9 Best Afternoon Teas in Chester

Afternoon Tea is a British tradition that was introduced by Anna, Duchess of Bedford in 1840 because she often became hungry by 4 pm.

Visitors to the historic city of Chester will love this selection of contenders for the title of "Best Afternoon Tea in Chester"

Zugers of Chester

© Zugers of Chester

Run by a Swiss family, Zuger's offers a traditional British afternoon tea, served on a three-tier stand.

On the bottom tier, a choice of delicate sandwiches.  In the middle, you'll find freshly-baked fruit scones with cream and jam.  And on top, some superb cakes.

© Zugers of Chester

Zugers is dog and child friendly, and there's both indoor and outdoor seating available.

https://www.facebook.com/zugersofchester

The Vicarage

© The Vicarage

Just outside Chester, The Vicarage in nearby Cranage is an ideal place for afternoon tea after visiting the Jodrell Bank discovery centre less than 4 miles away.

Enjoy a selection of homemade finger sandwiches, an assortment of delicious homemade cakes, warm fruit scones served with English strawberry preserve and Cornish clotted cream and your choice of loose leaf tea and barista-prepared or cafetière coffee.

© The Vicarage

You can enjoy afternoon tea in any of the 17th-century vicarage's dining areas - even al-fresco if the weather is kind - or for a special celebration, choose private dining for an additional room hire charge.

Afternoon Tea at The Vicarage is available from Monday - Saturday and costs from £21.50 per person.  You'll need to book 24 hours in advance.

https://www.flatcaphotels.com/the-vicarage/

Palm Chester

Palm Chester © Nic Taylor

If you like your afternoon tea with a bit of glamour, and plenty of pink, Palm has just the thing.

Instead of the traditional cucumber sandwiches, Palm offers Savoury Mini Treats such as Caramelised Onion and Goat Cheese Tartlets, Reuben Sandwich made with salt beef and sauerkraut or delicious chicken and bacon Club Sandwiches.

Palm Chester © Nic Taylor

Of course, Homemade Scones with fresh clotted cream and strawberry jam are included.

And exciting deserts such as Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Swirl, Pink Meringue Kisses and Palm Pink Lips add some glam to the menu.

Afternoon Tea at Palm costs £24.95 per person.  Palm also offers vegan or gluten-free menus, or you can add a glass of Prosecco for £28.95 per person, or exclusive Cocktail Afternoon Tea with a Mimosa on arrival and a Doll Kiss to finish for £34.95 per person.

https://palmchester.com/afternoon-tea/

The Chester Grosvenor

Situated in the heart of Chester overlooking the Eastgate Clock, the Chester Grosvenor has been serving afternoon tea since 1882 - so they've had plenty of practice!

A Traditional Grosvenor Afternoon Tea offers delicious hand-made sandwiches on freshly-baked bread, freshly-baked fruit or plain scones with clotted cream and strawberry preserve and a selection of tempting homemade pastries and fancies.  Freshly-brewed tea and coffee are also provided.  All these tasty treats are included in the price of £37.50 per person.

A Gentleman's Afternoon Tea is a version of the tradition for those, of either gender, with heartier appetites:  In place of the sandwiches, you can enjoy savoury treats such as coronation chicken on spiced curry bread, crispy haddock bloomer or onion tart.  The price is the same at £37.50 per person.

You can upgrade to an Indulgent Champagne Afternoon Tea for £52.00 per person - ideal to celebrate a special occasion.

The Chester Grosvenor's delicious Afternoon Tea is served Wednesday to Sunday from noon to 4:30 pm - booking in advance is recommended.

https://www.chestergrosvenor.com/afternoon-tea-cheshire

The Fishpool Inn

A post shared by The Fishpool Inn (@thefishpoolinn)

Served Monday to Friday from 2:30 pm to 5 pm, a sumptuous Afternoon Tea at The Fishpool Inn is well worth the 10-mile drive to Delamere.

In the relaxed surroundings of this Cheshire country pub, you'll enjoy traditional freshly made sandwiches such as Egg Mayonnaise, Collier Cheese Spring Onion and Mayonnaise or Smoked Salmon and Cucumber.

The fruit scones are freshly baked and served with clotted cream and preserves, and the delicious sweets such as Cherry Bakewell, Rich Dark Chocolate Tart and Salted Caramel Choux Bun are homemade by the chef.

But it's not just about the food - tea is something of a speciality at The Fishpool Inn - they serve "Tea from the Manor" finest full-leaf teas from the best tea gardens around the world.  Choose from Darjeeling Leaf, Earl Grey, English Breakfast, Red Berries Mint or Green Tea.

Afternoon Tea costs from £17.50 per person, or add a glass of Prosecco for £23 or Champagne for £26. 

Vegan and Gluten-Free options are also available.

https://thefishpoolinn.co.uk/afternoon-tea/

Palm Court, Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa

With its greenery, fountains and baby grand piano accompaniment, the garden room restaurant Palm Court is a beautiful venue to take afternoon tea in Chester.

Expect a selection of delicious finely-cut sandwiches, handmade scones with Cornish clotted cream and tasty preserves followed by a fine selection of tempting pastries.

Afternoon Tea at Palm Court costs from £25.00 per person and advanced booking is recommended.

https://www.grosvenorpulfordhotel.co.uk/afternoon-tea/

Oddfellows

For a relaxed and informal afternoon tea, the boutique hotel Oddfellows is an excellent choice.  Whether you're dining in the panelled bar, the attractive restaurant area, or the lovely secret garden the surroundings will really enhance the experience.

The traditional afternoon tea menu consists of a three-tiered stand with finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with jam and clotted cream and a tier of sweet treats.

There's also a savoury afternoon tea with a selection of sandwiches, sausage rolls and nibbles, or a prestige version with the best of both worlds.

Oddfellows also offer a Children's Afternoon Tea designed for smaller appetites, and a wide range of teas including English Breakfast and Earl Grey, but also Oolong Rose, Fruits of Eden and Malabar Chai.

Traditional and Savoury versions cost £21.50 per person, Prestige is £30 each and a Children's option costs £9.50 each.

https://www.oddfellowschester.com/dining/

Crowne Plaza Chester

Enjoy afternoon tea in the atmospheric lounge at the Crowne Plaza hotel - which is decorated with Racing Post pages.

Classic Afternoon Tea has a selection of finger sandwiches followed by freshly baked scones served with Cornish clotted cream and a range of delicious cakes.

Served every day between 2 pm and 5 pm.

https://www.ihg.com/crowneplaza/hotels/us/en/chester/chets/hoteldetail/dining

Vale Royal Abbey

Why not treat yourself to the great British tradition of afternoon tea in the magnificent surroundings of Vale Royal Abbey 16th century manor?

Food includes the traditional delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and preserves and a fine selection of homemade cakes.

Classic Afternoon Tea starts from £18.95 per person or you can upgrade to include a glass of Fizz for £24.95.

Please book 48 hours in advance.

https://www.vra.co.uk/banqueting/

We hope you've enjoyed this rundown of contenders for the title of Best Afternoon Tea in Chester.  You're sure to have a great time whichever one you choose.