The Best Afternoon Teas in York
We’ve rounded up the best dining destinations for Afternoon Tea in York; your only dilemma is which one to visit first.
With cobbled streets, quirky shops and great dining, this historic city is the perfect backdrop to your leisurely afternoon tea.
From 5-star hotels to rooftop restaurants and tourist hotspots, there’s an array of stunning locations to enjoy afternoon tea in York. You just need to choose between traditional or a champagne afternoon tea now!
Discover by – Afternoon Tea in York City Centre | Afternoon Tea in the York Area
Best Afternoon Tea in York City Centre
@yorkshirefoodguide IS THIS THE BEST AFTERNOON TEA IN YORK? 🍰✨ Just a short walk from the Minster is No. 1 York by @guesthousehotels. Within their gorgeous Grade II listed Regency townhouse, you can enjoy a delicious spread in the cosy Marmalade Lounge. Think dainty sandwiches, savouries, scones, and cakes—all made in-house with the finest British ingredients by their pastry chef 👨🍳 HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: 🥪 Black truffle egg mayo sandwich 🌮 Salted cod, tomato & preserved lemon taco 🫐 Blueberry sponge cakes 🍓Freshly baked scones This is truly the perfect way to spend an afternoon in York! Who would you treat to this afternoon tea? ☺️ #YorkshireFoodGuide #AfternoonTea #York #Yorkshire #BoutiqueHotel ♬ Lover/Friend (Instrumental) – KAYTRANADA
No.1 by GuestHouse
No 1 GuestHouse is a Grade II listed townhouse.
Expect huge sash windows, higher-than-high ceilings and a sweeping central staircase, together with the most Insta-worthy interiors from award-winning expert Martin Hulbert, House & Garden’s 100 Leading Designers.
No 1 York’s afternoon tea combines a perfect selection of sweet and savoury treats. From dainty sandwiches, canapés, scones and cakes.
Where? 1 Clifton, York, YO30 6AA
Sora at Malmaison
Look out onto the city skyline and enjoy Pan-Asian-inspired bites- such as crispy tempura prawns and sticky pork belly with apple puree. Their sweet treats put an innovative twist on much-loved British classics, with matcha scones and a miso caramel chocolate tart.
Upgrade your brunching experience by adding one of their unique cocktails to the mix, and soak up the sun!
This is certainly one to add to your York bucket list.
Where? 2 Rougier St, York YO90 1UU
Middletons Hotel
Middleton Hotel is a remarkable collection of 17th-century buildings located inside the historic York city walls.
Their afternoon tea is beautifully presented and expertly created by their in-house pastry chef. Served with finely cut sandwiches, warm scones and a collection of decadent desserts. Enjoy on their terrace in these sunnier months ahead.
Drinks include a rich variety of loose-leaf teas from Taylors of Harrogate or add on a glass of Prosecco or Champagne for that extra special treat.
Where? Skeldergate, York, YO1 6DU – 01904 611570
The Grand York Afternoon Tea
As winners of Conde Nast Johansen’s “Best Afternoon Tea” and York’s only 5 Star Hotel & Spa, The Grand is the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion with afternoon tea in York.
Served in the hotel’s stunning Rise Restaurant, Terrace & Bar with views of York’s City Walls. Indulge in their selection of savoury and sweet treats, a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds.
Choose from their Signature Afternoon Tea, Sparkling (prosecco), Champagne or Appledore Afternoon Tea (complete with the finest English sparkling wines).
@yorkshirefoodguide FIRST LOOK: BEST EASTER AFTERNOON TEA IN YORKSHIRE? ✨ Set against the backdrop of the iconic city walls and just a stone’s throw from the train station, The Grand York offers an indulgent Easter afternoon tea experience in April 🌸🐰✨ They’ve put a seasonal twist on their classic afternoon tea. Where you’ll get three layers of delicate pastries, freshly baked scones, and handcrafted treats capture the flavours of spring. HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: 🐣 Manjari chocolate mousse Easter egg 💐 Pineapple and passion fruit yellow rose 🫛Spring pea mousse tart 🫔Pork and mature cheddar sausage roll 🍓Freshly baked scones They’re also serving a children’s afternoon tea, making it the perfect activity this Easter! 🐣🫖 #YorkshireFoodGuide #AfternoonTea #Foodie #TheGrandYork #YorkshireEats #Easter #York #YorkFood ♬ Aesthetic Coffee – Febri Handika
Where? The Grand, Station Rise, York YO1 6GD – 01904 380045
Elmbank Hotel
A stunning destination to enjoy afternoon tea in York, the Elmbank is a beautiful 19th-century boutique hotel with a rich history. Located within minutes from the city centre and York race course, it’s the perfect city centre escape.
