Introduction
The Afternoon Tea menu is one of Britain’s most cherished dining traditions, offering an elegant combination of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, cakes, pastries, and premium teas. Originally introduced during the 1840s, Afternoon Tea has evolved into a popular experience enjoyed in luxury hotels, traditional tea rooms, cafés, and restaurants. Whether you are planning a special celebration or simply looking for a relaxing afternoon treat, the Afternoon Tea menu offers a perfect balance of savoury and sweet delights. Many venues also provide vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, and champagne options, ensuring there is something for every guest.
Who Owns Afternoon Tea?
Unlike a restaurant chain, Afternoon Tea is not owned by any individual company or organisation. It is a long standing British tradition that was popularised by Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, during the early 1840s. She introduced the custom to bridge the long gap between lunch and dinner, and it soon became fashionable among the upper classes after being embraced by Queen Victoria. Today, thousands of hotels, tea rooms, cafés, and restaurants continue this tradition.
| Information | Details |
| Ownership | No single owner |
| Origin | British dining tradition |
| Credited To | Anna, 7th Duchess of Bedford |
| Introduced | Early 1840s |
| Served At | Hotels, tea rooms, cafés, and restaurants |
Types of Dishes on the Afternoon Tea Menu
The Afternoon Tea menu includes a carefully selected variety of savoury and sweet items that complement each other perfectly. Guests can expect classic finger sandwiches, warm scones served with clotted cream and jam, delicate cakes, pastries, premium loose leaf teas, speciality coffees, and optional sparkling wine or champagne. Many modern venues also include additional savoury bites for extra variety.
Finger Sandwiches
Finger sandwiches are the centrepiece of every traditional Afternoon Tea. They are freshly prepared using soft bread with the crusts removed and are served in bite sized portions.
| Finger Sandwich | Typical Price |
| Cucumber & Cream Cheese | £3.95 to £5.95 |
| Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese | £5.95 to £8.95 |
| Egg Mayonnaise & Cress | £3.95 to £5.95 |
| Coronation Chicken | £5.50 to £7.95 |
| Ham & English Mustard | £4.95 to £6.95 |
| Mature Cheddar & Chutney | £4.50 to £6.95 |
Also Read: Cibo Menu
Freshly Baked Scones
Freshly baked scones are traditionally served warm with clotted cream and strawberry jam, making them one of the most loved Afternoon Tea treats.
| Scone | Typical Price |
| Plain Scone | £2.95 to £4.50 |
| Fruit Scone | £3.25 to £4.95 |
| Cheese Scone | £3.50 to £5.25 |
| Scone with Clotted Cream & Jam | £5.95 to £7.95 |
Cakes and Pastries
Miniature cakes and pastries provide a sweet finish to the meal. Selections often change with the seasons while maintaining traditional favourites.
| Cake or Pastry | Typical Price |
| Victoria Sponge | £4.50 to £6.95 |
| Lemon Drizzle Cake | £4.50 to £6.50 |
| Chocolate Éclair | £3.95 to £5.95 |
| Macaron | £2.00 to £3.50 |
| Mini Cheesecake | £4.50 to £6.95 |
| Fruit Tart | £4.95 to £6.95 |
Also Read: Australasia Menu
Premium Tea Selection
Tea remains the traditional drink served with Afternoon Tea. Guests can usually choose from several premium loose leaf varieties.
| Tea | Typical Price |
| English Breakfast Tea | £3.50 to £5.50 |
| Earl Grey Tea | £3.95 to £5.95 |
| Darjeeling Tea | £4.25 to £6.50 |
| Green Tea | £3.95 to £5.95 |
| Peppermint Tea | £3.95 to £5.95 |
| Chamomile Tea | £3.95 to £5.95 |
Coffee
Many venues also offer freshly brewed coffee as an alternative to tea.
| Coffee | Typical Price |
| Americano | £3.20 to £4.95 |
| Cappuccino | £3.50 to £5.25 |
| Latte | £3.50 to £5.25 |
| Flat White | £3.75 to £5.50 |
| Espresso | £2.50 to £3.95 |
Also Read: IKEA UK Breakfast Menu
Champagne and Sparkling Afternoon Tea
Luxury venues often provide an upgraded experience with sparkling wine or champagne.
