What better place to share in the time-honoured tradition that is afternoon tea than the historic spa town of Harrogate?
With its gorgeously groomed gardens, Victorian architecture and charming side streets, Harrogate gets you in the mood for an afternoon tea from the second you step out into the town – and it’s always a good idea to indulge. So whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, looking to end a day of shopping on a delicious note or just have a craving for cakes, scones and sandwiches, this list of the best places to get afternoon tea in Harrogate will help you land on somewhere tasty.
Bettys
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Bettys is the oldest tea room in Harrogate and one of the oldest in the entire county. Since its establishment in 1919, it’s become a Harrogate institution, attracting acclaim from far and wide; it’s now synonymous with high tea, luxury bakes and gourmet confectionery. Betty’s is so popular that you’ll often see queues for the tea rooms that wind round the street corner. Luckily, their afternoon teas are by booking only, so there’ll be no need to wait once you’ve secured your slot.
In the stunningly decorated Imperial Room, you can enjoy a classic afternoon tea. They’ve got an extensive range of hot drinks on offer, spanning black teas, coffees, aromatic teas, herbal and green teas, ensuring you find the perfect accompaniment to the sensational selection of savoury goods, sandwiches, cakes and sweet treats – the passion fruit and raspberry slice is sublime with a cup of Golden Valley Darjeeling. If you want to take it up a notch however, you can upgrade to a pink champagne or prosecco afternoon tea, and enjoy a glass of bubbly with your specialty bakes.
Where? Bettys Tea Rooms, 1 Parliament Street, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG1 2QU.
When? They’re open from 9am-5pm Monday-Wednesday and 9am-9pm Thursday-Saturday.
How much? Afternoon tea starts at £44.95 per person.
Dietary alternatives? They have vegetarian, vegan and gluten free afternoon tea menus.
Mama Doreen’s Emporium
Founded in 2009, Mama Doreen’s Emporium rose to prominence in Harrogate off the back of their delectable, stunningly crafted cupcakes. They’re passionate about all things baking, and the attention to detail they put into their bakes has made them a favourite among Harrogate foodies.
The airy, white-washed interiors of the restaurant is the perfect, relaxing setting for an afternoon tea and the menu does not disappoint. The traditional afternoon tea comes with unlimited tea, coffee or hot chocolate, classic cucumber and egg mayonnaise sandwiches as well as more adventurous options like the rosemary focaccia with smoked chilli chicken and dijon mayonnaise. It’s the sweet treats that steal the show however, with an ever-changing choice of hand made bakes, ready to surprise you each visit. They also have themed deluxe afternoon teas for extra special occasions and a Tipsy Teapot offering for a fresh take on bottomless brunch.
Where? Mama Doreen’s Emporium, 9-11 Station Square, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG1 1TB.
When? They’re open from 9:30am-5:30pm Monday-Sunday.
How much? Afternoon tea starts at £27.95 per person.
Dietary alternatives? Vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free alternatives are available if pre-ordered at an extra cost of £3.50 per person.
The Ivy Harrogate
The botanical decor and innovative menu make The Ivy a must-visit spot for afternoon tea. Stepping into their restaurant is like being transported to a magical secret garden. You won’t feel out of place dressing up for this cream tea, everything about the place screams luxury!
There’s just as much substance on the plate as there is style in the surroundings, however, and you’re guaranteed to leave satisfied after tucking into a spread of golden brown fruited scones, finger sandwiches fit for royalty (the chicken Milanese and truffle cream brioche roll is to die for) and delightful desserts including crème brûlée and the top tier Ivy chocolate bombe. Wash all of this down with a pot of your desired tea, coffee or hot chocolate– will it be a breakfast blend or an indulgent mint hot chocolate?
Where? The Ivy Harrogate Brasserie, 7-9 Parliament Street, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG1 2QU.
When? Afternoon tea is available between 3pm-5pm Monday-Sunday.
How much? Afternoon tea starts at £34.25 per person.
Dietary alternatives? They don’t make any dietary changes to their afternoon tea menu.
