Indulge in a freshly baked Welsh cake or tuck into a traditional bara brith at these top tea rooms in North Wales, writes Rebekka O’Grady
Ty Hyll, Capel Curig Ty? Hyll is a fabulous café with an abundance of history. Translated in English as The Ugly House, some legends say it was built by robbers and thieves who would take advantage of travellers on the old A5 as they journeyed through Snowdonia. Or maybe it’s the big, crude boulders that give the house its name as the word ‘hyll’ in Welsh can mean rough or crude, as well as ugly. Despite its appearance, the charming Pot Mêl tearoom inside serves a cracking Welsh afternoon tea. We recommend the ‘Ugly House’ tea, where you can indulge in delights such as freshly griddled Welshcakes and Barabirth. Afternoon tea ranges from £4pp to £11.80pp Ty Hyll, Capel Curig, Betws y Coed, Conwy, LL24 0DS
St Tudno, Llandudno Located on Llandudno’s promenade, St Tudno Hotel offers guests an award winning Welsh afternoon tea. Special afternoon tea lady, Doris Roberts, will serve you a treat of freshly-baked cakes and pastries, including a traditional Bara Brith and hot buttered Welshcake, alongside finger sandwiches. Why not upgrade to the deluxe version and receive a bowl of fresh strawberries and cream with a glass of house Champagne? £14.95pp or £24.95pp for deluxe St Tudno Hotel & Restaurant: North Parade, Promenade, Llandudno LL30 2LP
Bodnant Welsh Food, Conwy Housed in what once was the 18th century stable building of Furnace Farm, the Furnace Tearoom at Bodnant is the perfect location to enjoy delicious homemade food set against the spectacular backdrop of the Conwy Estuary. Every aspect of Bodnant’s afternoon tea is Welsh, from the Welsh brewed tea and locally ground coffee, to the freshly made sandwiches served on Bodnant bread with a variety of traditional Welsh fillings. Don’t miss their Welsh Cakes made using the dairy’s homemade buttermilk and warm-baked scones served with Bodnant’s handmade salted butter, clotted cream and Pant Glas jam. Afternoon tea ranges from £4.50pp to £9.50pp Bodnant Welsh Food, Furnace Farm, Tal-y-cafn, Conwy, LL28 5RP
Caffi Florence, Mold Based at the picturesque Loggerheads Country Park, Caffi Florence offers visitors wonderful homemade food using the best local ingredients. Their afternoon tea features a selection of freshly made sandwiches, scones with jam and cream, and of course, a variety of cakes including Welsh favourite, Barabrith. After you’ve filled your boots, you can walk off your treats around the beautiful wooded river valley. £8.95pp Caffi Florence, Loggerheads Country Park, Ruthin Road, Mold, Denbighshire, CH7 5LH
Ruthin Castle Hotel, Ruthin Feel like royalty and enjoy afternoon tea in a medieval castle. Built in the late 13th century, Ruthin Castle is constructed on a red sandstone ridge overlooking the Clwydian Range. Their Signature afternoon tea includes, as well as sandwiches, freshly baked sultana Scones served with jam, lemon curd and clotted cream, traditional Welsh Barabrith and a the mouth-watering sounding passion fruit and raspberry cupcake whip. If celebrating a special occasion, you can add a glass of Champagne for £10pp. £17.50pp Ruthin Castle Hotel, Castle Street, Ruthin, Denbighshire, LL15 2NU
Beau’s Tea Rooms, Beaumaris A traditional tea room located on the Beaumaris high street, Beau’s Tea Rooms serves over 30 types of tea, together with a selection of homemade cakes and light meals. Situated in a Grade II listed building which dates back to 1602, the low beams and deep fireplace provide a cosy atmosphere for you to enjoy your Welsh afternoon tea. £4.95pp Beau’s Tea Rooms, 30 Castle Street, Beaumaris, LL58 8AP
