon tea which is available in 90 minute slots.
How much: £29.95 per person
Where: 6 Lower Borough Walls, BA1 1QR
Book now: Sweet Little Things
The Roseate Villa
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What: This peaceful spot in the centre of Bath makes for a relaxing venue to while away a few hours. Start by picking from a selection of loose-leaf teas, followed by an assortment of sandwiches on homemade bread, and warm plain and fruit scones with strawberry jam and Cornish clotted cream. A lavish selection of homemade cakes rounds things off nicely.
How much: £35 per person
Where: Henrietta Road, BA2 6LX
Book now: The Roseate Villa
Plate Terrace and Restaurant at The Bird
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What: This boutique hotel puts a unique twist on its afternoon tea, with the likes of tarts and sausage rolls making an appearance on the savoury section of the menu. Of course, you’ll also find all the classics, including dainty finger sandwiches, delicate cakes and scones with clotted cream and jam. If you’re looking for something a little boozier, then opt for the G&T or Champagne option at an additional cost.
How much: £30 per person
Where: 18-19 Pulteney Road, BA2 4EZ
Book now: Plate terrace and restaurant at The Bird
Drawing Room at The Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel
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What: The luxurious surrounds of the Drawing Room at Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel overlooking the stunning landscaped gardens make it a particularly memorable spot to enjoy a traditional afternoon tea. Sink into one of the comfortable sofas, sip on bubbles and enjoy the fluffiest of scones as you soak up the regal atmosphere.
How much: £40 per person
Where: Sydney Road, BA2 6NS
Book now: Drawing Room at Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel
Comptoir+Cuisine
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What: Comptoir + Cuisine has taken the idea of a traditional afternoon tea and put a French twist on it. You can expect a glass of Champagne and a variety of cheeses served with bread, jam and fruit to begin with, followed by a selection of macarons and caneles.
How much: £48 per person
Where: 5 George Street, BA1 2EJ
Book now: Comptoir+Cuisine
Planning a trip to the capital? You'll be pleased to hear that there's an equally tempting selection of afternoon teas available there too. Whether you like your cakes and scones with a pot of Earl Grey, or washed down with a few glasses of fizz, there's something for everyone in London. Check out our favourite afternoon teas in London.