About as British as it comes, afternoon tea has become a staple for many, with this long-standing tradition dating back to the Victoria era. Over the years, this mid-afternoon meal has evolved through a number of iterations, culminating in the three-tiered stand packed full of finger sandwiches, scones and petit fours that we know and love. Nowadays, you'll find countless spots offering this quintessentially British feast, with everything from traditional plates of scones and sarnies to more unique interpretations of the classics.
If you're looking for the top spots for afternoon tea in Chester, then you've come to the right place. We've scoured the city to bring you the best of the best, with everything from cosy cafes in the heart of the city to grand hotels slightly further afield, each specialising in bite-sized cakes and finger sandwiches. You'll even find the option to enjoy afternoon tea in the city's famous Cathedral itself.
It will come as no surprise that afternoon tea in Chester is a rather lavish affair. This quaint little city is bursting with history, from its cobbled streets and tudor-style buildings. It's a rather idyllic backdrop that invites locals and tourists alike to sit back and relax with three-tiered stands, packed to the brim with all your favourite sweet treats.
Whether you’re looking for a celebratory birthday spot, or even a stop off after a busy day of exploring the city, Chester has plenty to offer on the afternoon tea front. Keep things traditional, with stands of cakes and sarnies all washed down with fresh brews, or you can add a touch of sparkle with most site’s offering a glass of Champagne or Prosecco as part of the package. No matter the occasion, afternoon tea is always a good idea, so read on to find our favourites.
The Queen at Chester Hotel
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What: This lavish hotel was said to be the first skyscraper of its time, standing tall and grand in the heart of the city with its columned entryway and sweeping staircases. Whether you’re spending a night here or looking for a stop off after a day out and about in the city, you can enjoy afternoon tea at The Queen seven days a week. Finger sandwiches, warm scones with heaps of jam and clotted cream are all on offer, accompanied by mini cakes and a wide range of teas. Keep things as they come, or upgrade to the Prosecco option, perfect for a celebration.
Where: 52 City Road, CH1 3AH
Book now: The Queen at Chester Hotel
The Chester Grosvenor
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What: Another of Chester’s finest hotels, The Chester Grosvenor comes with a real sense of grandeur, with remnants of its Georgian history threaded throughout the hotel and into Arkle, the fine-dining restaurant where afternoon tea is held. There are a couple of different options to choose between here, with ‘Traditional’, ‘Indulgent Champagne’ or ‘Gentleman’s’ afternoon tea offerings. Certain options are pitched as heartier than others, but each comes served with freshly baked scones, homemade pastries and a variety of sandwiches such as a crispy haddock bloomer or chicken and bacon roll with tarragon mayonnaise.
Where: Eastgate, CH1 1LT
Book now: Arkle at The Chester Grosvenor
Cafe 1092 at Chester Cathedral
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What: If you’re looking for a rather unique spot to tuck into scones and sarnies, then Cafe 1092 could be the perfect place, housed amongst the walls of the city's historic Cathedral. Here, you can enjoy the full works amongst the backdrop of the thirteenth century monks’ dining hall, boasting intricately designed ceilings and the original stained glass windows. Freshly brewed pots of tea come served in china cups, alongside a hefty stand full of sarnies, scones and petit fours. If you're looking to celebrate then why not add a glass of fizz to your feast?
Where: St Werburgh Street, CH1 2DY
Book now: Cafe 1092 at Chester Cathedral
ABode Chester
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What: On the outskirts of the city centre, and offering idyllic views of Chester Racecourse, ABode has become quite a favourite when it comes to its brasserie-style dining. But did you know that it also serves up a rather excellent afternoon tea? A full afternoon tea here ticks all of our boxes, with ever-changing selections of sandwiches, savouries, scones and freshly baked pastries. All of this comes served with Newby tea, specialty coffee or a glass of fizz.
Where: Grosvenor Road, CH1 2DJ
Book now: ABode Chester
New Blossoms Hotel
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What: More than just a cuppa and some sweet treats, afternoon tea at New Blossoms Hotel offers the complete experience with its white-clothed tables and stylish dining rooms. Found in the heart of Chester, here, you'll find a space for all occasions, with its sharing plates of dainty finger sandwiches, homemade scones and a petit fours. Wash all of that down with Birchall’s loose leaf tea, or upgrade to include a more indulgent glass of prosecco or Champagne.
Where: St John Street, CH1 1HL
Book now: New Blossoms Hotel
Oddfellows
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What: Oddfellows has taken its name to heart with its whimsical and alternative dining spaces. On the afternoon tea front, you can expect cutesy crockery alongside stands of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones and followed by homemade sweet treats. Got little ones in tow? Oddfellows offers a smaller portion with its children’s afternoon tea or a simple, cream tea if you’re looking to keep things light. The tea selection here is rather vast: offering the likes of peppermint, oolong rose, spring green and malabar chai (amongst the more classic options).
Where: 20 Lower Bridge Street, CH1 1RS
Book now: Oddfellows
The Townhouse
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What: Another of Bridge Street’s finest spots, The Townhouse stands as a hotel and tearoom - a winning combination in our opinion. Plus, when summer rolls around you can even take your treats outside and enjoy your sarnies in the site’s secret garden. Menus see the likes of salmon and cream cheese wraps and mini chicken skewers, followed by apple beignets and vanilla panna cotta on the sweet side. Vegan and gluten free options are both available, and you even have the chance to make your afternoon tea bottomless - so you can really get the celebration going with free-flowing prosecco.
Where: 49-51 Lower Bridge Street, CH1 1RS
Book now: The Townhouse
Palm Court at Grosvenor Pulford Hotel, Pulford
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What: A little ways down the road, Grosvenor Pulford Hotel offers an escape from the city centre with its stylish dining spaces of hanging chandeliers and vibrant foliage. It's the kind of setting that demands a bit of indulgence, with three-tiered stands of afternoon tea treats. Sandwiches include the likes of lime-marinated prawns, peppered chicken or smoked cheddar with truffle dressing, followed by homemade cakes of baked apple and stem ginger cheesecake or a dark chocolate and dulce de leche tart. Upgrade and include a house cocktail, G&T or glass or fizz to go alongside your tea or coffee.
Where: Wrexham Road, CH4 9DG
Book now: Palm Court at Grosvenor Pulford Hotel
Heading down to the capital? You'll find plenty more excellent places to tuck into mini cakes and sandwiches with our guide to the best afternoon teas in London.