| Drink | Typical Price |
| Prosecco | £7.50 to £11.95 |
| English Sparkling Wine | £9.95 to £15.95 |
| Champagne | £12.95 to £22.95 |
| Champagne Afternoon Tea | £45.00 to £85.00 |
Savoury Specialities
Some venues include extra savoury items alongside sandwiches.
| Item | Typical Price |
| Mini Sausage Roll | £3.50 to £5.95 |
| Quiche Slice | £4.95 to £6.95 |
| Mini Scotch Egg | £4.50 to £6.95 |
| Cheese Straw | £2.95 to £4.95 |
| Smoked Salmon Blini | £5.95 to £8.95 |
Also Read: Hotel Chocolat Café Menu
Best Selling Items on the Afternoon Tea Menu
The most popular dishes combine traditional recipes with premium ingredients. These items are consistently chosen by guests looking for the complete Afternoon Tea experience.
| Best Selling Item | Why It Is Popular | Typical Price |
| Classic Afternoon Tea Set | Complete traditional experience | £25.00 to £45.00 |
| Scones with Clotted Cream & Jam | Signature British favourite | £5.95 to £7.95 |
| Smoked Salmon Sandwich | Premium filling | £5.95 to £8.95 |
| Victoria Sponge | Traditional dessert | £4.50 to £6.95 |
| English Breakfast Tea | Most ordered tea | £3.50 to £5.50 |
| Champagne Afternoon Tea | Celebration choice | £45.00 to £85.00 |
| Mini Pastry Selection | Variety of desserts | £8.95 to £14.95 |
| Coronation Chicken Sandwich | Classic recipe | £5.50 to £7.95 |
Cheapest Items on the Afternoon Tea Menu
Guests who prefer a lighter option can enjoy individual drinks or baked treats without ordering a complete Afternoon Tea.
| Item | Description | Typical Price |
| Macaron | Single pastry | £2.00 to £3.50 |
| Espresso | Rich coffee | £2.50 to £3.95 |
| Plain Scone | Freshly baked | £2.95 to £4.50 |
| Cheese Straw | Savoury pastry | £2.95 to £4.95 |
| Americano | Black coffee | £3.20 to £4.95 |
| Fruit Scone | Traditional baked treat | £3.25 to £4.95 |
| English Breakfast Tea | Classic tea | £3.50 to £5.50 |
| Peppermint Tea | Herbal tea | £3.95 to £5.95 |
Also Read: Red Lion Menu
Most Expensive Items on the Afternoon Tea Menu
Luxury establishments offer premium experiences featuring gourmet ingredients and sparkling beverages.
| Premium Item | Description | Typical Price |
| Champagne Afternoon Tea | Served with Champagne | £45.00 to £85.00 |
| Luxury Afternoon Tea | Premium Champagne and desserts | £60.00 to £120.00 |
| English Sparkling Wine Afternoon Tea | Sparkling wine included | £40.00 to £70.00 |
| Seafood Afternoon Tea | Premium seafood selection | £35.00 to £60.00 |
| Royal Signature Afternoon Tea | Exclusive pastries and teas | £50.00 to £95.00 |
| Bottle of Champagne | Premium bottle | £70.00 to £180.00 |
| Vintage Champagne | Luxury vintage selection | £150.00 to £400.00+ |
| Caviar Afternoon Tea | Exclusive luxury experience | £90.00 to £180.00 |
Locations of Afternoon Tea
Because Afternoon Tea is a traditional dining experience rather than a restaurant chain, it is available throughout the country in luxury hotels, tea rooms, cafés, country house hotels, and restaurants.
| Region | Availability |
| London | Hundreds of venues |
| South East England | Hotels and tea rooms |
| South West England | Country inns and seaside venues |
| East of England | Historic towns and cafés |
| East Midlands | Hotels and tea rooms |
| West Midlands | Restaurants and cafés |
| Yorkshire and The Humber | Historic hotels and tea rooms |
| North West England | City hotels and cafés |
| North East England | Hotels and boutique venues |
| Scotland | Luxury hotels and tea rooms |
| Wales | Hotels and traditional tea rooms |
| Northern Ireland | Boutique hotels and cafés |
Popular cities include London, Edinburgh, Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool, York, Bath, Bristol, Cambridge, Oxford, Chester, Glasgow, Cardiff, Newcastle upon Tyne, and Belfast.
