Looking for somewhere to enjoy afternoon tea in Bradford?
While widely considered the Curry Capital of The North, Bradford boasts a diverse culinary landscape beyond its curry houses. From family-friendly eateries to independent restaurants and cosy cafes, the city centre offers an array of dining experiences. Moreover, exploring further into the Bradford district reveals charming cafes along Haworth’s cobbled Main Street, contemporary spots in Saltaire and world-renowned tea rooms in Ilkley.
This article focuses on venues providing afternoon tea in the Bradford district. Despite its centuries-old tradition, afternoon tea has undergone a modern revival, with bars, restaurants, hotels, and cafes offering unique interpretations accessible to all. Whether you seek a classic experience with finger sandwiches and petit fours or prefer a contemporary twist with hot food and cocktail pairings, explore our curated list below for the best afternoon tea spots in Bradford.
Where to get Afternoon Tea in Bradford…
The Great Victoria Hotel
Bridge Street, Bradford BD1 1JX
Those seeking a traditional offering in an elegant setting should look no further than The Great Victoria Hotel for a superb afternoon tea in Bradford. Served daily in the landmark hotel’s Avenue Bar & Restaurant, afternoon tea is priced at just £20 per person or £26 with Prosecco.
Begin with a selection of sandwiches including Smoked Applewood Cheese with Chutney before indulging in the obligatory scones plus, an array of mini desserts such as a Mini Chocolate Tart and a Salted Caramel Choux Bun.
If your preference leans towards savoury rather than sweet, The Great Victoria offers a Savoury Afternoon Tea option, substituting mini desserts with mini samosas, onion bhajis, spring rolls, and sausage rolls to suit your taste.
Pearls Tearoom & Patisserie
46 Rooley Avenue, Bradford BD6 1DA
Did you know that Bradford is home to a luxury tearoom and patisserie? Pearls offers an informal yet luxurious dining experience seven days a week, with menus of delectable treats made onsite and a live pianist entertaining diners between 10 am and 2 pm daily. The elegantly decorated family-run eatery offers three different afternoon teas, each priced at £18 for one person or £35 for two people.
The Traditional Afternoon Tea features the expected sandwiches, scones and petit fours, however, those with a predominantly sweet tooth may prefer the Sweet Delight Afternoon Tea with which you get a French Toast served with strawberries, marshmallows and Nutella rather than sandwiches.
Fancy something entirely different to the norm? With the Indian Afternoon Tea, you can tuck into spicy savouries including chicken kebabs and samosas.
Blooms Kitchen at Tong Garden Centre
Tong Lane, Bradford BD4 0RY
Tong Garden Centre is an independently owned, award-winning retail destination set in 17 acres of countryside between Bradford and Leeds. Here, you will find everything you could need to transform any underwhelming garden into a thriving oasis plus, superb ranges of gifts, toys, homeware, clothing and more. Not only is Tong Garden Centre a great place to indulge in a spot of retail therapy, but it’s also home to a great indoor play centre for children and an onsite eatery serving tasty grub.
It’s high tea rather than afternoon tea at Blooms Kitchen so slightly smaller than the others we’ve included, however, it’s an absolute bargain at just £9.95 and you don’t need to book in advance. For under a tenner, you can enjoy generously filled sandwiches, a sausage roll, a fluffy scone with jam and cream plus a couple of miniature sweet treats. Perfect for a budget-friendly midweek treat!
Miss Butterfingers
26 The Green, Idle, Bradford BD10 9PX
Nestled in the village of Idle lies a beloved gem for afternoon tea in Bradford: Miss Butterfingers. This charming independent tea room exudes warmth and character, providing a delightful ambience for indulging in an array of sweet and savoury delights.
With its quaint decor and welcoming staff, Miss Butterfingers offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city centre hotels and tourist attractions. Priced at £19.50 per person, their homemade afternoon tea promises culinary delights that are both delicious and made with care. Don’t miss out on their exceptional sweet treats, featuring a daily selection of freshly baked cupcakes, traybakes, and scones. Before you depart, take a moment to peruse their tempting display of goodies and treat yourself to some treats to enjoy at home!
Tallulah’s Wine Bar
81 Bingley Road, Saltaire, Shipley BD18 4SB
Tallulah’s is a much-celebrated wine bar in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Saltaire. Housed in a historic building with glorious art deco-inspired interiors, it arguably serves some of the best cocktails in the area, alongside excellent bottomless brunches and afternoon teas. Stylish and sophisticated, Tallulah’s provides the perfect setting for a boozy and contemporary afternoon tea with friends after a day exploring the historic sites and independent shops of Saltaire.
Their luxuriously indulgent afternoon tea is served on traditional tiered platters but comprises more modern takes on the usual components. Tuck into a selection of savoury treats including Ham & Cheddar Sliders and Smoked Salmon & Avocado on Toast before indulging in a range of decadent desserts like Homemade Chocolate Mousse and Victoria Sponge.
This afternoon tea in Saltaire costs £20 per person and for an additional £6 you can wash it down with a glass of Prosecco. For the ultimate Tallulah’s experience, add bottomless drinks for £38 pp.
ForTeas
19 Main Street, Haworth BD22 8DA
For a unique afternoon tea experience, consider ForTeas, a charming 1940s-themed tearoom in Haworth. Highly praised by both locals and tourists, it’s among the top recommendations for afternoon tea in Bradford. Transport yourself back in time as you indulge in freshly prepared sandwiches, a selection of cheeses and a medley of indulgent homemade treats amidst the cosy nostalgia of this beloved eatery.
Given Haworth’s popularity as a tourist destination, reservations at ForTeas are in high demand. With its picturesque setting, historic Main Street, and literary associations, the tearoom quickly fills up. Booking in advance is essential, preferably with at least 48 hours notice via telephone or Facebook messenger.
Cobbles & Clay
70 Main Street, Haworth BD22 8DP
Cobbles & Clay in Haworth offers a delightful twist on traditional afternoon tea. More than just a village cafe, it combines dining with entertainment, featuring a pottery painting studio since its establishment in 2006. Guests can enjoy crafting their own treasures while indulging in homemade delights.
This pre-bookable afternoon tea experience in Bradford is priced at £21 per person, or £24 with a glass of prosecco instead of a hot beverage. A £10 non-refundable deposit per person secures your 2-hour timeslot, and dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice. The menu includes sandwiches, mini savoury treats, hot soup, homemade fruited scones, and a selection of delectable sweets.
Bettys Cafe Tea Rooms
32 The Grove, Ilkley LS29 9EE
Known around the world and a Yorkshire attraction in its own right, is the excellent Bettys. You’ll find three Bettys venues in Yorkshire including one in the centre of Ilkley. Synonymous with sophistication and decadent dining, the Bettys Cafe Tea Rooms is a must-visit.
Traditional Afternoon Tea at Bettys in Ilkley costs £29.99 per person and includes a selection of finger sandwiches and miniature cakes inspired by seasonal produce. It’s served with a pot of Tea Room Blend tea but if you prefer something stronger, you can pay a higher price of £34.95 to include Prosecco or £37.95 to switch for a glass of Pink Champagne. Of course, this is one of the most expensive afternoon teas in the Bradford district but it should be experienced by all, at least once. You can also request additional sandwiches for no extra charge.
As with all our articles of this nature, we will be adding to this list as and when we discover new venues. To make a recommendation or enquire about advertising, please email business@theyorkshirepress.co.uk
