For celebrations, get-togethers or one of those experiential treats that are just a sheer delight – the tradition of taking afternoon tea is tops – So raise a pinkie and indulge yourself with a trip to one of Bristol’s finest hotels or tearooms.
Browns Brasserie & Bar
Come to Browns Bristol and treat yourself to the team’s traditional afternoon tea, served every day from 3pm to 5pm. Savour the delicious Victoria sponge cake, delectable savouries, warm scones with seasonal jams, and irresistible mini cakes and puddings. Sandwiches (on sesame multi-grain bread) include ham and Dijon mustard, cheddar and Bramley apple chutney, heritage hen egg mayo; and brioches rolls filled with smoked salmon and cream cheese, and prawn and baby gem lettuce. Enjoy with a selection of Good Earth teas, a chilled glass of Champagne, or one of the fabulously decadent seasonal cocktails. Browns also proudly offers a bespoke gluten-free afternoon tea, accredited by Coeliac UK.
38 Queens Road, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 1RE
Tel: 0117 930 4777; Web: browns-restaurants.co.uk
The Bristol
The Bristol’s highly popular G&Afternoon Tea celebrates the best of Bristol creators and artisans in partnership with legendary street artist SP:Zero, Bird & Blend Tea and Bristol Dry Gin. Sink into a sumptuous armchair and watch the world go by as you indulge in classics like freshly-baked scones served with jam and Cornish clotted cream, finger sandwiches and sweet treats, alongside tea infused cocktails. With vegan, diary-free and gluten-free options available on request, there is something for
everyone to indulge in. Enjoy the classic offering with a wide range of herbal teas and barista coffee for £25 per person, add a G&Tea Cocktail or a glass of Rathfinny English Sparkling Wine for an additional £12 per person.
Available Thursday to Saturday, 12.30pm to 4.30pm.
The River Lounge and River Grille at The Bristol, Prince Street, Bristol, BS1 4QF
Tel: 0117 923 0333; Web: doylecollection.com/bristol
Kibou
For something a little different, why not try a Japanese-inspired afternoon tea? Arriving on an eye-catching three-tiered stand, this stunning afternoon tea includes tasters of many of Kibou’s most popular dishes, plus there’s a vegetarian option too. Think tempura prawn California roll, salmon tataki with mango salsa and sea bream nigiri, followed by signature yuzu cheesecake and Japanese garden tartlets, mochi ice cream and traditional custard dorayaki with strawberry compôte. Priced at just £19 per person for the vegetarian version and £23 per person for the classic, this elegant afternoon tea comes with a choice of Japanese teas and infusions. Or you can opt for one of the accompanying drinks packages, including a glass of Taittinger Brut Réserve Champagne, signature Kibou cocktail or Junmai Tokubetsu sake. A stylish way to spend the afternoon and a great gift idea. Must be pre-booked, available from 2pm to 4pm Sunday to Friday.
Clifton Arcade, 16 King’s Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 4AB
Web: kibou.co.uk
Harvey Nichols
Experience a spring afternoon tea at Harvey Nichols’ Second Floor Restaurant, full of new season flavours and locally sourced ingredients. Featuring mouthwatering savouries and hand-crafted sweet treats created by Edible Art Patisserie founder Damien Wager, enjoy with unlimited hot drinks and an optional glass of Champagne. Choose from the vegan or signature afternoon tea. Available from Monday to Saturday,
12pm to 4pm and on Sundays 12pm to 3.30pm at £35 per person, or £45 with a glass of Harvey Nichols Champagne.
Afternoon tea and unlimited Champagne is £100.
27 Philadelphia Street, Quakers Friars, Cabot Circus, Bristol BS1 3BZ
Tel: 0117 916 8898; Web: harveynichols.com
The Aztec Hotel & Spa
Beautifully presented and served on a tiered cake stand, the artisanal sandwiches include West Country Keens cheddar and red onion marmelade, Severn and Wye smoked salmon, Somerset cider-glazed Wiltshire ham with mustard mayo, and Burford brown free-range egg mayonnaise with Evesham watercress. Leave room for heaven-sent desserts, such as tiramisu choux au craquline, a salted caramel and chocolate tea cake, and blackberry Viennese whirl. The freshly-baked Devon buttermilk scones served with strawberry preserve and Cornish clotted cream are the cherry on top. Spa packages including afternoon tea are also available, as well as sparkling and Champagne options, plus a children’s menu.
