Best afternoon tea in Nottinghamshire: 12 spots to celebrate with tea and cake

The best afternoon teas in Nottinghamshire come in many forms. You’ll find traditional tiers piled high with finger sandwiches and fruit scones, alongside playful takes featuring themed cocktails, colourful patisserie and even feline company (keep scrolling to find out what we mean). Whether you’re planning a birthday surprise, catching up with friends or simply looking for an excuse to enjoy copious amounts of tea and cake, there are plenty of memorable spots across the county worth booking.

Afternoon tea remains one of Britain’s great dining rituals, and Nottinghamshire delivers the experience with plenty of personality. Some of the best afternoon teas in Nottingham alone span glamorous tea lounges opposite historic theatres, polished brasseries serving Champagne upgrades, and cosy cafes where homemade cakes steal the show. Venture further out and there are grand country house settings designed for special occasions, complete with sweeping grounds and elegant dining rooms.

The best places for afternoon tea in Nottinghamshire balance tradition with creativity. Expect delicate pastries, warm scones with jam and clotted cream, and carefully brewed loose leaf teas, alongside extras such as Prosecco, cocktails and themed menus that change throughout the year. Some venues lean into classic elegance, while others take a more relaxed yet polished approach that feels equally suited to celebrations or spontaneous weekend treats.

Whether you’re after a refined afternoon in a boutique hotel, a warm and welcoming tearoom or somewhere a little different for your next special occasion, there’s no shortage of excellent options when it comes to booking afternoon tea in Nottinghamshire. Here are the spots that deserve a place on your list.

Woodborough Hall, Woodborough

What: For a more refined afternoon affair, Woodborough Hall pairs elegant surroundings with a classic afternoon tea experience inside a beautifully restored Grade II-listed country house. Afternoon tea here is designed with special occasions in mind, whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, hosting a baby shower or simply treating someone special. Expect finger sandwiches, savoury nibbles, freshly baked scones and decadent pastries, all served alongside premium loose-leaf teas. Guests can also upgrade with Champagne for an extra celebratory touch, making this one of the best afternoon tea experiences in Nottinghamshire for those seeking something stylish yet unfussy.
How much: From £35 per person
Where: 1 Bank Hill, Woodborough, NG14 6EE
Book now: Woodborough Hall

Le Bistrot Pierre, Nottingham

What: Bringing a French twist to the classic British tradition, Le Bistrot Pierre serves an afternoon tea that feels stylish yet unfussy in the heart of Nottingham city centre. Served in the lively bistrot on Milton Street, the menu includes savoury bites such as smoked ham croissants, coronation chicken brioche sandwiches and salmon vol-au-vents, followed by French brioche scones, chocolate mousse and miniature madeleines. It’s an easy-going choice for catch-ups, birthdays and affordable celebrations alike.
How much: From £19.95 per person
Where: 13-17 Milton Street, Nottingham, NG1 3EN
Book now: Le Bistrot Pierre Nottingham

Hart's Restaurant, Nottingham

What: Set within Nottingham’s award-winning boutique hotel, Hart’s Kitchen delivers a relaxed yet considered afternoon tea experience overlooking the city. Served either in the intimate dining room or sunny courtyard during warmer months, the menu includes freshly made finger sandwiches, fruit scones with jam and clotted cream, plus homemade cakes from Hambleton Bakery. Unlimited Jing loose leaf tea and optional Prosecco or Champagne upgrades make this a smart choice for special occasions.
How much: From £25.95 per person
Where: Park Row, Nottingham, NG1 6FN
Book now: Hart's Restaurant

Chocolate Orange Tearooms, Worksop

What: Hidden inside the Carlton House Vintage Arts and Crafts Centre, Chocolate Orange Tearooms offers a cosy and warm, welcoming take on afternoon tea in Nottinghamshire. Homemade cakes and freshly prepared savoury treats sit at the heart of the menu, with the team catering carefully for a range of dietary requirements, and the surrounding vintage centre adding an extra layer of charm. If you prefer an afternoon tea experience that feels relaxed and locally loved, this Worksop gem is well worth seeking out.
How much: From £15.75
Where: 36-38 Carlton Road, Worksop, S80 1PH
Book now: Chocolate Orange Tearooms

Kitty Cafe, Nottingham

What: For something a little different, Kitty Cafe combines afternoon tea with the company of rescue cats roaming freely around the venue. It’s a playful alternative to more traditional tearooms and particularly popular for birthdays, family outings and relaxed celebrations. Alongside sandwiches, cakes and sweet treats, guests can spend time with the resident cats while supporting the cafe’s rescue and rehoming work.
How much: £24.95 for two
Where: 31-33 Friar Lane, Nottingham, NG1 6DA
Book now: Kitty Cafe

