Once the preserve of high society, an afternoon tea is now widely available in cafes, tearooms and restaurants across the UK. This is no less true in the Cotswolds. We pick 12 of the best places to enjoy this indulgent treat in the region
COVID-19 statement: Make sure to check before visiting any of these places for afternoon tea as there may be truncated menus and varying opening times. Also, please abide by the precautions of the establishment and government guidlines.
• Tisanes Tea Room, Broadway
Tisanes Tea Rooms occupies a 17th century stone building full of olde worlde charm in the beautiful village of Broadway. They offer over thirty different teas, most of which are loose leaf, compiled in its dedicated tea menu. The usual blends such as Assam, English Breakfast and Earl Grey are available, as well as some more unusual choices, such as; Ginger and Lemon, Apple and Cinnamon and Japanese Sencha, among others.
Scones, teacakes, Victoria sponge, banana cake, flapjacks, shortbread and other cakes and snacks are available as a sweet accompaniment. Tisanes Tea Rooms is a member of the UK Tea Council, so you're unlikely to find a more refined cuppa in this corner of the Cotswolds to accompany your scone and clotted cream.
• The Tea Chest, Lechlade
A quirky café just off the River Thames in the Cotswold town of Lechlade, The Tea Chest offers plenty of tea blends including Smokey Russian Caravan, Earl Grey, Spiced Masala Chai, Gunpowder Green, Mojito Mint and a traditional afternoon tea, available by the cup or by the pot. Perfect to wash down the cakes and savoury snacks also on offer!
• Well Walk Tea Room, Cheltenham
Well Walk is an eccentric tea room decorated with antiques and vintage memorabilia in the heart of the large Regency town of Cheltenham.
They offer a wide range of tea bought by the pot, with cakes, crumpets and, of course, scones with jam and cream all available. The quirky tea room is one of Cheltenham's earliest shops, with very reasonable prices, and the party menu is ideal for those seeking afternoon tea. There's also a touch of the Mad Hatter about the place!
• Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa, Wiltshire
Lucknam Park Hotel, an 18th century Palladian mansion set amidst 500 acres of gardens and unspoilt parkland, is an idyllic location for a spot of afternoon tea. Sitting just six miles from the popular regency city of Bath, it also offers a little escape from the hustle and bustle of urban living.
Full English afternoon tea is served in the Music Room, Library or Drawing Room overlooking the gardens, or - if it's pleasant weather - on the terrace. The leaf tea selection is wide. Sandwiches on offer include ham and tomato, egg and cress and smoked salmon, and there is a selection of warm homemade scones for the perfect cream tea, as well as dainty patisserie prepared by Lucknam's pastry chef.
• Jelly Pickle Jam, Evesham
Located in the Vale of Evesham, Jelly Pickle Jam is busy celebrating local and sustainable produce. In their vintage tea rooms, staff serve high quality Suki tea and Lawn Collection Teas, ranging from a traditional great British brew to more adventurous and unusual blends to match your mood.
Lovingly prepared homemade cream teas are available to satisfy those with a sweet tooth, as well as a wide selection of sandwiches.
• Whatley Manor, Malmesbury
Whatley Manor is a beautifully restored Cotswold manor house hotel and spa located three miles from the ancient town of Malmesbury, and serves afternoon tea and Wiltshire cream tea every day of the week.
The afternoon tea includes a selection of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and preserves, a selection of pastries and a choice of tea or coffee. They also appeal to those in a celebratory mood, with the option of a glass of sparkling wine available. When its warm and sunny, afternoon tea at Whatley is served on one of the terraces overlooking the beautiful English country gardens.
• Ellenborough Park, Cheltenham
Ellenborough Park, a grand manor house built in the 1500s on the original Cheltenham racecourse estate, now serves as a 5 star luxury hotel and venue. The award-winning Ellenborough offers afternoon tea served in The Great Hall, The Beaufort Dining Room or on The Beaufort Terrace with its stunning views of the Cotswolds.
Served on silver cake stands and fine china, it includes a selection of delicate sandwiches, freshly baked scones with rich clotted cream and preserves as well as an assortment of handcrafted cakes and pastries. With a cup of tea of course.
• Lavender Bakehouse & Coffee Shop, Chalford
The Lavender Bakehouse & Coffee Shop is a café and bakery located in the village of Chalford, only four miles from Stroud.
Lavender offers a range of speciality teas from exotic infusions to traditional black tea blends. Sandwiches sold include classic combinations such as cheese and pickle, egg and mayonnaise, tuna and mayonnaise and smoked salmon, many utilising locally sourced ingredients.
Huffkins, various locations throughout the Cotswolds
Huffkins is a 125-year old family business with tearooms dotted around the Cotswolds. There's a Huffkins tearoom in Burford, Cheltenham, Stow-on-the-Wold, Stratford-upon-Avon and Witney - there's even a Huffkins in John Lewis in Cheltenham.
They serve a range of Afternoon Teas all day, each offering a slightly different selection of accompaniments. Depending on your pick, you could enjoy traditional sandwiches, award-winning scones and your choice of loose leaf tea.
• Marshmallow Tea Room, Moreton-in-Marsh
The award-winning Marshmallow Restaurant and Tea Rooms sits in the charming Cotswold market town of Moreton-in-Marsh.
The establishment has been awarded the Tea Guild of Excellence, so you're guaranteed a good cuppa at the very least. They offer High Tea, with traditional sandwiches, homemade fruit scones, cake and your choice of house blend tea.
• Badgers Hall, Chipping Campden
Badgers Hall is a traditional English tea room and eatery in the Cotswold town of Chipping Campden specialising in wholesome produce and fresh daily baking.
Cream teas are served all day between 2.30 and 5.30pm, and their Afternoon Tea on a Tier, which features a tempting array of homemade savoury and sweet treats to accompany your cup of tea, is also served daily.
• The Old Bakery, Stow-on-the-Wold
This traditional tearoom in Stow offers a range of loose leaf teas, delicious home-made scones, toasted crumpets and teacakes. Tea is served in fine bone china.
The Old Bakery is open 10.30am-4pm during the week and open until 5.30pm on Saturdays. The tearoom is closed on Thursdays and Sundays. Booking is essential.
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