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. 

Chez Mal at Malmaison York

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, prawn and crayfish cocktail, and crispy buttermilk chicken thighs. Finish off with mini vanilla creme brulee, rhubarb and custard choux au craquelin, and cherry blossom drop. Plus this one comes with the option to add a cocktail to sweeten the deal!
How much: £29.50 per person
When: Wednesday to Friday, 12:00pm-3:30pm; Saturday to Sunday, 12:30pm-3:30pm
Dietary options: Vegan and gluten-free afternoon tea menus available
Where: 2 Rougier Street, YO90 1UU
Book now: Chez Mal at Malmaison York

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. Choose from a seasonal afternoon tea menu spanning savoury snacks, scones and patisserie, or opt for the Wizarding Afternoon Tea Menu, inspired by the hotel's history as a railway hub. 
How much: From £42.50 per person
When: Daily, 12:30pm-4pm
Dietary options: For allergies and dietary requirements, please speak to a member of staff
Where: Station Rise, YO1 6GD
Book now: The Grand

Sora at Malmaison York

What: Located on the seventh floor of Malmaison York, Sora is a Japanese rooftop restaurant and sushi bar. Bringing a Japanese twist to the afternoon tea ritual, the menu features a range of sushi, savouries and sweet desserts - think tiger prawn nigiri, salmon sashimi, chicken yakitori, Asian slaw and matcha scones. There is also a full vegan menu alternative, ensuring that the experience caters to all dietary needs. 
How much: £35 per person
When: Wednesday to Sunday, 12:00pm-4pm
Dietary options: For allergies and dietary requirements, please speak to a member of staff
Where: 2 Rougier Street, YO90 1UU
Book now: Sora at Malmaison York

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 salted cod and tomato taco, or York ham and English mustard sandwiches.
How much: From £34 per person
When: Monday to Saturday, 12:30pm-5pm
Dietary options: For allergies and dietary requirements, please speak to a member of staff
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. 
How much: From £44.95 per person
When: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 12pm-2pm; Saturday, 11am-5pm
Dietary options: Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free afternoon tea menus available
Where: 6-8 St. Helen’s Square, YO1 8QP
Book now: Bettys York

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.
How much: £27.50 per person
When: Daily, 12pm-4pm
Dietary options: For allergies and dietary requirements, please speak to a member of staff
Where: The Mount, YO24 1GE
Book now: Leetham's Brasserie at The Elmbank Hotel

The Ivy York

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 crème brûlée with berry compote, and sip the day away with a selection of teas, infusions and coffees. 
How much: From £35.95 per person
When: Daily, 3pm-5pm
Dietary options: For allergies and dietary requirements, please speak to a member of staff
Where: 2 St. Helen’s Square, YO1 8QP
Book now: The Ivy York

Countess of York at the National Railway Museum

What: If you're a bit of a history-lover, head to Countess of York at the National Railway Museum to experience afternoon tea in a beautifully restored 1907 dining carriage. Originally built to serve fine dining passengers, the setting exudes charm, elegance and glamour. Afternoon tea takes a classic route, with a variety of sandwiches, scones and sweet treats - think summer pea and Yorkshire Blue cheese tart, and caramel and sugar crystal macaron. 
How much: £38.95 per person
When: Friday to Sunday, 11:30am-4:30pm
Dietary options: Vegeterian afternoon tea menu available and vegan and gluten-free alternatives offered
Where: Leeman Road, YO26 4XJ
Book now: Countess of York at the National Railway Museum

Forest

What: Just a stone's throw from York Minster and the Shambles, Forest is a lovely little restaurant for a spot of afternoon tea. Served from Monday to Saturday, the Forest Afternoon Tea menu features a series of savoury and sweet treats, each paired with a cup of tea. For example, enjoy a mini Yorkshire Ploughman's alongside a cup of Hebden Tea Lapsang Souchong, and a hot Yorkshire pudding with braised beef while sipping on a cup of Yorkshire tea from Taylors of Harrogate.
How much: £35 per person
When: Monday to Saturday, 2pm-5pm
Dietary options: For allergies and dietary requirements, please speak to a member of staff
Where: 54 Low Petergate, YO1 7HZ
Book now: Forest

The Garden Room at The Milner York

What: For a special occasion, why not arrange for an afternoon tea experience at the four-star Milner York hotel? Dine in the Garden Room, decorated with soaring ceilings, dramatic pillars and luxury furniture. The afternoon tea menu is a classic British affair featuring an assortment of sandwiches, sweets and scones. There's even a children's afternoon tea menu, so you can get the little ones involved too!
How much: From £34.95 per person
When: Daily, 12pm-4pm
Dietary options: For allergies and dietary requirements, please speak to a member of staff
Where: Station Road, YO24 1AA
Book now: The Garden Room at The Milner York

FAQs 

Which York afternoon teas serve alcohol-free options?

Of course, the best drink to pair with an afternoon tea is a cup of hot specialty tea, with many restaurants offering a wide range of varieties including black, white and flavoured teas. Plenty of afternoon tea restaurants in York also offer other alcohol-free drinks such as coffee and soft drinks. All restaurants in York offer some form of alcohol-free drink. 

How much is afternoon tea in York?

Afternoon tea in York typically costs between £25 and £50 per person, with most hovering around the £35 per person mark. The price varies depending on the restaurant, and whether you wish to add an alcoholic drink to your dining experience. Drink pairings like Prosecco and cocktails tend to make the afternoon tea slightly more expensive, although this is usually clearly outlined on the menu.

Which York afternoon teas are best for a special occasion?

For a special occasion, there are a lot of excellent afternoon tea options in York. If you fancy a celebratory glass of bubbly, No.1 Guesthouse offers a Sparkling Afternoon Tea with a glass of Chapel Down Brut Reserve, or you can head to Chez Mal for a signature cocktail pairing. Bettys Tea Room is the most iconic option for a quintessential afternoon tea experience - alternatively The Grand features a unique Wizarding Afternoon Tea Menu for a meal to remember. When it comes to finding a special setting, Sora at Malmaison York is an impressive rooftop restaurant with views over the city, while Countess of York at the National Railway Museum is situated within a restored 1907 dining carriage - which is a cool experience in itself.

Finished your sandwiches and still feeling peckish? Head out for some top-notch cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Yorkshire. If you wanted to venture further afield for your next afternoon tea, check out the best spots for afternoon tea in Leeds and discover the best afternoon tea restaurants in Sheffield.