Best afternoon tea in York: 10 top spots for an indulgent treat

A sandwich, cake and a pot of tea: it doesn't get much more British than that. Afternoon tea has seen a whole host of variations over the past centuries, finally culminating in the selection of dainty cakes and finger sandwiches served with a brew or glass of fizz that we know and love today. So, what better place to enjoy this afternoon treat than in a city with a history to match.

If you're looking for somewhere to have afternoon tea in York, then you've come to the right place. York is brimming with options serving up delicately decorated cakes served on three-tiered stands, whether you're looking for a cute and cosy stop off after a busy day of shopping and site-seeing, a place to sit and relax in style after a hike in the North York Moors or perhaps a more luxurious option for a birthday celebration or Mother's Day treat.

York is beloved for a whole host of reasons with its city walls and famous Minster attracting tourists from all over the world. Coupled with picturesque streets, visitors flock to walk down the Shambles: the famous narrow and cobbled street packed full of boutique shops and exuding a medieval history. A quintessentially British city, it makes sense that it should serve up a vast selection of one of Britain's favourite pastimes. So why not indulge in a tower of sweet and savoury bites, all washed down with a selection of coffees and brews - made all the more enjoyable by the fact that Yorkshire tea is often on the menu!

With so many cosy nooks and corners across the city, it can be hard to know where to look. So we’ve done the heavy lifting - you’re welcome - and rounded up our choice of top spots for afternoon tea in York, each putting their own spin on the classic. 

No.1 Guesthouse

What: Just a short walk from York’s iconic minster, No.1 Guesthouse is housed in a Grade-II listed regency townhouse, with sweeping staircases and high ceilings that provide the exact sense of grandeur that you would hope for when heading out for afternoon tea. Served in the aptly named Marmalade Lounge, the classic sweet and savoury treats come in Traditional or Sparkling options. Boasting local produce on the menu, options include Gloucester sausage rolls or York ham and English mustard sandwiches.
Where: 1 Clifton, YO30 6AA
Book now: No.1 Guesthouse

Bettys Tea Room

What: No list of afternoon tea spots in York would be complete without mentioning Bettys. There aren't many days that you'll head into the city and not see queues of people wrapped around the building, hoping to get a seat for the tea room's delectable cakes and brews. Luckily, you can book your spot for afternoon tea, so you don't have to wait! The Belmont Room is steeped in history and provides a lavish backdrop as you tuck into your sandwiches, scones and miniature sweet treats. With options to add bubbles - Prosecco or pink Champagne - turn your afternoon snacking into a real celebration. 
Where: 6-8 St. Helen’s Square, YO1 8QP
Book now: Bettys York

Malmaison

What: Bringing you afternoon tea with a twist (or two), Malmaison provides unique experiences across the UK - and York is no exception. Here, the offerings are seasonally themed so you won’t get bored of the menu even if you become a regular visitor. Forget the traditional finger sandwiches and tuck into Mal sliders, beef patties in mini brioche buns, or crunchy Thai sticky beef in a sesame wrap. Finish off with raspberry ripple and white chocolate sundaes or calamansi citrus meringue tart. Plus this one comes with the option to add a cocktail to sweeten the deal!
Where: 2 Rougier Street, YO90 1UU
Book now: Malmaison

Hotel du Vin & Bistro

What: This Georgian mansion on the outskirts of the city centre, creates the perfect traditional backdrop as you sip on a unique blend of infused teas. Here, afternoon tea includes Croxton Manor cheese and pickle on malted loaf with classic cucumber sandwiches on a white tea loaf. Cakes to follow mix things up a little bit with mango and white chocolate or raspberry and dark chocolate ice cake pops.
Where: 89 The Mount, YO24 1AX
Book now: Hotel du Vin & Bistro

The Grand

What: Located just within the city's famous walls stands The Grand, one of York's finest hotels that also happens to offer a pretty decent spread for afternoon tea. Served daily, you can expect a slightly more luxurious option complete with stunning views of the city, particularly if you book a seat on the restaurant's terrace. Croissants and sandwiches are paired with scones and an indulgent selection of patisserie such as the mango tartlet or royal Battenberg cake. Why not wash down your sweets and scones with a G&T? Perfect for those who aren't a big fan of the more traditional afternoon tea fizz.
Where: Station Rise, YO1 6GD
Book now: The Grand

Leetham's Brasserie at The Elmbank Hotel

What: Not only is the Elmbank Hotel home to one of the finest Art Nouveau collections across the UK but its afternoon tea selection is worth visiting as well. A boutique hotel in the heart of the city centre, here you’ll find a selection of stained-glass alongside intricate murals for a glamorous and unique location. Goats cheese, cherry tomato and basil tartlets are followed by passionfruit layer cakes and carbon black cocoa powder choux buns, with options to add a York Gin and Tonic for an afternoon tipple.
Where: The Mount, YO24 1GE
Book now: Leetham's Brasserie at The Elmbank Hotel

Middleton's

What: Another of York's finest hotels, Middleton's central location is perfect for exploring the city, just a short walk from key sites including the York Castle Museum and Jorvik Viking Centre. After a long day out and about, why not refuel with the hotel's delightful afternoon tea offering? Served in The Conservatory, surrounded by brick walls, amber lighting and dark wooden beams reminiscent of the local Shambles, expect a selection of traditional sandwiches and indulgent desserts all served in a classic birdcage stand. Be sure to upgrade to the Sparkling or Champagne options for a more decadent affair. 
Where: Skeldergate, YO1 6DU
Book now: Middleton's

The Principal

What: Chocolate lovers, this is the one for you! The Principal’s afternoon tea is centred around this decadent treat with chocolate orange delice, dark chocolate brownie with mint infused mousse and even classic macaroons filled with nutty flavoured chocolate. Once known as the chocolate city due to the collection of famous factories in the area, this afternoon tea is an ode to York’s history. No need to worry if you don't have much of a sweet tooth, there are several savoury options to help balance things out including a Wensleydale cheese and caramelised onion tart. Upgrade to include a glass of fizz alongside coffees and loose-leaf teas.
Where: Station Road, YO24 1AA
Book now: The Principal

Cakes d’Licious

What: A quintessential British cafe, Cakes d'Licious is definitely on the cheaper end of this list, but that doesn't mean you have to compromise. Here, you'll still enjoy a cosy and tasty afternoon of cakes and sandwiches served alongside fruit scones topped with jam and clotted cream. Pastel bunting and English breakfast tea served in mismatched crockery really adds to the charm with this one making it the perfect stop off during a big afternoon of shopping in the city.
Where: 61 Clifton, YO30 6BD
Book now: Cakes d'Licious

The Ivy

What: Renowned for its vibrant and floral decors, The Ivy has made its way all across the country, finally settling in York. Sandwiches come stuffed with grilled chicken with truffle mayonnaise on a brioche roll or The Ivy 1917 Cure smoked salmon and cream cheese finger sandwiches for a slightly more decadent spread. Finish off with sticky caramel slices or Madeleine with chocolate sauce and sip the day away with a selection of teas, infusions and coffees. 
Where: 2 St. Helen’s Square, YO1 8QP
Book now: The Ivy

Finished your sandwiches and still feeling peckish? Head out for some top-notch cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Yorkshire!