7 Best Afternoon Teas in Bath

The spa town of Bath has been a draw for visitors since Roman times.  And the British have been enjoying the tradition of afternoon tea since the 1840s - so visitors have been searching for the best afternoon tea in Bath for nearly 200 years.

But you won't need to search, because we've tracked down the best places to enjoy afternoon tea in the historic city of Bath:

 

The Bird

Whether you choose to eat on the terrace and enjoy spectacular views of Bath Abbey, or you prefer to eat inside with its vibrant decor, afternoon tea at The Bird is an unforgettable treat.

Here's an example of what the afternoon tea menu at The Bird's "Plate" restaurant has to offer:

Delicate sandwiches such as "salt beef, mustard and gherkin on sourdough" and "roast squash hummus on seeded loaf", or you could have a Bath soft cheese & mushroom mini quiche.

A choice of plain or fruit scones with cream and jam, before you tuck in to delicious sweets like a "dark chocolate & honeycomb tart" or a "fig & almond bakewell".

Enjoy full afternoon tea at The Bird from £30 per person, including unlimited tea or coffee.

https://www.thebirdbath.co.uk/food-drink/afternoon-tea/

 

Browns Bath

Located in a listed former police station overlooking the Abbey, Browns has been recently refurbished and the stunning decor will make sure your afternoon tea is a memorable occasion.

Examples of the savouries on offer include cucumber sandwiches with cream cheese or prawn and baby gem lettuce and a heritage hen egg brioche roll.

Delicious warm scones are served with seasonal jams and clotted cream. An enticing range of mini cakes and puddings completes the experience.

Choose from a range of hand-blended Fairtrade teas, or, for a special occasion, push the boat out and add a glass of Moët & Chandon.

Afternoon Tea at Browns Bath starts from £22 per person.

https://www.browns-restaurants.co.uk/restaurants/southwest/bath/afternoonteamenu

 

No. 15

Honouring the traditional afternoon tea combination of sweet and savoury, No 15 pride themselves on combining the best British ingredients to create a modern twist on the old tradition.

Examples of the tasty treats you'll find on the menu include Severn and Wye smoked salmon and dill sandwiches, or cucumber and homemade cream cheese sandwiches.

As well as homemade scones the sweets include blackberry and lemon Battenberg or a chocolate and blood orange dome.  Sounds delicious!

Afternoon tea at No. 15 costs from £35 per person.

https://www.guesthousehotels.co.uk/no-15-bath/food-drink/afternoon-tea/

 

The Ivy Bath Brasserie

With its spectacular yet tasteful decor, afternoon tea at The Ivy in Bath is always an event, even before your food arrives.

But when it does, the Alice-inspired Wonderland Afternoon Tea is something really special:

Examples of the savouries you can expect include grilled chicken and truffle mayonnaise brioche roll, or Ivy Cure smoked salmon and cream cheese finger sandwich.

Warm scones with strawberry preserve and fresh strawberries will leave just enough room for sweets like the Red velvet raspberry Queen cake or the Two of Hearts chocolate shortbread slice.

You can also add a glass of bubbly for special occasions.

Wonderland Afternoon Tea from £29.95 per person or Champagne Afternoon Tea from £39.95 per person.

https://theivybathbrasserie.com/

 

The Pump Room

Another candidate for the best afternoon tea in Bath, and certainly one of the most iconic locations is the Georgian Pump Room at the Roman Baths.

Everyone who's anyone has visited the Pump Room over the last two centuries including Charles Dickens and Jane Austen (though not together).  History does not record if either of them took afternoon tea!

The Pump Room Tea is a contemporary interpretation of the 19th-century British tradition.  Try savoury treats like a mini cottage pie or a coronation chicken brioche.  Then enjoy delicious sweet treats like homemade buttermilk scones with Dorset clotted cream and strawberry jam, and a selection of tempting cakes and pastries.

Afternoon teas come with a pot of tea or coffee.  House teas include Assam English Breakfast, Afternoon Darjeeling, Earl Grey or a Decaff Ceylon.  There is also a range of delicious herbal infusions.

You'll even be serenaded by the Pump Room Trio or the resident pianist.

For special occasions, why not add a glass of champagne?

Enjoy Afternoon Tea at The Pump Room Restaurant from £37.50 per person.

https://www.romanbaths.co.uk/pump-room-restaurant

 

The Gainsborough Bath Spa

Situated on Beau Street in the heart of Bath, the luxurious Gainsborough is certainly a contender for the best afternoon tea in Bath city centre.

The Gainsborough Bath Spa occupies two Grade II listed buildings with unique access to the mineral-rich waters that have made Bath a popular spa destination for centuries.

Traditional Afternoon Tea is served at The Gainsborough by dedicated waiters in the elegant Canvas Room - a great place to eat in style.

https://www.thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk/pages/dining.html 

 

Sweet Little Things

If you like to post your special treats on social media, you're going to love afternoon tea at Sweet Little Things.

The decor features pastel colours, pink and white roses and even a pink neon sign - your afternoon tea will certainly get noticed on Instagram!

Sweet Little Things' afternoon tea features delicious freshly made savouries such as a smoked salmon cream cheese and cucumber brioche roll. Follow those with a homemade scone with jam and clotted cream, and a selection of tempting cakes.

For a little extra indulgence, why not add a gin and tonic or a glass of Prosecco? A kids' afternoon tea menu is also available.

Afternoon tea at Sweet Little Things is served from 12 to 4:30 every day, and costs from £29.95 per person.

https://www.sltbath.co.uk/

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