The only thing that beats a good cup of tea is having one in a quintessentially British tearoom. Mouth-watering cakes, finger-licking sandwiches, inviting décor; is there anything better to do on a Saturday afternoon? Being a nation of tea drinkers, it’s no surprise the UK is littered with fantastic establishments dedicated to serving us our favourite drink. If you’re out and about and in need of a good cuppa, these are just some of the cosiest and best tearooms in the UK.
Dolly’s Tea Room and Bar - Cornwall
Dolly’s is exactly how you imagine a classically cosy tearoom to be. You’ll be troubled to find the entrance if you didn’t know it existed, tucked away above one of Falmouth’s independent bookstores. The building is Georgian, and you’ll realise as soon as you enter, helped by the chapel chairs and high ceilings. Traditional teas, cakes, and sandwiches are served by frock-wearing staff – we recommend the lavender treacle tart. Your time at Dolly’s Tea Room and Bar will fly, but that’s exactly how afternoons are supposed to be.
Bettys - York
With six branches spread across the county, Bettys is a Yorkshire institution. It’s been serving delightful afternoon tea for over 100 years, but there’s no doubt the menu’s changed somewhat since its inception. Today, its silver stands are overflowing with ham and tomato pate sandwiches, miniature gala pies, fresh berry meringues and hand-made macaroons. Choose from a list of over 50 loose leaf teas delivered by waitresses in period costume. Bettys is a must-visit (if you’re willing to brave the queues).
Annies - Manchester
Co-owned by Jenny McAlpine of Coronation Street fame, Annies is a quaint hideaway in the midst of Manchester’s bustling city centre. It manages to mix high-end décor with a relaxed, homely vibe for the most unique afternoon tea experience in the city. From the outside, Annies may look like it will cost a fortune, but its offerings of tea from different regions and homemade cakes and sandwiches are good value for money.
The Bertinet Bakery - Bath
Richard Bertinet is well-known in Bath for his cooking schools, but most recognise his surname from one of the best tearooms and bakeries in the area. It’s an ideal location, with produce from The Bertinet Bakery so fresh it only has to travel a flight of stairs (literally). Expect a cosy tearoom experience, with a wide range of hot drinks to choose from and some of the finest patisseries going. The bakery specialises in bread, so be sure to take home a loaf whilst you’re there.
Dish and Spoon - Manchester
With a real retro feel and something which wouldn’t feel out of place on Shoreditch’s hipster streets, Dish and Spoon is a local favourite in Didsbury. With a menu that includes everything from afternoon tea to avocado on toast, it serves up exceptional food with charm. Enjoy a high-quality lunch or pop in for a quick tea or coffee. Don’t forget to dry one of Dish and Spoon’s famed brownies – they even send them by post.
Orchard Tea Garden - Cambridge
If the weather’s playing fair, there’s no better place to sip on a cup of tea or coffee than Orchard Tea Garden. Famous poet Rupert Brooke once lodged in the neighbouring Orchard House and wrote of afternoons in the garden. You’ll feel equally poetic trying their homemade scones, finger sandwiches, and sumptuous tea options. It’s a beautiful way to spend time at a tearoom and with the fresh outdoors combined.
Comins Tea House - Dorset
Hidden away in the small market town Sturminster Newton is one of the most unexpected tearooms in the UK. At Comins Tea House, everything is about the single estate tea, from Da Hong Pao from the Wuyi Mountains to Darjeeling from the Makaibari estate. Tea afficionados will be in leafy heaven, with all specialities sourced by tea merchants Michelle and Rob Collins. Enjoy with classic cakes, sandwiches, or a light lunch. Comins Tea House is the sort of place you stumble upon but never want to leave.
If you’re planning a trip to one of the best tearooms in the UK, don’t forget to book an Advance ticket via our website or our Train Tickets app. You can also find information on how to get cheaper train tickets via our special offers page. If you need more information, you can contact us here.
The UK is bursting with fun activities. Whether you’re visiting one of the best castles in the UK, the best theme parks in the UK, or the best waterparks in the UK, you can always travel by train.CrossCountry has services running up and down the country to ensure you can get to the places you need to be.