Where to go for afternoon tea in Bristol

Café Rouge is a brasserie-style restaurant with a slightly retro vibe and a cosy feel to it, where you can enjoy your celebration from just £15 per person. The Classic Afternoon Tea offer includes three tiers filled with a good selection of French-inspired sweets (think tarts) and snacks (baguettes), and hot beverages, which makes it the perfect spot for a catch-up with your family. But if you feel like spicing it up, you can always consider going for the Bottomless Afternoon Tea that can get you a free-flowing Prosecco for £30 per person. Treat yourself and remember to bring your friends to double the fun.

The name of the venue always reminds of us of two things that make for a good celebration: a cosy atmosphere and alcohol. While it’s branded as a cocktail bar, you can expect a very British afternoon tea with savoury treats, scones and plenty of delicious cake. The interior might not be what comes to your mind when you imagine what an afternoon tea would be like, but it doesn’t hurt to step away from tradition just a little. In return, you’ll be rewarded with friendly service; the staff is always ready to help and you don’t have to wait long for your order even when it’s busy.

If you’re hoping for traditional afternoon tea, your best bet in Bristol will be to book at The Ivy Clifton Brasserie. The spacious interior with sophisticated design and huge windows makes for a relaxing and luxurious atmosphere, where you can feel like the duchess who came up with afternoon tea in the first place. The offer starts at £19.75 per person and includes savoury snacks such as smoked salmon on beetroot bread with cream cheese and chives or truffled chicken brioche roll, sweet scones, trifles and tarts, and a choice of tea or coffee. Sounds like a dream? Well, it doesn’t end there yet! If you want to add bubbles, Champagne afternoon tea will cost you £28.50, but it will definitely be worth it to make the day extra special.

Ahh Toots is an art-focused cake shop known for an afternoon tea with a beautiful layout. There’s no harm in documenting your celebration and posting it online and if the venue you’re at is Instagram-worthy, even better. The quality of the food is up to standards as well – you can expect a selection of high-quality classic cakes, homemade scones, choux patisseries, sweet treats such as marshmallows and finger sandwiches to satisfy your hunger, and then tea or coffee to wash it all down. Ahh Toots is the perfect spot for a small family gathering or a date, but the space is very limited and it gets popular so make sure you book your table in advance. The price is £31.50 per person and worth every penny for such a great experience. 

It’s not every day you get to have afternoon tea so you should treat it as a special occasion to share with family or friends. Symonds is an elegant but relaxed venue where you can celebrate it between 2pm and 4 pm from Monday to Saturday. The sample menu includes a variety of sandwiches (such as chicken and lettuce), warm scones and sweet treats (think Victoria sponge cake), that come with a selection of teas. Experience a high-quality afternoon tea and indulge for just £24.95 per person.

Step into a world of vintage charm and indulgence at The Vintage Tearoom at Ashwell & Co in Bristol. Nestled in a quaint corner of the city, this delightful tearoom offers an afternoon tea experience like no other. Guests can expect an array of freshly baked scones served with clotted cream and homemade preserves, complemented by a selection of delicate handmade finger sandwiches and artisanal cakes. Vegan and gluten-free options are also available. With its cosy atmosphere and attentive service, The Vintage Tearoom invites guests to unwind and savour a timeless tradition in the heart of Bristol.

Berwick Lodge offers different tearoom experiences depending on your mood and the weather. If it happens to be raining or it’s a bit chilly you can relax in a wood-panelled lounge and enjoy a cosy atmosphere. If it’s sunny, it would be a shame to sit inside when you can take in the beautiful green scenery. The lodge is located on the outskirts of Bristol so it can be your excuse to spend time in nature and get some fresh air. The menu is priced at £29.95 per person and it’s a modern take on a traditional afternoon tea with a selection of sandwiches, scones and cakes served every day of the week. 

The Last Word is a bar in Clifton Village so it might not be the first venue that comes to your mind when you’re hunting for a perfect afternoon tea place, but it exceeds your expectations once you give it a chance. You can opt for a traditional afternoon tea or make it bubbly and pair your celebrations with prosecco or cocktails for only £25 per person. The menu is a tasty combination of cheese sandwiches, fruit scones and sweet treats such as blueberry cupcakes that are beautifully presented to you by friendly staff. Available on the weekends.