6 min readJam or cream first? Ahh the great Devonshire or Cornish cream tea debate…well, we suggest seeing how it’s done Bristol fashion.
From the quirky to highly traditional, grab a brew and indulge in some of these afternoon teas.
Central Bristol
Hotel du Vin & Bistro
Located in an old sugar factory, this place is used to all things sweet. Dazzlingly good tea infusions from Bird & Blend Tea Co. are accompanied by beautiful sandwiches, including a fine selection for vegans, incredible cakes and scones with butter, cream and jam. For extra wow-factor, wash down with champagne or a cocktail. Afternoon tea is available daily from 12:30pm until 4pm.
Image - Hotel du Vin & Bistro
Harvey Nichols Bristol Second Floor Restaurant
Fend off shopping sugar lows with some teatime indulgence at this stylish eatery, which serves afternoon tea daily. The menu features classic sandwich combos like smoked salmon and cream cheese alongside homemade sweet treats, from apple and courgette cake to rhubarb pavlova.
Image - Second Floor Restaurant at Harvey Nichols
The Harbour Kitchen at Harbour Hotel Bristol
Wind down in the luxurious subterranean spa before choosing between full afternoon, prosecco or champagne tea in this classy setting, with afternoon tea served daily. All are served with a selection of sandwiches, plain and fruit scones, clotted cream and jam, and a selection of cakes and sweet treats.
Sandwich choices include smoked salmon & avocado, truffled chicken mayonnaise, spiced prawn cocktail and cucumber finger sandwiches.
Image - Harbour Kitchen at Harbour Hotel Bristol
Harbourside afternoon tea at The Bristol
Served Thursday to Saturday from 12.30pm to 4.30pm, this afternoon tea arrives on retro crockery with traditional scones, Cornish clotted cream and jam, miniature cakes and finger sandwiches. To make your afternoon tea extra special, add a glass of Champagne or a House Cocktail. Gluten-free or vegan afternoon teas available on request.
Image - The Bristol G and Afternoon Tea
Café at the New Room
Fresh, home-baked, ethically and locally sourced food and drink is the order of the day at this new café. Afterwards, take a wander round John Wesley's New Room – it’s the oldest Methodist church in the world!
Image - The New Room
Clifton
No.4 Clifton Village
G and Tea anyone? Served Tuesday to Sunday, you can upgrade your afternoon tea to Hendrick’s Gin, Prosecco or Cocktail (or hot chocolate!) and nibble on freshly baked scones in their lovely walled garden or inside, surrounded by vintage décor in this beautiful Georgian townhouse. You can also upgrade to vintage crockery for an even more traditional twist! An equally tempting vegan menu is available. Advance booking is required.
Image - Afternoon tea at No.4 Clifton Village
Kibou
KIBOU serves afternoon tea with a Japanese twist from Sunday to Friday. The menu features a tasters of the restaurant’s most popular dishes, including sushi, sashimi and traditional Japanese sweets. There is also a vegetarian afternoon tea menu available.
Image - Kibou
The Ivy Clifton Brasserie
A real treat, afternoon tea is served seven days a week and includes mouth-watering seasonal delights such as smoked salmon and cream cheese finger sandwich, grilled chicken and truffle mayonnaise brioche roll, red velvet raspberry cake and chocolate and blueberry pot.
Image - The Ivy Clifton Brasserie
Ashwell & Co
This quirky vintage tearoom in Clifton prides themselves not only on their unique setting within a vintage boutique, but also that everything is handmade and locally produced for a proper traditional afternoon tea experience. From the sandwiches to the cakes to the scones and to their signature homemade clotted cream, every element is made with care and attention and served up on beautiful vintage china. Afternoon tea is served from 12.30pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and booking is essential.
Ashwell & Co is also available for private parties with a variety of party packages available. These are perfect for hen parties, birthdays, baby showers and more. They also deliver with the option to hire their stunning crockery if you fancy a fuss-free party at home.
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Image - Ashwell & Co.
Further afield
Thornbury Castle
Seeing as it was Queen Victoria who helped popularise the tradition of afternoon tea, it’s fitting to be able to wolf down finger sandwiches and miniature cakes in this splendid castle, with afternoon tea served every day from 1pm - 4pm. For hundreds of years, the kitchen garden has provided ingredients for Thornbury Castle and continues to do so today.
Image - Thornbury Castle
Berwick Lodge
Afternoon tea at Berwick Lodge offers a selection of indulgences in a beautiful and classic setting. Take a seat in the beautiful, wood-panelled lounge or opulent Hattusa restaurant and indulge in a freshly baked scone, topped with lashings of fragrant jam and gooey clotted cream. Traditional afternoon tea offers fresh sandwiches, homemade cakes and biscuits and a selection of tea. Or why not try the Bridgerton Afternoon Tea for that extra something special? Also on offer are Gluten Free, Vegetarian and Vegan menus, plus a smaller option for children.
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Image - Berwick Lodge
De Vere Tortworth Court Estate
Set within the picturesque countryside of South Gloucestershire, De Vere Tortworth Court is a 4-star hotel housed within a restored Grade II listed Victorian mansion, offering a unique setting to enjoy Afternoon Tea in their 1853 Restaurant, situated in the house's former library. You can enjoy a selection of finger sandwiches, followed by an array of seasonal cakes and pastries. If you’re in an extra indulgent mood, why not add a glass of Champagne?
Image - De Vere Tortworth Court
Curious Kitchen at Aztec Hotel & Spa
Take your tea in the AA Rosette restaurant at Aztec Hotel & Spa or alfresco on the terrace. The afternoon tea here showcases flavours of the South West. Artisanal sandwiches include West Country Keens cheddar and chutney on rye, and Severn and Wye smoked salmon; freshly baked Devon buttermilk scones are served with strawberry preserve and Cornish clotted cream; and you can expect desserts such as salted caramel and chocolate ‘tea cake'.
Image - Aztec Hotel & Spa
Tiffany’s Restaurant at the Grand Pier
Partake in a quintessential English pastime in a quintessentially English seaside town, but the difference here is that you will be a quarter-of-a-mile out to sea! From the Grand Pier you have views over the Bristol Channel, Mendip Hills and across to Wales.
Image - Tiffany's at The Grand Pier
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