Aztec West, Almondsbury, Bristol BS32 4TS
Tel: 01454 201090; Web: aztechotelbristol.co.uk
Set within the picturesque countryside of South Gloucestershire, De Vere Tortworth Court is a 4-star hotel housed within a Grade II listed Victorian mansion, offering a unique setting to enjoy afternoon tea. Afternoon tea is served in the 1853 Restaurant featuring elegant oak panelling and ornate furnishings or in the summer months take tea al fresco tea on the Terrace with sweeping views over the manicured gardens. Enjoy a selection of finger sandwiches, scones and seasonal cakes with a range of Twinings tea, fruit infusions and coffee.
Traditional Afternoon Tea £30.00 per person, Sparkling Afternoon Tea £39.00 per person and Champagne Afternoon Tea £44.00 per person.
Served Monday to Friday 2pm- 3:45pm Saturday & Sunday 12:30pm- 3:45pm
Wotton-Under-Edge, Gloucestershire GL12 8HH
Tel: 01454 263000; Web: devere.co.uk/tortworth-court
Ashwell & Co
Ashwell & Co invites you to experience one of Bristol’s quirkiest afternoon tea destinations. Nestled within a vintage boutique, they offer a unique setting complemented by exceptional service. Handmade and locally sourced, their afternoon teas promise a traditional experience with a twist. From their artisan bakes to their signature homemade clotted cream, every detail is carefully curated to delight their guests. Join them on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays for a memorable afternoon tea experience, or enjoy their takeaway and delivery options. They also offer bespoke party packages to elevate any celebration. Prices start from £28
per person. Indulge in an unforgettable afternoon with Ashwell & Co.
32 Alma Vale Road, Bristol BS8 2HY
Tel: 0117 904 2898; Web: ashwellandco.com
Berwick Lodge Hotel
On the outskirts of Bristol, set in 18 acres of stunning grounds, is Berwick Lodge – a proudly independent boutique hotel, 2 AA Rosette restaurant and event space that prides itself on offering a warm and attentive service within a peaceful and cosy countryside setting. Enjoy your afternoon tea al fresco in the gardens and woodland overlooked by the magnificent Victorian manor house, or take a seat in the lounge, a beautiful woodpanelled room with feature fireplace and views of the grounds beyond. An indulgent traditional afternoon tea for £30.95 includes sandwiches, cakes, freshly baked scones, topped with lashings of fragrant jam and gooey clotted cream, accompanied by unlimited Wogan coffee and PMD speciality tea. For an extra special treat, why not upgrade for an additional £7 to the signature ‘Berwick’, with extra savoury delights or indulge in a glass of crisp Champagne for £12? With dietary requirements catered for just as lovingly in advance, and with a children’s afternoon tea for £11.50, there is something for everyone.
Berwick Drive, Bristol BS10 7TD
Tel: 0117 958 1590; Web: berwicklodge.co.uk
No.4 Clifton Village
No.4 Clifton Village in Clifton offers a unique blend of luxury and tradition with its exquisite, recently refurbished interiors and a focus on seasonal ingredients and fine dining. The proudly independent venue features a tranquil walled garden, making it ideal for special meals and events. Guests can enjoy an afternoon tea experience with artisan cocktails and locally-sourced loose leaf teas, alongside a selection of sweet and savoury treats. The tea can also be enjoyed al fresco in the peaceful secret garden, where guests can try their hand at a selection of lawn games. The venue is also particularly popular with families celebrating graduation, as they offer free glasses of prosecco to all Bristol graduates!
The Rodney Hotel, 4 Rodney Place, Clifton, Bristol BS8
Tel: 0117 970 6869; Web: no4cliftonvillage.co.uk
