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. One of our favourite things to do is to indulge in a decadent afternoon tea, and there are not many better places to enjoy it than the unofficial foodie capital of the north; York.
From 5-star hotels to rooftop restaurants and tourist hotspots, there’s an array of stunning locations to enjoy afternoon tea in York.
Discover by – Afternoon Tea in York City Centre | Afternoon Tea in the York Area
Best Afternoon Tea in York City Centre
No.1 by GuestHouse
Just a short walk from York’s iconic Minster, No 1 GuestHouse is a Grade II listed regency townhouse of stately proportions and head-turningly good looks. 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.
Sora at Malmaison
Sitting above the city on the seventh floor, Sora is perhaps one of the most unique restaurants to enjoy afternoon tea in York.
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 sweets put an innovative twist on much-loved British classics, like matcha scones and a miso caramel chocolate tart.
You can even add one of their unique cocktails to take your afternoon tea to further heights. This is certainly one to add to your York bucket list.
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. Served in their beautifully decorated restaurant or al fresco on the terrace.
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.
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).
The Grand, Station Rise, York YO1 6GD – 01904 380045
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SAVE up to 20%Time Limited Offer
Afternoon Tea at The Grand York
The Grand, York- York’s 5-Star hotel
- Served within the hotel’s striking Rise Restaurant with York city wall views
- SAVE up to 20%
The Grand, York -
SAVE 25%Time Limited Offer
The Grand York 5 Star Stay, Afternoon Tea & Spa
Station Rise, York YO1 6GD- One of the UK’s top five-star hotels
- Five minutes walk from York city centre
- SAVE 25%
Station Rise, York YO1 6GD
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.
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 confectionary history, they have a tempting chocolate-themed Afternoon tea that’s bound to take your fancy. Expect delicate sweet treats with plenty of rich ganache, as well as classic finger sandwiches and scones.
It’s the perfect spot for a celebration or get-together to remember.
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.
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.
Extend your visit to Impossible with a selection of quirky cocktails. Our personal favourite has to be the Passion Elixir (vanilla vodka infused with butterfly tea petals, pineapple, passionfruit and lime).
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.
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.
Going strong for over 100 years with queues out of the door come rain or shine, this very English 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. You can also add pink champagne or prosecco to your booking for an extra touch of luxury.
6-8 St. Helen’s Square, York YO1 8QP – 01904 659142
Afternoon Tea near York
Aldwark Manor
Located between York and Harrogate Aldwark Manor is a stunning 4-star hotel set within 120 acres of picturesque Yorkshire parklands.
Served in the stunning Element’s restaurant, their afternoon teas include traditional finger sandwiches, followed by freshly baked scones and sweet treats, served with a choice of English Breakfast, fruit or herbal teas. Optional Gosset champagne is sure to elevate your experience at one of York’s best afternoon teas.
Aldwark, Alne, York YO61 1UF – 01347 838146
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 rose champagne for an extra special experience.
Middlethorpe Hall, Bishopthorpe Rd, York YO23 2GB – 01904 641241
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Written by
06/03/2025