The Pudding Pantry, Nottingham

What: Known for its indulgent pancakes, cakes and creative bakes, The Pudding Pantry offers a more contemporary take on afternoon tea in Nottinghamshire. Located close to the city’s shopping district, this relaxed cafe serves colourful sweet treats alongside savoury bites and classic scones, making it ideal for casual celebrations or weekend catch-ups. If you prefer your afternoon tea with a generous helping of cake and a laid-back atmosphere, this one ticks all the boxes.
How much: From £28.95 per person
Where: 27-29 Trinity Square, Nottingham, NG1 4AF
Book now: The Pudding Pantry

The Orangery Restaurant, Worksop

What: Located within the grounds of a luxury hotel and spa, The Orangery Restaurant offers a more tranquil countryside setting for afternoon tea in Nottinghamshire. Expect elegant interiors, attentive service and beautifully presented tiers featuring sandwiches, pastries and freshly baked scones. The peaceful surroundings and polished atmosphere make it especially appealing for anniversaries, baby showers and relaxed afternoons away from the city bustle.
How much: £21.95 per person
Where: Blyth Road, Worksop, S80 3PA
Book now: The Orangery Restaurant

Biscuit & Brew Tea House, Nottingham

What: Biscuit & Brew Tea House offers a charming and relaxed setting for afternoon tea in Nottingham city centre. Independent and full of character, the venue focuses on artisan teas, homemade bakes and beautifully presented sweet treats. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, making it particularly well-suited to leisurely afternoons with family or friends. Expect classic flavours alongside creative seasonal additions that keep regulars returning.
How much: Check directly with venue for current pricing
Where: 32-34 Low Pavement, Nottingham, NG1 7DL
Book now: Biscuit & Brew Tea House

Browns, Nottingham

What: Browns Nottingham brings classic brasserie style to afternoon tea, served inside an elegant building close to Nottingham Castle and the Theatre Royal. The menu combines traditional favourites with more indulgent additions such as lobster brioche rolls, mini puddings and warm fruit scones with clotted cream. Loose leaf teas come as standard, while Champagne upgrades are available for anyone looking to make the afternoon feel extra special.
How much: From £27 per person
Where: 20 Park Row, Nottingham, NG1 6GR
Book now: Browns

Colwick Hall, Nottingham

What: Set within a grand Georgian country house overlooking parkland and lakes, Colwick Hall delivers one of the most elegant afternoon tea experiences in Nottinghamshire. The venue regularly hosts themed afternoon teas inspired by literature and seasonal events, alongside more traditional offerings featuring delicate cakes, pastries and freshly baked scones. Designed for special occasions, this is the sort of place where conversation unfolds slowly over tea, cocktails and countryside views.
How much: From £25.95 per person
Where: Racecourse Road, Nottingham, NG2 4BH
Book now: Colwick Hall

Ego, Sutton-in-Ashfield

What: Set inside a characterful former pub on Kirkby Road, Ego delivers a Mediterranean-inspired twist on the traditional afternoon tea. Alongside classic scones and miniature desserts, you’ll find options such as whipped ricotta and prosciutto foccacia, salmon and dill fishcakes with tartare sauce, and vegetarian bites including roasted Mediterranean vegetables with pesto. The relaxed yet polished setting makes it a reliable choice for birthdays, catch-ups and casual celebrations alike, while outdoor seating adds extra appeal on sunnier afternoons.
How much: £17.50 per person
Where: Kirkby Road, Sutton-in-Ashfield, NG17 8HX
Book now: Ego Sutton-In-Ashfield

Josephine's Tea Lounge & Bistro, Nottingham

What: Opposite Nottingham’s Theatre Royal, Josephine’s Tea Lounge & Bistro has become one of the city’s most recognisable spots for afternoon tea thanks to its glamorous interiors and extensive loose leaf tea selection. Expect beautifully presented tiers loaded with sandwiches, pastries, homemade cakes and warm scones served in vintage-style china. The atmosphere feels refined yet relaxed, making it a popular pick for pre-theatre treats, birthdays and celebratory afternoons with friends.
How much: From £38 per person
Where: 49 Upper Parliament Street, Nottingham, NG1 2AB
Book now: Josephine's Tea Lounge & Bistro

If you count yourself as a bit of an afternoon tea fanatic, check out all the best places for a three-tiered treat in Leicester and if you'd prefer to head up north, here's all our favourite restaurants for a spot of tea and cake in Sheffield.