The British tradition of finger sandwiches, scones, and little cakes served on tiered plates has been enjoyed by Brits for many years. Previously associated with exclusive and high-end establishments, this luxurious dining experience has become more accessible 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!
Where To Get Afternoon Tea in Harrogate
Bettys
Where: 1 Parliament Street, Harrogate HG1 2QU
Prices: £44.95 (£49.95 with prosecco, £52.95 with champagne)
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 known worldwide for their afternoon teas and rightly so because they have pretty much perfected all aspects.
The Traditional Afternoon Tea at Bettys in Harrogate costs £44.95 per person and includes a selection of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and strawberry preserve, a selection of miniature cakes and a pot of tea. Of course, the menu changes with the seasons, but the Bettys Afternoon Tea currently features a soft and fluffy milk roll with egg mayonnaise and crispy onions, luxurious Flaked salmon with horseradish, celery and capers in malted grain bread and an ever-so decadent Passion Fruit & Raspberry Slice.
You can upgrade your afternoon tea to include a glass of Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore or Collet Rosé Champagne.
Mama Doreen’s Emporium
Where: 31-33 Cold Bath Road, Harrogate HG2 0NL
Prices: £27.95 per adult ( £18.50 for seniors, £54.50 for Tipsy Teapot Afternoon Tea)
Established in 2009, this family-run bakery and tea rooms is a local gem with its pretty interiors and menu of exquisite bakes!
As with Betty’s featured above, afternoon tea at Mama Doreen’s is a whole experience rather than just a few bites to eat! The setting provides the perfect backdrop for those all-important social media check-ins, and the food is as pleasing on the eye as it is on the taste buds.
Traditional afternoon tea will set you back £27.95 per adult, and it’s packed with both traditional treats and contemporary creations. You’ll get sandwiches with classic fillings like Egg Mayo, Cucumber and Ham & Cheese, plus homemade quiche, topped focaccia and mini Yorkshire puds loaded with roast beef. Then it’s onto the obligatory scones with traditional accompaniments before tucking into a mouthwatering array of Mama Doreen’s sweet treats.
Fancy a tipple with your afternoon tea? Opt for the Tipsy Teapot Afternoon Tea to wash it all down with 90 minutes of unlimited teapot cocktails or prosecco.
Amber’s at Cedar Park Hotel
Where: Park Parade, Harrogate HG1 5AH
Prices: £24 per person (additional £6 for prosecco)
Amber’s Restaurant opened just last year at the Cedar Hotel Group’s flagship hotel in Harrogate. This majestic venue dates back to 1617 and boasts an abundance of historic charm. Amber’s pays homage to the hotel’s fascinating past, in particular the iconic Lady Amber Fitzwilliam, who hosted her famous Thursday Clubs at the hotel during the 1900s.
It is believed that Lady Fitzwilliam would often end her evenings of cultural debates with pots of tea and finger sandwiches, and you can enjoy her preferred form of dining in the very same building.
Although served at a more appropriate time of day, afternoon tea at Amber’s costs £24 per person or £30 with prosecco. Expect traditional components prepared with a delightful contemporary twist that showcase the very best of the region’s produce.
Rudding Park
Where: Follifoot, Harrogate, North Yorkshire HG3 1JH
Prices: £49 per person (£58 with champagne)
Rudding Park is a privately owned 90-room hotel with a spa, two restaurants, a kitchen garden, a private cinema, and two golf courses. The luxury resort is set across over 300 acres of landscaped gardens and woodland, making it the perfect venue for a relaxing retreat.
Afternoon Tea is made using ingredients from their kitchen garden and served in their airy conservatory, which boasts marvellous views of the estate’s pretty gardens. The hotel is often considered one of the best places to dine in Harrogate, so you can expect all the components of your afternoon tea to be top-notch. It’s a luxurious and elegant affair, so the prices do reflect this at £58 per person with champagne and £48 per person without. However, it’s a gorgeous setting and the service is always exceptional – perfect for those special occasions and celebrations!
The menu is the perfect blend of classic and contemporary flavours to,o with savoury treats such as coronation chicken, smoked almonds on white bread and smoked salmon, cream cheese, cucumber in brioche served alongside cheese & chive scones and decadent desserts like a sensational-sounding vanilla, mascarpone and spiced mango yolk kataifi pastry nest!
