The best afternoon teas in East Sussex: 8 elegant spots for tea and cake

The best afternoon teas in East Sussex are anything but predictable. One moment you could be sipping Earl Grey in a grand Victorian hotel overlooking Eastbourne seafront, the next you’re tucking into Scandinavian-inspired pastries inside a contemporary art gallery or ordering cocktails alongside cakes in Brighton Marina. This is a county that knows how to take a traditional British pastime and give it a little personality.

That variety is exactly what makes afternoon tea in East Sussex so appealing. Brighton and Hove bring modern dining rooms, inventive vegetarian menus and stylish hotel lounges into the mix, while the surrounding countryside delivers manor houses, sweeping South Downs views and polished country hotels where silver teapots and warm scones still reign supreme. Whether you’re booking a birthday treat, planning a baby shower or simply carving out a slow afternoon by the coast, there’s no shortage of memorable places to settle in for tea and cake.

Of course, the classics are still very much accounted for. You’ll find neatly cut finger sandwiches, fruit scones loaded with jam and cream, and beautifully presented pastries across the county, but many of East Sussex’s best afternoon teas also introduce local ingredients, sparkling wine pairings and more contemporary flavour combinations. Some venues keep things wonderfully traditional, while others lean into Brighton’s creative energy with menus that feel playful and modern.

From glamorous coastal hotels to hidden countryside escapes, these are the best places to book afternoon tea in East Sussex right now.

Bistro du Vin, Brighton

What: Hidden away just moments from Brighton seafront, Bistro du Vin serves a classic afternoon tea inside a characterful townhouse hotel filled with cosy corners and rich interiors. Expect neatly prepared finger sandwiches, warm fruit scones with jam and clotted cream, and an assortment of pastries and cakes created by the hotel’s pastry chefs. Champagne upgrades are available for those marking a special occasion, while the relaxed atmosphere makes it equally suited to laid-back afternoons after exploring the Lanes.
How much: From £29.95 per person
Where: 2 Ship Street, BN1 1AD
Book now: Bistro du Vin Brighton

Light at Towner, Eastbourne

What: Located on the top floor of Towner Eastbourne, Light offers one of the county’s most contemporary takes on afternoon tea. The menu takes inspiration from Scandinavian flavours, featuring mini open sandwiches, freshly baked scones and delicate seasonal pastries served inside a bright, modern dining room. Floor-to-ceiling windows and rooftop views across Eastbourne add to the appeal, while optional sparkling wine keeps things feeling celebratory without becoming overly formal.
How much: From £22 per person
Where: Towner Eastbourne, College Road, BN21 4JJ
Book now: Light at Towner

Chez Mal Brasserie at Malmaison Brighton, Brighton

What: Sitting right on Brighton Marina, Chez Mal swaps old-fashioned formality for something more lively and modern. Afternoon tea here combines traditional cakes and scones with savoury bites, cocktails and fizz, all served inside the hotel’s stylish marina-front brasserie. The waterside setting gives the experience a relaxed coastal feel, making it particularly popular for birthdays, hen parties and long overdue catch-ups with friends.
How much: From £29.50 per person
Where: Brighton Marina Village, BN2 5WA
Book now: Chez Mal Brasserie at Malmaison Brighton

Terre à Terre, Brighton

What: Brighton institution Terre à Terre approaches afternoon tea with the same creativity that made the restaurant famous. Its vegetarian afternoon tea skips predictable cucumber sandwiches in favour of inventive savoury bites, imaginative pastries and colourful sweet treats that feel playful without losing sight of indulgence. Served inside the restaurant’s eclectic dining room near Brighton seafront, this is one of the best places for afternoon tea in East Sussex if you’re after something a little different.
How much: From £35 per person
Where: 71 East Street, BN1 1HQ
Book now: Terre à Terre

The Claremont, Hove

What: Tucked inside a Victorian townhouse hotel in central Hove, The Claremont offers a more traditional afternoon tea experience in elegant yet understated surroundings. Guests can settle into one of the hotel’s lounges or the garden terrace and enjoy a classic selection of finger sandwiches, homemade cakes and warm scones served with cream and jam. The atmosphere feels calm and intimate, making it especially well suited to smaller celebrations or leisurely afternoons away from Brighton’s busier centre.
How much: From £26.50 per person
Where: Second Avenue, BN3 2LL
Book now: Afternoon Tea at The Claremont Hove

Anderida Restaurant at Ashdown Park, Forest Row

What: Afternoon tea at Ashdown Park leans fully into grand country house tradition. Served inside the stately hotel overlooking lawns and woodland near Ashdown Forest, guests can expect finely cut sandwiches, elegant pastries and freshly baked scones presented with classic precision. Champagne upgrades are available for celebrations, while the sweeping grounds and polished interiors make this one of the county’s most luxurious spots for afternoon tea.
How much: From £38 per person
Where: Wych Cross, Forest Row, RH18 5JR
Book now: Anderida Restaurant at Ashdown Park

The Grand Hotel, Eastbourne

What: Affectionately known as ‘The White Palace’, The Grand Hotel has been serving afternoon tea beside Eastbourne seafront for generations. Guests can settle into elegant lounges overlooking the coast and enjoy a traditional spread of finger sandwiches, pastries and warm scones accompanied by a carefully chosen tea selection. Live piano music often adds to the atmosphere, giving the whole experience a timeless quality that feels especially fitting for celebrations and special occasions. There's also a savoury tea menu if you don't fancy all the sweet stuff!
How much: From £36 per person
Where: King Edwards Parade, Eastbourne, BN21 4EQ
Book now: The Grand Hotel

HarBAR + Kitchen, Brighton

What: Few afternoon tea spots in East Sussex come with views quite like this. Located within Harbour Hotel Brighton, HarBAR + Kitchen overlooks the beach and West Pier, with sea views stretching across the entire dining room and terrace. Afternoon tea keeps things classic with finger sandwiches, cakes and freshly baked scones, although cocktail and sparkling wine upgrades bring a more Brighton-style energy to proceedings. It’s a strong choice if you’re after something stylish without feeling too formal.
How much: From £30 per person
Where: 64 Kings Road, BN1 1NA
Book now: HarBAR + Kitchen

Whether you’re drawn to Brighton’s creative dining scene, sweeping South Downs views or classic seaside hotels overlooking the coast, East Sussex offers an afternoon tea to suit every sort of occasion. Book your next afternoon tea in East Sussex, or take a look at the best afternoon teas in Brighton if you're planning a trip to the seaside town.