There is nothing quite so British as Afternoon Tea. It immediately conjures an image of little bite-sized sandwiches, a selection of cakes and scones stacked temptingly on a three-tier tea stand alongside a pot of Earl Grey tea with delicate fine china. In my mind, this is served on a beautiful green lawn while dressed in floaty white clothes and a fabulous sun hat – but maybe that’s just me? 🤔
It is said that the tradition originates from the 1840s and is attributed to Anna Maria Russell, Duchess of Bedford. She came up with the concept because her husband couldn’t quite cope with the trend of eating ones main meal much later at 7-9pm. She then took to serving these mini bite-sized savoury and sweet snacks to her friends and the custom was copied by many of the upper and middle-upper classes. Once Queen Victoria latched on to the idea (a friend of Lady Russell) the concept was well and truly established.
There are many variations nowadays, including bottomless versions with Prosecco or cocktails! To celebrate Afternoon Tea week (8-14 August) here’s our top picks where you can enjoy Afternoon Tea on the Yorkshire Coast:
Ox Pasture Hall, Scarborough
This is the perfect location for my dream Afternoon Tea (see above). Served every day from 2.00 pm – 5.00 pm (must be booked by 10.00 am, as all scones and cakes are baked fresh). Served in either the hotel’s Lounge, bar, bistro or courtyard restaurant or on one of the beautiful hotel terraces or thatched gazebo’s in nice weather. From £20 or £30 for Champagne Afternoon Tea
Eastfield Garden Centre, Bridlington
The Potting Shed Restaurant serves Afternoon Tea every day between 2.30 p.m. and 4.00 p.m. (3.30 p.m Sundays) and includes fresh, homemade sandwiches, cream scones and cakes served on fine china with a pot of tea for two. From £14.99 or £19.99 for Sparkling Afternoon Tea per person.
The White Lodge Hotel, Filey
Sit back and enjoy one of the finest views on The Yorkshire Coast from the terrace restaurant at the White Lodge Hotel. Afternoon Tea is served from 1pm – 5pm. Booking essential
Botham’s of Whitby
Not only can you have a delicious dining experience at Botham’s Tea rooms on both Skinner Street & Baxtergate (& Pickering) but they also do an Afternoon Tea Hamper pack you can order online to create your own dining experience wherever you like 😍 It’s a must when in Whitby.
The Potteries at Hornsea
And just so the little ones are not missing out, we totally adore this kids afternoon tea selection available at the Potteries at Hornsea Freeport. Bookings must be made 24 hours in advance – what a fabulous treat after a day’s shopping 😍
