6 Best Afternoon Teas in Oxford

Afternoon tea has been a British tradition since the 1840s and what better place to enjoy a classic afternoon tea than the beautiful city of Oxford?

With that in mind, we've put together some contenders for the title of "Best Afternoon Tea in Oxford" and as you'll see, the competition is fierce!

Brown's Oxford

Afternoon tea at Brown's Oxford is a real treat.  The selection of savouries includes traditional favourite sandwiches like ham and Dijon Mustard, or cucumber and cream cheese.  

Or for something a little different why not try the smoked salmon and cream cheese on a whisky and thyme oatcake?

You can then progress to the warm fluffy scones with clotted cream and jam.

Alternatively, a selection of irresistible mini cakes and puddings might take your fancy with favourites like Victoria sponge, lemon drizzle cake or even a chocolate mousse served in a mini flower pot.

You might like to add a glass of G&T, or for special occasions why not add a glass of Moet & Chandon Imperial Champagne?

You can enjoy afternoon tea at Browns Oxford from £22 per person.

https://www.browns-restaurants.co.uk/restaurants/southeast/oxford/afternoonteamenu

 

The Folly

If you'd like to enjoy a traditional afternoon tea in Oxford by the river, then The Folly might be just what you're looking for.

The Folly is a family-owned independent restaurant in a unique situation in the heart of Oxford beside the Folly Bridge and the River Thames.

You can book a table inside for afternoon tea or take your seats on the floating terrace.

The Folly's afternoon teas offer a selection of delicate sandwiches including chicken & tarragon mayonnaise, smoked salmon and cream cheese or traditional cucumber & creme fraiche.

You can also choose from a selection of cakes and homemade scones with clotted cream and jam.

Afternoon Tea at The Folly starts from £22.95 per person.  High Tea, which includes a glass of Prosecco, costs £30.95 per person.

https://www.no1-folly-bridge.co.uk/

  

The Ivy Oxford Brasserie

At the Ivy Oxford, you can enjoy the quintessentially British treat of afternoon tea in style.

In tribute to Lewis Carol, The Ivy Oxford offers Wonderland Afternoon Tea:

The savoury selection includes Ivy Cure smoked salmon and cream cheese finger sandwiches, chicken and the unusual and delicious truffle mayonnaise brioche rolls.

Also included are freshly-baked fruit scones, clotted cream and strawberry preserve, and sweets including Red velvet raspberry Queen cake, all served with a choice of teas, infusions or coffees.

For those looking for something really special, The Ivy Oxford Brasserie offers afternoon tea with a glass of Champagne, allowing guests to celebrate the occasion properly.

Wonderland Afternoon Tea at The Ivy Oxford starts from £29.95 per person, and Champagne Afternoon Tea starts from £39.95.

https://theivyoxford.com/

 

The Ashmolean Rooftop Restaurant

Situated above the world's oldest museum, The Ashmolean Rooftop Restaurant offers breathtaking views across the city of dreaming spires.

You can take afternoon tea inside and admire the view through floor-to-ceiling windows, or, weather permitting, enjoy afternoon tea outside on the terrace.

The afternoon tea menu is often themed to match the museum's current exhibition, but they always endeavour to feature local produce.

Savouries include Cucumber and chive on white bloomer or tuna mayonnaise with rocket on granary bloomer.

Fresh scones are served with clotted cream and preserves, and sweets include assorted macaroons or lemon and raspberry choux.

Vegan afternoon tea and kids' afternoon tea menus are also available. Booking before your visit to the museum is recommended.

As you enjoy your afternoon tea, you also have the pleasure of knowing that your purchase supports the wonderful Ashmolean Museum.

Afternoon Tea at The Ashmolean Rooftop Restaurant is great value, starting from £25 per person and you can add a glass of Prosecco for £5 more.

https://www.ashmolean.org/cafe-and-restaurant

 

The Alice

Situated within the historic Randolph Hotel, The Alice prides itself on serving local produce with a contemporary twist.

The Alice serves afternoon tea between 1 pm and 4 pm

As well as traditional cucumber and creme fraiche sandwiches, you can enjoy savouries like cheddar and spiced tomato chutney or a sausage roll.

The selection of plain and fruit scones comes with a choice of jams or refreshing lemon curd and of course, clotted cream.

Sweets include treats such as delicious Eccles cakes, bitter chocolate pave and more.

There's a wide selection of teas to choose from, with favourites like English Breakfast, Darjeeling and Earl Grey as well as more unusual options like Jade Tips Green or Berry & Hibiscus.

The luxurious experience of Afternoon Tea at The Alice starts from £39.50 per person and champagne afternoon tea from £49.50 per person.

https://www.thealiceoxford.com/

 

The Orangery at Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace is a few miles outside Oxford on the edge of the lovely Oxfordshire town of Woodstock, but it's such a perfect setting for afternoon tea that we couldn't leave it out.

Churchill Afternoon Tea is served in the Orangery Restaurant, and the menu has been inspired by Sir Winston Churchill's personal cook Mrs Georgina Landemare.

Savouries include smoked salmon and caviar muffins and a chicken and mushroom pie.

These can be followed with a homemade buttermilk scone, chocolate yuzu tart, passion fruit éclair and Sir Winston Churchill fruit cake.

You can also add a glass of champagne to mark a special occasion.

Please Note: The Orangery at Blenheim Palace is currently undergoing essential restoration work.

Until that is complete, Afternoon Tea will be served in a unique new restaurant called Clementine's on the Lawn - a beautiful glass structure offering spectacular views across the South Lawn to the Palace.

https://www.blenheimpalace.com/visitus/cafes-restaurants/orangery/

 

We hope you've enjoyed our delicious selection of the best afternoon teas in Oxford, and you find the perfect place to enjoy this traditional English treat.