York is a quintessential Yorkshire gem, packed with charming tea rooms that serve up the most sumptuous sweet treats and steaming cups of tea.
If you’ve got a craving that only a jam-stacked scone and a hot Earl Grey can satisfy then you’re in luck. There’s a wonderful array of tea rooms in York that are ideal for everything from a casual catch-up or special celebration. Here’s our round-up of the very finest York tea rooms – which will you be visiting first?
Bettys
A Yorkshire institution, there was no way Bettys wasn’t making our list. Their York offering has exquisite interiors that are inspired by the Queen Mary ocean liner. Step inside and you’ll embark on a journey of deliciousness, with a menu packed with fresh produce and locally sourced ingredients, crafted to sweet perfection.
But it’s not just cakes and baked goods here. From breakfast to burgers, Bettys is an all-day affair. But of course, the main event here is the tea – and there’s 12 different types to choose from, spanning Raspberry & Cherry Tisane to the signature Bettys Tea Room Blend. Pair your cuppa with a Fat Rascal and you’re onto a winner.
Where? Bettys York, 6-8 St Helen’s Square, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 8QP.
When? 9am to 5:30pm Sunday to Thursday, 9am to 6pm on Fridays, and 8:30pm to 6pm on Saturdays.
The Old York Tea Room
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It’s hard to miss this tea room in York. The striking white, Grade-I listed building sits pretty and has the bragging rights of being part of the oldest surviving row of houses in the city, dating back to 1316. A former candle shop, it now proudly serves up 15 different types of tea and a mouthwatering menu of savoury and sweet treats.
Living up to the classic tea room experience, the tea comes in beautiful china cups, with oldey-timey paintings adorning the walls and generously-sized slabs of cake on display. There’s also options for breakfast, brunch and lunch, with food expertly cooked up using fresh, high-quality ingredients. With friendly hosts always ready to welcome you with something tasty, it’s an all-round wonderful experience.
Where? The Old York Tea Room, 72 Goodramgate, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 7LF.
When? 9am to 4pm on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 9:30am to 3pm on Sundays. Closed Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Parlormade Scone House
You’ll be made up with a visit to Parlormade Scone House, which you’ll find nestled on the Little Shambles. Like many parts of York, the building is historic, with the tea rooms being circa 1400. While that nostalgic charm has been lovingly retained, the interiors manage to feel fresh and stylish, with ceiling beams complemented by colourful hues and dark wood tones.
But it’s the food you came here for – and their scones are the real main event. Freshly baked on-site each day, there’s a selection of flavours. You can stick to the classics with plain or fruit, add a zesty twist with blueberry & lemon or raspberry & coconut or opt for savoury with the cheese & chive. There are even special flavours available. It’s perfect for tailoring your very own cream tea to your exacting tastes.
Where? Parlormade Scone House, 1 Little Shambles, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 7LY.
When? 10am to 5pm Thursday to Monday. Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Harlequin Coffee House & Tea Room
Unassuming from the outside, you’ll have to walk through a narrow doorway and up a flight of stairs to get to this family-run York tea house. Once inside, you’ll be met with a charming and unfussy interior, with wooden floors, neutral painted walls and floods of natural light pouring in from two large windows, beautifully illuminating the space.
Take your seat and peruse the offering. You’ll find all the traditional tea room fare here, including sandwiches, salads, snacks and jacket potatoes. The hot drinks come in the form of speciality blends, with coffees coming every which way and multiple types of tea. Pair your beverage with one of their homemade cakes and indulgent desserts, or go all out and treat yourself with their cream tea – when in York, after all.
Where? Harlequin Coffee House & Tea Room Cafe, 2b King’s Square, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 8BH.
When? 10am to 3pm Tuesday to Friday and 10am to 4pm on Saturdays. Closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Castle Tea Rooms
Head to Castlegate in the centre of the city and look for the large, teapot-shaped sign happily declaring this tea room in York as ‘open’. Castle Tea Rooms is a homely spot with a cosy atmosphere that is always ready to give you a warm welcome, before sending you on your way with a full tummy.
It truly lives up to your expectations of a great York tea room, with traditional wallpapered walls, seasonal decorations and quaint tea sets. Tuck into traditional and hearty grub here, spanning cooked breakfasts, warming soups and comforting pie – not forgetting plenty of cakes to satisfy even the most discerning of sweet tooths. Everything here is flavourful and affordable – but it can get busy, so get down early if you don’t want to miss out.
Where? Castle Tea Rooms, 11A Castlegate, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 9RN.
When? 10am to 4:30pm daily.
