6 Best Afternoon Teas in Cambridge

The beautiful university city of Cambridge draws visitors from around the world who come to enjoy the superb architecture and unique atmosphere of this amazing city.

Afternoon tea has been a British tradition since the 1840s, and has been served in the hotels, restaurants and tea shops of Cambridge ever since.

Here's our pick of contenders for the title of "Best Afternoon Tea in Cambridge":

Carriages of Cambridge

If you're looking for a quirky afternoon tea in Cambridge, Carriages of Cambridge in Fen Drayton offers something that's really quite unique.

Afternoon tea at Carriages gives you the opportunity to re-live the glamorous golden age of rail travel, and really dine in style!

Step into the 1920's station and board one of three vintage railway carriages, lovingly restored to re-create afternoon teas from a bygone age.

Your beautifully-presented afternoon tea will have a selection of handmade sandwiches, scones that are freshly baked daily with jam or lemon curd and clotted cream, and signature petit fours.

Some ingredients are sourced from the on-site Victorian kitchen garden, and eggs come from Carriages' own free-range hens.

Choose from a range of single-estate teas, or add a glass of bubbly and upgrade to Champagne afternoon tea to make the occasion extra special.

Cambridge's most memorable afternoon tea is served from Tuesday to Saturday in two sittings at either 12:30pm or 3:30pm and costs from £24.50 per person.  A children's menu is also available.

https://www.carriagesofcambridge.co.uk/

 

Browns Cambridge

Browns Cambridge continues the Browns tradition of choosing striking buildings for their restaurants.

For the Cambridge restaurant, they've converted the 19th Century Addenbroke's Hospital building into a light and airy brasserie and bar with a lovely outdoor courtyard.

The lavish Afternoon tea at Browns includes savoury treats like Ham and Dijon Mustard Sandwiches, or Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese on a Whisky & Thyme Oat Cake.

You can enjoy a warm scone with clotted cream and a choice of jams, and finish off with a chocolate mousse flower pot, or something from the superb selection of cakes.

Afternoon Tea at Browns Cambridge is served every day between 3 pm and 5 pm and starts from £20 per person.

https://www.browns-restaurants.co.uk/restaurants/eastofengland/cambridge/afternoonteamenu

 

Clayton Hotel

If you want to take afternoon tea in Cambridge city centre, then the Clayton Hotel is a great choice.

The Clayton Hotel chefs pride themselves on creating an indulgent afternoon tea menu that is always seasonal, fresh and delicious.

There's a range of dainty finger sandwiches, warm scones with jam and cream and a choice of delicate pastries.

Choose from a selection of loose-leaf teas, or opt for a fruit tea infusion, or a freshly brewed coffee.  You can also choose Champagne Afternoon Tea with a glass of Champagne or Prosecco - ideal for special occasions.

https://www.claytonhotelcambridge.com/restaurants-bars/afternoon-tea-cambridge/

 

Fitzbillies

Fitzbillies on Trumpington Street say that Traditional Afternoon Tea is their speciality, as they make all the bread for finger sandwiches, delicious sultana scones and mini cakes in their own artisan bakery in Cambridge.

Fitzbillies can also supply a delicious afternoon tea in picnic form - ideal for a punting trip on the river or to enjoy in any of the beautiful Cambridge parks and meadows.

Afternoon Tea at Fitzbillies costs from £21.95 per head - and there's no need to book for parties of 5 or fewer.

https://www.fitzbillies.com/pages/afternoon-tea

 

The Ivy Cambridge

You can really enjoy an English afternoon tea in style at The Ivy Cambridge.

With polished marble floors, Art-Deco features, and striking artworks on display the decor is sure to impress.

And the food is every bit as impressive as the surroundings.  Wonderland Afternoon Tea at The Ivy boasts savouries like The Ivy Cure Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Finger Sandwiches or a Grilled Chicken and Truffle Mayonnaise Brioche Roll.

The Warm Fruited Scones come with clotted cream, strawberry preserve and fresh strawberries, and sweet treats include Red Velvet Raspberry Queen Cake and Two of Hearts Chocolate Shortbread Slice.

Wonderland Afternoon Tea at The Ivy Cambridge is served from 3pm to 5pm and costs from £26.95 per person.  They also offer a cream tea with just the tea and scones for £8.50 per person.

https://theivycambridgebrasserie.com/

 

SIX Brasserie at The Varsity Hotel

For a Cambridge afternoon tea that couldn't be anywhere else, it has to be SIX on the 6th floor of the Varsity Hotel with its spectacular views over the city.

Afternoon Tea at The Varsity offers a traditional menu with a selection of sandwiches, warm scones with jam and clotted cream, and a tempting choice of freshly baked cakes.

A range of teas has been carefully selected to complement the menu.

Enjoy a classic Afternoon tea experience with the best panoramic views of Cambridge, served from Tuesday-Sunday 12pm - 4:30pm

https://www.thevarsityhotel.co.uk/six-panoramic-brasserie/

 

We hope you've enjoyed our selection of the venues offering the best afternoon tea in Cambridge.