With so many delightful restaurants, cafes and hotels offering sumptuous afternoon teas, we’ve compiled a quick guide to help you decide where you should have your afternoon tea in Bath...
The Pump Room Restaurant
One of the grandest venues in Bath, The Pump Room is the original Georgian social hub. You can enjoy traditional sandwiches, scones and petit fours with a contemporary twist of poached salmon shots and cheddar, tomato and chive scones. During the holidays don’t miss the special themed afternoon tea for kids too!
No. 15 Great Pulteney
Independently owned and set in three Grade I listed Georgian townhouses, No. 15 Great Pulteney is a quintessentially English boutique townhouse that’s full of surprises. Although their scrumptious afternoon tea sticks to tradition in many respects - you'll find an enticing selection of finger sandwiches, freshly-baked scones with clotted cream and homemade jam, and an extensive and tasty tea selection - you'll also find a few unique (though similarly delicious) flavour pairings amongst the classics.
Royal Crescent Hotel
In the summer, take your lavish afternoon tea in the hidden gardens of the luxurious Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa or by the cosy fireplace in winter. Choose the savoury option if you don’t have a sweet tooth and enjoy a Bath Chaps Beignet and Salmon Tartare with Caviar.
Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House and Museum
Sally Lunn's Historic Eating House and Museum is home to the light and airy Sally Lunn bun, a local delicacy in Bath and a must try when visiting. Enjoy The Bath Cream Tea – half a Sally Lunn bun topped with homemade cinnamon butter and a dollop of clotted cream.
The Bath Bun Tea Shoppe
Another famous bun is the Bath Bun, sold at the quaint Bath Bun Tea Shoppe. This bun is laced with sugar and has a sprinkling of currants on top. If you can’t manage a full blown afternoon tea, why not have a toasted Bath Bun with melting butter accompanied by the house blend tea?
Abbey Hotel
Indulge in afternoon tea outside on the sunny garden terrace or indoors in the quirky ArtBar. Afternoon tea is served on bespoke hanging cake stands and best taken with chilled Champagne or Prosecco.
Regency Tea Room
The charming Regency Tea Room at The Jane Austen Centre is a winner of the Tea Guild’s Award of Excellence. Enjoy your warm scones whilst swooning over Mr Darcy’s portrait which hangs on the wall.
Lucknam Park
Where could be finer to take afternoon tea than in a luxury mansion surrounded by 500 acres of beautiful grounds? A visit to Lucknam Park is a real treat on special occasions and certainly has the wow factor.
The Gainsborough Bath Spa
Retire to The Canvas Room and treat yourself to a traditional afternoon tea at the luxurious five-star Gainsborough Bath Spa hotel. JING artisan teas are the perfect accompaniment and are usually found in Michelin starred restaurants.
Brigit's Bakery
For the ultimate alternative afternoon tea experience, how about climbing aboard a Routemaster bus to take in some of the city's best sights on a B Bakery Bus Tour? Alternatively, head to B Bakery's glamorous Tea Salon, where you can enjoy a delicious treat with stunning views of Pulteney Bridge.
By Gemma Hayter