Jenny’s Tea Shop
If you’re after more of a quaint, retro afternoon tea experience, Jenny’s Tea Shop is the place for you. The family run tea shop looks like it’s plucked straight off the pages of an Agatha Christie novel. They embrace the vintage aesthetic with floral decor, displays of ornamental teapots and rustic furniture. It’s so cosy there you won’t want to leave– plus, when the weather’s nice you can sit out in their courtyard and enjoy your scones in the sun.
Their afternoon tea menu is simple and brilliantly executed. Between two people, you can choose any two sandwiches (the mature cheddar and tuna mayo go down a treat), sweet or savoury scones, homemade cake, flapjack, brownie or the indulgent caramel shortbread along with whichever drinks you prefer. If you fancy something a bit different from the usual hot beverages, they make delicious milkshakes with fresh fruit and ice cream.
Where? Jenny’s Tea Shop, 7 Montpellier Mews, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG1 2TQ.
When? They’re open from 10am-4pm Monday-Saturday.
How much? Afternoon tea starts at £34 per person.
Dietary alternatives? They offer vegetarian and gluten free alternatives to their afternoon tea menu.
The Crown Hotel
The historic Crown Hotel has been serving the good folk of Harrogate afternoon tea since tea time became trendy in the 1880s. The three star hotel has a spacious dining room with comfy sofas where you can relax and tuck into a delicious spread while catching up with a loved one.
They update their afternoon tea menu seasonally, but no matter what time of the year you decide to go, you’re guaranteed to find fabulous fare. You’ll always encounter the classics, a big pot of tea, finger sandwiches, scones and a variety of sweet treats served on beautiful blue willow crockery but the fillings and flavours differ. In the summer for example, you can enjoy a decadent, baked lemon cheesecake– tart, refreshing and perfect for the warm weather! The option to upgrade to a glass of fizz is available year round if you want to treat yourself to a teatime tipple.
Where? The Crown Hotel, Crown Place, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG1 2RZ.
When? Afternoon tea is served between 12pm-5pm Monday-Sunday.
How much? Afternoon tea starts at £26 per person.
Dietary accommodations? They offer vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free alternatives to their afternoon tea menu.
Rudding Park Hotel
With its lavish, leafy grounds, Rudding Park Hotel is the ideal destination for an afternoon tea tinged with sophistication and elegance. Tea is served in the light, airy Conservatory, where you’ll be able to admire a 400 year-old olive tree as you tuck into your treats.
You’ll get a choice of Taylors of Harrogate loose leaf teas such as fragrant earl grey and delicate China rose petal to enjoy with a feast of heavenly light bites. Standout menu items include the sun blushed tomato and parmesan swirl, the cheddar cheese and chive scones and the wild strawberry and champagne macaron. All the food is phenomenal, however and you’ll be sure to clear your plate. Once you’re done, you can take a wander around The Kitchen Garden and enjoy the views.
Where? Rudding Park Hotel, Follifoot, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG3 1JH.
When? Afternoon tea is served from 3:30pm Monday-Saturday.
How much? Afternoon tea starts at £48 per person.
Dietary alternatives? They offer vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free alternatives to their afternoon tea menu.
Fodder
Overlooking the picturesque lawns of the Great Yorkshire showground, Fodder is one of the most scenic places to have afternoon tea in Harrogate. They pride themselves in sourcing all their products and ingredients from carefully-vetted Yorkshire suppliers which of course means that Yorkshire Tea is front and centre.
Along with your brew, you’ll be served seasonal finger sandwiches made with YO Bakehouse bread with a rotating choice of fillings that includes Fountain’s Gold cheddar and Raydale Preserves onion marmalade– yum! You’ll also get to sample freshly baked scones and a divine selection of cakes made by talented Knaresbrough baker, A Swift Bakes. They also do gift cards, so once you’ve tried it for yourself you can treat someone you love to a similarly indulgent day out.
Where? Fodder, Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG2 8NZ.
When? Afternoon tea is served from 2pm-3:30pm Monday-Saturday.
How much? Afternoon tea starts at £25 per person.
Dietary alternatives? They offer vegetarian and gluten-free alternatives to their afternoon tea menu.
