11 best places for afternoon tea in Nottingham

Nottingham is the place that gave us Robin Hood, HP sauce, and English lace so perhaps we shouldn’t be surprised that it also offers an assortment of quintessentially British offerings in a variety of hotels, restaurants, and tearooms. Whether you’re a history buff or on a mission to find the best scones, we’ve uncovered the best afternoon teas in Nottingham to sooth the soul.

Perhaps you’re local and looking for a fancy spot to celebrate a birthday, baby shower or some other special occasion; or maybe you’re visiting for a weekend and need somewhere to rest your weary feet after following in the footsteps of Nottingham’s most notorious outlaw. Either way, we have included a selection of tea houses to suit all tastes and budgets.

Some take place in grand hotels, complete with all the opulence that Anna Russell, the Seventh Duchess of Bedford would have enjoyed when she first introduced the concept of afternoon tea back in 1840. Others take place in more contemporary settings, including cafes and teahouses, so whatever atmosphere you’re seeking, you’re sure to find one that takes your fancy.

The tradition of a mid-afternoon feast is a supremely British phenomenon, known and revered worldwide as an opportunity to escape the rain, but also to recharge and refuel in style. In its most basic form, afternoon tea is a chance to escape the busy humdrum of modern life, social media, and fast-food chains in favour of a good cuppa, great company, and homemade sweet treats.

Whether it's the idea of dressing up for the occasion, a chance to park yourself in a fancy lounge, or simply that dainty sarnies and miniature cakes are too good to pass up, it's a practice that is unlikely to disappear anytime soon. In fact, as Nottingham shows, afternoon tea is transforming - offering a variety of vegetarian options, bottomless offers, and novelties.

If that doesn’t convince you to explore Nottingham’s best afternoon tea scene, then consider the fact that this is the city that invented Ibuprofen, so they probably know what’s good for us.

White Rabbit Teahouse

What:  Light and bright as a white baby bunny, this chic teahouse on Bridlesmith Walk welcomes all-comers, from tots to grandmothers. Perfectly polished cakes line the marble-topped counter, making it the sort of place you pop in for a cuppa and stay for afternoon tea. Dainty cake stands come weighed down with sandwiches, freshly baked scones, miniature cakes and plenty of fresh fruit, which should satisfy even the sweetest tooth. Sadly, a white rabbit is not included, but your afternoon tea will be accompanied by a pot of fresh, loose-leaf tea. It’s worth noting that White Rabbit Teahouse only accepts cash.
How much: £22 per person
Where: 5 Bridlesmith Walk, NG1 2HB
Book now: White Rabbit Teahouse

Hart’s Nottingham

What: Owned by Tim Hart – the man behind Hambleton Hall in Rutland – Hart’s Nottingham is a contemporary hotel with an award-winning restaurant within. Expect finger sandwiches made with Hambleton Bakery bread, followed by light and fluffy scones served with jam and clotted cream, and an array of tempting homemade patisseries. Guests can enjoy unlimited loose-leaf tea from Jing Tea throughout, or upgrade to enjoy a glass of bubbles. Whether you're celebrating, or simply taking the time to treat yourself, the stylish dining room - or perhaps the sunny courtyard - makes Hart's afternoon tea a luxurious occasion. 
How much: £23.95 per person
Where: Standard Hill, Park Row, NG1 6GN
Book now: Hart's Nottingham

The Pudding Pantry

What: Afternoon tea enthusiasts rave about this cute establishment in central Nottingham whose name acts like a beacon for the sweet-toothed among us. The Pudding Pantry lives up to its name when serving afternoon tea, which comprises vanilla scones, expertly crafted petit fours, savoury treats and a selection of fine loose-leaf teas. Separate vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free menus mean those on special diets can still indulge in the likes of avocado and tomato crostini, and scones made with dairy-free butter. You can also book larger tables to create an afternoon tea experience to celebrate a baby shower or hen party.
How much: £24.95 per person
Where: 27-29 Trinity Square, NG1 4AF
Book now: The Pudding Pantry

Colwick Hall Hotel

What: Once home to the famous poet, Lord Byron, Colwick Hall Hotel is the perfect setting for a celebratory afternoon tea experience. The stately surroundings of Byron’s Brasserie should get you suitably in the mood for a treat-laden tower of dainty sandwiches, cakes and scones, served with a superior brew worthy of lords and ladies. There are various menus to choose from including a traditional menu, a seasonal menu, and a grand afternoon tea menu where decadent desserts take centre stage. With or without bubbly, Colwick Hall’s afternoon tea experience is a luxurious treat.
How much: £23.95 per person
Where: Racecourse Road, NG2 4BH
Book now: Colwick Hall Hotel