Also Read: McDonald’s UK Allergen Menu
Opening and Closing Hours
Although operating hours differ between venues, Afternoon Tea is usually served during the afternoon with several seating times available.
| Day | Typical Serving Hours |
| Monday | 12:00 PM to 4:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 12:00 PM to 4:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 12:00 PM to 4:30 PM |
| Thursday | 12:00 PM to 4:30 PM |
| Friday | 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 12:30 PM to 5:00 PM |
Many luxury hotels recommend booking in advance, particularly during weekends and holiday periods.
Discount Deals and Coupons
Many venues provide seasonal promotions and special booking offers throughout the year. Guests can often save money by booking in advance or choosing weekday visits.
| Offer | Typical Saving |
| Early Booking Discount | 10% to 20% |
| Weekday Offer | 10% to 30% |
| Champagne Promotion | Complimentary glass or up to 25% off |
| Seasonal Promotion | 15% to 50% |
| Two Person or Group Package | Available at selected venues |
| Gift Voucher Promotion | Up to 20% off |
| Student or NHS Discount | Available at participating venues |
| Newsletter Offer | 10% to 15% off |
Also Read: Chaiwala Menu
Delivery Hours
Although the traditional experience is designed for dining in, many businesses now offer Afternoon Tea Boxes for collection or home delivery.
| Delivery Service | Typical Hours |
| Monday | 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM |
| Thursday | 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM |
| Friday | 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM |
| Saturday | 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM |
| Sunday | Delivery unavailable at most providers |
Many suppliers also provide next day delivery with customers selecting their preferred delivery date.
Contact Details
Since Afternoon Tea is not operated by one company, enquiries should be directed to the individual venue where the reservation has been made.
| Contact Method | Details |
| Customer Support | Contact the chosen venue |
| Telephone | Varies by venue |
| Varies by venue | |
| Online Reservations | Available through venue websites |
| Booking Changes | Contact the booked venue |
| Dietary Requests | Inform the venue before your visit |
| Official Booking Guide | AfternoonTea.co.uk |
Customer Reviews
Customer feedback shows that Afternoon Tea remains one of the most enjoyable dining experiences for celebrations, birthdays, anniversaries, and relaxing afternoons. Guests regularly praise the fresh sandwiches, warm scones, beautifully presented pastries, and the quality of the tea selection. Many also appreciate the elegant surroundings and attentive service, while a small number of visitors mention that luxury venues can feel expensive during busy periods.
| Rating | Customer Feedback |
| ★★★★★ | Beautiful presentation and excellent food quality. |
| ★★★★★ | Friendly service and elegant atmosphere. |
| ★★★★☆ | Wide tea selection and excellent dietary options. |
| ★★★★☆ | Fresh food with generous portions. |
| ★★★★☆ | Great experience for celebrations and special occasions. |
| ★★★☆☆ | Some venues may have slower service during busy periods. |
Overall Customer Rating: 4.6 out of 5
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in a traditional Afternoon Tea?
A traditional Afternoon Tea usually includes finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, clotted cream, jam, cakes, pastries, and a pot of tea.
Do I need to book Afternoon Tea in advance?
Yes. Advance reservations are recommended, especially at popular hotels and tea rooms or during weekends.
Are vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options available?
Most venues offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free menus when requested, although advance notice is often appreciated.
What time is Afternoon Tea usually served?
Afternoon Tea is generally served between 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM, depending on the venue.
Can I order Afternoon Tea for takeaway or delivery?
Yes. Many businesses now provide takeaway Afternoon Tea Boxes and selected home delivery services.
Also Read: Wagamama Gluten Free Menu
Conclusion
The Afternoon Tea menu continues to represent a timeless dining tradition, combining finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, cakes, pastries, and premium teas into an elegant experience. Whether enjoyed in a luxury hotel, a traditional tea room, or as a delivered Afternoon Tea Box, it remains a favourite choice for celebrations, special occasions, and relaxing afternoons while preserving one of Britain’s most treasured culinary customs.
Emily Parker is a curious writer who enjoys turning complex ideas into easy, enjoyable reads. She covers everything from lifestyle and entertainment to business and technology, with a focus on sharing helpful insights and meaningful stories with readers.