The British tradition of finger sandwiches, scones, and little cakes served on tiered plates has been enjoyed by Brits for many years. Normally associated with your more high-end establishments and the upper classes, this great way of dining has become more accessible for us normal folk in recent years. No longer exclusive to 5* hotels and country houses, it’s now being served in all manner of places such as cafes, restaurants, pubs and even shepherd’s huts.
With its elegant town centre, history as a Victorian Spa town and reputation as being one of the more affluent towns in Yorkshire, it’s no surprise that Harrogate is home to some great afternoon teas. We’ve done our research to find and share with you, some of the best afternoon teas on offer in Harrogate. So, next time you’re in town, be sure to book one of these for a relaxing and indulgent afternoon treat!
Bettys
We’re kicking off our list with the famous Bettys Tea Rooms. They’ve been serving afternoon tea in Harrogate since the year 1919 and it’s just as good now as it was then. Bettys provides the perfect ambience for this quintessentially British tradition and the quality of the food served is always exceptional. They’re renowned for their afternoon teas and their cakes are just to die for so, you won’t be disappointed if you book Bettys.
The Traditional Afternoon Tea at Bettys in Harrogate costs £19.95 per person and includes a selection of finger sandwiches, a sultana scone with clotted cream and strawberry preserve, a selection of miniature cakes and a pot of tea. You can upgrade your afternoon to include a glass of pink champagne.
Address: 1 Parliament Street, Harrogate HG1 2QU
Contact: 01423 814070
Mama Doreen’s Emporium
Mama Doreen’s Emporium is a family run business specialising in delicious homemade cupcakes. If you like cake then you’ll LOVE Mama Doreen’s. Afternoon Tea is served in an incredibly feminine setting so would be perfect for a girly get together or a Baby Shower.
Their most popular offering has to be their Gin Inspired Afternoon Tea for Two (£48) which includes some truly scrumptious cakes infused with some of the best Yorkshire Gins such as Slingsby, Mason’s and Harrogate Gins. Yum yum!
Address: 31-33 Cold Bath Road, Harrogate HG2 0NL
Contact: 01423 313282
The Majestic Hotel
Built in 1899, The Majestic Hotel is one of Harrogate’s most beautiful and most recognisable buildings. If you want to experience afternoon tea in Harrogate the way it was meant to be experienced, then this is the place to go. Afternoon Tea at The Majestic has been put together to pay homage to Queen Victoria and her love of tea parties.
Here, you have the option of a Traditional Afternoon Tea (£15pp) with all the expected components (plus Victoria Sponge in honour of Her Royal Highness) or a Savoury Afternoon Tea (£19.50pp) which includes Miniature English picnic items and plain or cheese scones. Perfect for those trying to cut back on the sugar!
Address: Ripon Road, Harrogate HG1 2HU
Contact: 01423 700300
Fodder
Fodder, on the Yorkshire Showground, is a Yorkshire farm shop selling food and drink from 420 farmers and producers – 85% of which are based in Yorkshire. The business is actually a commercial activity of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society and all profits contribute towards the society’s charity work.
For a true Yorkshire-inspired Afternoon Tea in Harrogate that supports the local agricultural industry, we recommend heading to Fodder’s onsite cafe. Afternoon tea here is served between 3 pm and 5 pm Monday to Saturday and 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm on Sundays. It costs £30 for two people and includes traditional finger sandwiches, chef’s savoury item of the day, miniature homemade scones, specially selected sweet treats and a pot of good old Yorkshire Tea.
Address: Railway Road, Harrogate, HG2 8NZ
Contact: 01423 546111
Rudding Park
Rudding Park is a privately owned 90-room hotel with a spa, two restaurants, kitchen garden, private cinema, and two golf courses. The luxury resort is set in over 300 acres of landscaped gardens and woodland, making it perfect for a relaxing retreat.
Afternoon Tea is made using ingredients from their very own kitchen garden and served in their airy conservatory, which boasts marvellous views of the estate’s pretty gardens. The hotel is often considered as one of the best places to dine in Harrogate so you can expect all the components of your afternoon tea to be perfectly presented and pleasing on the palate. Prices start at £27.50 pp and the menu includes finger sandwiches, fresh scones and a selection of scrumptious desserts such as strawberry & pistachio opera cake and elderflower & rhubarb mousse.
Address: Follifoot, Harrogate, North Yorkshire HG3 1JH
Contact: 01423 844822
As with all our articles of this nature, the list will be added to over time so don’t worry if you’re favourite isn’t on here. If you would like to make a recommendation, please email news@theyorkshirepress.co.uk