Browns Nottingham

What:  Light and bright as a white baby bunny, this chic teahouse on Bridlesmith Walk welcomes all-comers, from tots to grandmothers. Perfectly polished cakes line the marble-topped counter, making it the sort of place you pop in for a cuppa and stay for afternoon tea. Dainty cake stands come weighed down with sandwiches, freshly baked scones, miniature cakes and plenty of fresh fruit, which should satisfy even the sweetest tooth. Sadly, a white rabbit is not included, but your afternoon tea will be accompanied by a pot of fresh, loose-leaf tea. 
How much: £23 per person
Where: 20 Park Row, NG1 6GR
Book now: Browns Nottingham

Josephine’s Tea Lounge & Bistro

What: Located directly opposite Nottingham's Theatre Royal, Josephines combines stunning decor and a touch of flamboyance. Josephine's afternoon tea offering takes on traditional British fare, devised by the kitchen on the day. Menus have been known to feature savouries like a cheese and spring onion medley, and sandwich options including a crayfish tail, spinach and Marie Rose filled sandwich. Also on offer is a petite afternoon tea, devised to contribute to the team's zero-waste homemade ethos.
How much: From £21.95 per person
Where: 49 Upper Parliament Street, NG1 2AB
Book now: Josephine's

Cock & Hoop at Lace Market Hotel

What: The Cock & Hoop pub, adjoining the chic Lace Market Hotel, is a snug but elegant space in which to take afternoon tea. Ambient lighting, leather seats and exposed brick walls give it a cool vibe that sets the tone for a cosy afternoon tea, which is distinctly upmarket. Savouries include a range of traditional finger sandwiches with fillings like cucumber and cream cheese or ham and honey mustard. Sweet treets feature a classic Victoria sponge, white chocolate and passionfruit tarts, and a honey biscuit pavlova. Perhaps controversially, the hot drinks selection includes a variety of coffees, or you can treat yourself to a glass of fizz. 
How much: £21 per person
Where: 29-31 High Pavement, NG1 1HE
Book now: Cock & Hoop

Debbie Bryan

What: Housed in a beautiful Georgian townhouse in Nottingham’s historic Lace Market, Debbie Bryan is a shop, tea room and creative space all rolled into one. There’s plenty to catch your eye in this arty haven, but once your afternoon tea arrives we guarantee you’ll only have eyes for the array of treats that await you. There are plenty of different options to choose from, including traditional afternoon tea, cream tea, a gin cocktail afternoon tea and a bespoke children’s afternoon tea, all of which arrive on pretty vintage china.
How much: £23 per person
Where: 18 St Mary's Gate, NG1 1PF
Book now: Debbie Bryan

Kitty Café

What: Calling all cat lovers: Kitty Café has actual kitties you can pet while drinking tea and eating cake. We know what you’re thinking - life doesn’t get much better for a cat lover - but when you consider the fact that you could actually rehome one, it turns out it does. Kitty Café serves up a full-blown afternoon tea, which includes freshly prepared, soft sandwiches, Devonshire scones, miniature cakes and desserts, and your choice of loose-leaf tea, barista-style ground coffee or hot chocolate. What are a few stray hairs among friends, right?
How much: £24.95 per person
Where: 31-37 Friar Lane, NG1 6DD
Book now: Kitty Cafe

No/6 Bar & Lounge at St James Hotel

What: Located in a quiet area of Nottingham beside the castle, with eccentric decor and a reasonably priced menu, the afternoon tea experience at No/6 Bar & Lounge is an opportunity not to be missed. It comprises all the usual elements - finger sandwiches, scones with strawberry preserve and clotted cream, and a selection of delicate patisseries - and comes with your choice of tea or coffee. Vegetarian and vegan alternatives are available, and there’s also the option to add a glass or bottle of bubbly to proceedings, or a cocktail specially designed to complement your afternoon tea.
How much: £16.95 per person
Where: 1 Rutland Street, NG1 6FL
Book now: No/6 Bar & Lounge

Le Bistrot Pierre 

What:  A French restaurant serving the most archetypal British meal? Yes, it’s strange, but its just as good. A twist on the classics, the afternoon tea menu offers a mixture of croissants filled with classic ham and cheese or brie and plum chutney, followed by fruit scones with strawberry jam. To finish, try a traditional eton mess, or go for a chocolate ganache torte. To get the full French experience, why not upgrade your tea include a glass of Veuve Devienne or an Espresso Martini?  
How much: £16.95 per person
Where: 13-17 Milton Street, NG1 3EN
Book now: Le Bistrot Pierre

Anyone on a UK afternoon tea tour (is that a thing? If not, it should be) ought to check out our round-up of the best afternoon teas in London.