Best afternoon tea in Bristol: 11 spots to enjoy tea and cake

Afternoon tea has long been a quintessentially British tradition, but over recent years it's really swept across the nation, solidifying its place as one of the country’s favourite pastimes and we, for one, are completely on board. What's not to love about stuffing your face with savoury sarnies and cutesy sweet treats whilst consuming endless cups of tea? 

Having established a bit of a rep as a foodie hotspot, Bristol boasts some of the best restaurants in the UK, attracting tourists from all over to explore its dining scene. Not only is is a haven for brilliant brunches and delicious plant-based food, with a wealth of fantastic vegan restaurants in Bristol, this city also offers a diverse selection of places to scoff tea and cake. So, if you've come to this guide in search of the best afternoon tea in Bristol, you won't be disappointed.

Whether you're breaking up a day of shopping with a stop off at a cosy cafe, or heading out for a special celebration in a striking hotel dining room, afternoon tea is perfect for all occasions, and more affordable than you might think. Nowadays, there are almost too many places to eat afternoon tea in Bristol, offering tiered-stands packed full of homemade cakes and patisseries alongside freshly brewed loose-leaf teas.

But things aren't strictly traditional here. The best afternoon teas in Bristol include a whole range of options. Below you'll find a selection of stand-out spots, from quirky afternoon tea in Bristol, to the best cream tea Bristol has to offer. So there's really something for everyone.

This eclectic city is bursting with places to go for afternoon tea, but we've done the heavy lifting for you, scouring the area and rounding up our favourites into one handy list. From harbourside spots with a view, to quirky vintage shops that serve tea on the side, and venues offering unlimited fizz with your sweet treats, these are some of the best afternoon teas in Bristol. 

Bistro du Vin

What: Bistro du Vin offers both a classic cream tea and a full-blown afternoon tea. We know which one we’d choose: the afternoon tea includes savouries like chicken and tarragon Dijonaise on pain d’epi, ham and gruyere mini croissants and smoked salmon brioche rolls. As for the sweets, you might expect to see creme brulee in miniature, citron tarts, and tiny Paris-Brest choux buns stuffed with a praline mousse. Scones offer both fruit and plain, with Paysan butter, strawberry jam and Rodda’s Cornish clotted cream. Menus change regularly, with festive updates around Christmastime.
Alcohol options: Diners can upgrade their afternoon tea to include Champagne
How much: £29.95 per person, or £15.95 each for a cream tea
When: Monday to Sunday, 12.30-4pm
Where: The Sugar House Narrow, Lewin's Mead, BS1 2NU
Book now: Bistro du Vin Bristol

No.4 Clifton Village 

What: Quintessentially British, No. 4 boasts rustic chic interiors and a cosy, welcoming vibe. Afternoon tea here can be innocent or boozy, with Gin and Prosecco packages available alongside the standard offering. Food wise, you can expect an assortment of miniature sandwiches, freshly-baked scones, a selection of daily changing sweet treats, and of course, endless cups of freshly-brewed tea or coffee. If you're looking to celebrate be sure to switch your brews for one of the Tipsy Tea-Pots which come filled with a selection of cocktails such as Pimms or a selection of Spritzes.
Alcohol options: Diners can upgrade their tea to include Prosecco, Champagne, G&Ts or Tipsy Tea-Pots
How much: From £28 per person
When: Tuesday to Sunday, 2.30-5.30pm
Where: 4 Rodney Place, BS8 4HY
Book now: No.4 Clifton Village 

Ashwell & Co

What: If you’re after that cutesy, mismatched crockery kind of afternoon tea, then Ashwell & Co could be exactly what you’re looking for. This boutique and tearoom is beloved by locals offering delightfully British stands of cakes and scones in this unique setting. Everything here is handmade or locally sourced, even offering its own signature homemade clotted cream. Afternoon teas are available for everyone, with classic, vegan and gluten free options alongside child’s and mini’s afternoon teas so you can even bring your little ones along to enjoy this experience. Don’t want to leave your house for afternoon tea? No problem, Ashwell & Co will let you order it for collection, so you can enjoy it at home.
Alcohol options: No alcohol upgrades available
How much: From £28 per person
When: Friday and Saturday, from 12.30pm
Where: 32 Alma Vale Road, BS8 2HY
Book now: Ashwell & Co 

The River Grille

What: If you’re looking for a glamorous spot by the water, then this one's for you. The River Grille at The Bristol Hotel has put its own spin on the classic with this G&T Afternoon Tea served every Thursday to Saturday. A selection of dainty sandwiches are on offer followed by freshly-baked scones topped with jam and Cornish clotted cream and a variety of miniature cakes. All served with your choice of tea and coffee, with options to upgrade to include one of the G & Tea cocktails.
Alcohol options: Diners can upgrade their tea to include G&T cocktails or a glass of Champagne
How much: From £27.95 per person
When: Thursday to Saturday, 12.30-4.30pm
Where: Prince Street, BS1 4QF
Book now: The River Grille 