Enjoy a traditional afternoon tea in their Leetham’s Brasserie with the option to add on a glass of prosecco or York Gin and Tonic.
Where? The Mount, York YO24 1GE
The Garden Room at The Milner York
This spot is just a stone’s throw from York station and has views of the stunning York Minster.
Overlooking their sweeping manicured lawns, The Garden Room is a luxurious lounge area within The Milner York, where you can enjoy light bites throughout the day.
Inspired by York’s confectionery history, they have a tempting chocolate-themed Afternoon tea that’s bound to take your fancy. Expect sweet treats with plenty of rich ganache, as well as classic finger sandwiches and scones.
Where? Station Road, York, YO24 1AA
Malmaison
The Chez Mal team at Malmaison in York creates menus full of fascinating and classic dishes using fresh seasonal ingredients.
No afternoon is complete without a perfectly formed cream sponge or a soft, fluffy scone smothered in strawberry jam, whether it be a simple yet charming cream tea or the full works with Champers.
Malmaison put a slight twist on their afternoon teas, with Thai wraps, beef sliders and a raspberry and white chocolate sundae all making an appearance.
Where? 2 Rougier St, York YO90 1UU – 01904 946060
Impossible Wonderbar & Tearoom
Located at St Helen’s Square, Impossible is situated within the famous Terry’s Chocolate Orange building. A unique venue with several stunning rooms combining a restaurant, tearoom, cocktail bars and events space.
Impossible’s afternoon tea in York has a delicious twist of treats, sandwiches, macaroons and more.
Plus, a reference to its history with a special artisan coffee inspired by Terry’s, with notes of the famous chocolatier’s milk chocolate and orange.
Where? 3 St. Helen’s Square, York YO1 8QN – 01904 864410
The Ivy
The iconic Ivy is located within the bustling St Helen’s Square. Expect all the style and glamour of the original Ivy London, as they serve a delicious selection of savoury and sweet treats 7 days a week.
Expect dainty finger sandwiches, warm scones and plenty of sweets from Apricot Jam-Filled Doughnuts to Lemon and Poppy Seed Cupcakes. Champagne is obligatory in such a stunning location of course.
Where? The Ivy, 2 St. Helen’s Square, York YO1 8QP – 01904 403888
Bettys
When anyone thinks of afternoon tea in York or even Yorkshire, probably the first name that springs to mind is Bettys. Famous for their fat rascals or a fondant fancy (or two) this institution ticks all the right boxes for a delicious afternoon tea.
Let’s face it, it doesn’t get more British than an afternoon tea in one of Betty’s tearooms, and they are clearly going strong with queues out of the door come rain or shine.
Where? 6-8 St. Helen’s Square, York YO1 8QP – 01904 659142
Afternoon Tea near York
Middlethorpe Hall
The traditional English ritual takes place in one of the grand public rooms of the historic hall or on warmer days on the south terrace. Afternoon Tea at Middlethorpe is enhanced by a local luxury connection with the old-established family tea merchants “Taylors of Harrogate“.
Either choose their normal afternoon tea or add prosecco, champagne or rosé champagne for an extra special experience.
Where? Middlethorpe Hall, Bishopthorpe Rd, York YO23 2GB – 01904 641241
Drovers Arms
This charming countryside Inn serves a delicious afternoon tea next to their crackling fire place. Enjoy sweet treats and delicious bakes in an informal and welcoming setting. Choose between a traditional, or opt for a champagne afternoon tea.
Located in Selby, not far from York, Drovers is a lovely spot to indulge in an afternoon tea. You can even save 15% off with our exclusive voucher.
Where? Drovers Arms, York Rd, Selby YO8 5SF
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Written by
04/04/2025