The Second Floor Restaurant at Harvey Nichols

What: Found on the second floor of this shopping mecca, the restaurant at Harvey Nichols serves a tempting afternoon tea to reinvigorate shoppers. Here, things are kept pretty classic. We’re talking egg mayo sarnies, and cheddar scones, although you can expect elevated twists. When it comes to sweets, tuck into Victoria sponge cake, strawberry tartlets and macarons with peaches and cream. If you’re wanting somewhere to really celebrate in style, you can upgrade to include a glass of Champagne to go alongside your dainty afternoon treats.
Alcohol options: Diners can upgrade their tea to include a gin cocktail or a glass of Champagne
How much: From £35 per person
When: Monday to Wednesday, 10am-6pm; Thursday to Saturday, 10am-11pm; Sunday, 11am-5pm
Where: 27 Philadelphia Street, BS1 3BZ
Book now: The Second Floor Restaurant at Harvey Nichols 

Symonds at Redwood

What: Afternoon tea at Symonds is a pretty traditional affair, boasting a glamorous setting that’s bursting with English charm, just a short drive from Bristol city centre. Finger sandwiches come with classic fillings such as egg mayonnaise and smoked salmon, while warm and plain fruit scones are topped with clotted cream and strawberry jam. All this is followed by the oh-so-sweet likes of mango and passionfruit tart, Victoria sponge cake and pistachio and rose macarons. Lashings of tea and infusion brews are sure to help wash everything down. 
Alcohol options: Upgrades are available upon request
How much: From £25.50 per person
When: Monday to Saturday, 12-4pm
Where: Beggar Bush Lane, BS8 3TG
Book now: Symonds at Redwood 

Kibou

What: Afternoon tea purists may need to look away for this one, but for those looking to branch out from traditional scones and sarnies, Kibou offers a tiered stand of Japanese favourites. Expect prawn tempura rolls, salmon tataki and sea bream nigiri, followed by a selection of mochi ice cream, cinnamon and apple gyoza, and custard dorayaki topped with strawberry compote. Vegetarians are taken care of too, with a completely plant-focused menu packed full of avocado nigiri and vegetable temaki. Japanese green teas are on offer, although you’ll find a classic English breakfast too, with options to swap these out for matcha, or a glass of sake instead.
Alcohol options: Diners can upgrade their tea to include a glass of Champagne, sake, or a cocktail
How much: From £19 per person
When: Everyday, requires booking 48 hours in advance
Where: 16 King's Road, BS8 4AB
Book now: Kibou

The Ivy Clifton Brasserie

What: Part of the nationwide Ivy Collection, this all-day restaurant features the brand's signature colourful art-deco interiors and a menu full of crowd-pleasers which take influence from across the globe. The afternoon tea here however, is resolutely British. Start with savoury sarnies filled with the likes of chicken Milanese and truffle cream, before moving onto the sweeter likes of creme brulee with berry compote, mini chocolate truffles or vanilla and strawberry jam muffins.
Alcohol options: Diners can upgrade their tea to include a glass of Champagne
How much: From £33.95 per person
When: Everyday, 3-5pm
Where: 42-44 Caledonia Place, BS8 4DN
Book now: The Ivy Clifton Brasserie 

Harbour Kitchen

What: Looking for a central spot for your afternoon tea? Just a short walk from several of Bristol’s top tourist locations, Harbour Kitchen is housed in a former banking hall, offering vibrant decor and colourful artwork in its glamorous dining room. Afternoon tea here is a tad more playful than others, with mini fish and chips, and British corn dogs hitting the menu to start, followed by sweet treats of salted caramel popcorn and chocolate ganache filled doughnuts. Be sure to upgrade to include a glass of bubbles to make it slightly boozier.
Alcohol options: Diners can upgrade their tea to include a glass of Champagne or Prosecco
How much: From £30 per person
When: Everyday, 12-5pm
Where: 53 - 55 Corn Street, BS1 1HT
Book now: Harbour Kitchen 

The Aztec Hotel and Spa

What: This glamorous hotel sits on the outskirts of Bristol, complete with a blissful spa and several on-site restaurants that make for a tranquil escape from the city. Afternoon tea at The Aztec Hotel is pleasingly traditional, offering a complete spread to be enjoyed in this refined setting. Here, you can expect all the usual suspects, from bite sized sarnies and freshly baked scones, to an ever-changing selection of sweets that spans macarons to parfaits. Book yourself in for a treatment at the spa whilst you’re there, for the ultimate afternoon of relaxation.
Alcohol options: Diners can upgrade their tea to include a glass of Champagne
How much: From £32 per person
When: Served daily in the Bar and Lounge
Where: Aztec West, BS32 4TS
Book now: The Aztec Hotel and Spa

Berwick Lodge

What: This one may be a little bit out of the way, but it is absolutely worth the journey. Just a few miles outside of the city centre you’ll find Berwick Lodge with its three different afternoon tea options. You can opt for keeping things traditional, adding Champagne, or even taking things outside into the manor house’s picturesque grounds. An elegant spot that’s perfect for a summer’s day, start with the likes of beef with wasabi mayo or smoked mackerel pate sarnies, followed by freshly baked scones and delicate sweet treats of macarons, salted caramel chocolate tart and Battenbergh cake.
Alcohol options: Diners can upgrade their tea to include a glass of Champagne
How much: From £34.95 per person
When: Monday to Friday, 12-3pm; Saturday and Sunday, 12-3.30pm
Where: Berwick Drive, BS10 7TD
Book now: Berwick Lodge 

Prefer dining out earlier in the day? You’ll want to explore our round up of the best brunches in Bristol. And if you're a fan of the finer things in life, check out our guide to Bristol's Michelin star restaurants for the best of its fine dining scene.