If there’s one thing that we’ve done right as a country, it’s finding a way of making cakes, sarnies and a fresh pot of tea an afternoon delicacy. Dating back to the 1800s, afternoon tea has a rich history that has seen a number of iterations before settling on the three-tiered stands of finger sandwiches and treats that we know and love today.
More and more places across the country are serving up platters of scones and cakes, with plenty keeping it classic with cucumber sandwiches paired with bite-sized Victoria sponges. Elsewhere, you'll find a number of restaurants who've chosen to put their own spin on the meal, with creative stands and unique menus. Whether you’re looking for a celebratory birthday spot, somewhere to take your Mum for Mother’s Day, or just a place for a quick stop off to refuel after a day exploring the city, there’s bound to be something on this list to strike your fancy.
Afternoon tea in Sheffield is on the more traditional side of things, with hotel ballrooms and cosy cafes offering up the complete works. For those not sure where to begin, we're here to help. We've scoured the area to find spaces for every occasion, with central spots and those slightly further afield - but absolutely worth a visit.
If your idea of the perfect weekend is taking a couple of hours to sit back and relax, whilst sipping away at dainty little tea cups and devouring bite-sized cakes and pastries, then you've come to the right place. It's the best way to break up an afternoon, in our humble opinion. Read on to discover our top spots of where to enjoy afternoon tea in Sheffield.
Jameson’s Tearooms
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What: Dating back to the late 1800s, Jameson’s retains nods to its history standing as an antiques shop and tearooms - a rather delightful combination in our opinion - that offers a quaint and serene spot to tuck into three-tiered stands of sarnies and freshly baked cakes. Masters of the mid-afternoon meal, here you’ll find not one, not two, but eight different afternoon teas available with Traditional, Yorkshire, Regal, Cheese Lovers and Vegan all part of the package. Expect homemade bakes and scones, with a selection of finger sandwiches, sweet treats and variations of tea, coffee, wine or fizz.
Where: 334-336 Abbeydale Road, S7 1FN
Book now: Jameson's Tearooms
Browns
![a selection of scones, cakes and sandwiches for afternoon tea]()
What: Beloved across the country, Browns has added afternoon tea to its repertoire, with the Sheffield spot serving these sweet treats seven days a week. A rather lavish backdrop, Browns red velvet seating, grand piano and gold detailing is sure to have you feasting in style. Menus start with savoury delicacies such as brioche rolls with lobster tail and Sicilian lemon, and cured beef sandwiches with horseradish, followed by a fresh scone selection with clotted cream and blackcurrant or strawberry jam. To finish, mini Victoria sponge cakes, black forest chocolate pots and lemon meringues can all be enjoyed alongside freshly brewed tea. Be sure to upgrade to include a glass of Champagne or pink fizz with your treats.
Where: 8-12 St Pauls Parade, S1 2JL
Book now: Browns
Dysh
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What: Independently owned Dysh offers the perfect neighbourhood stop off for those looking for something a bit more relaxing. Sit back against the cosy and slightly rustic backdrop of this Scandi-style cafe complete with chalk board menus and hanging ivy. Afternoon tea here offers cheese scones served with slabs of butter, sausage rolls, salsa verde vol-au-vents and a whole host of sandwiches and sweet treats to follow. There’s also vegan and vegetarian menus available, ensuring that everyone is catered for, with spanish ‘omelettes’ and falafel sandwiches. Dysh only has a few seats so you’ll want to book ahead.
Where: 778-780 Ecclesall Road, S11 8TB
Book now: Dysh
Mosborough Hall Hotel
![three-tiered stands of cakes, scones and sandwiches for afternoon tea]()
What: Perhaps not as central as some of the other spots on this list, but Mosborough Hall is well worth the drive. If you’re looking for a historic venue that serves its afternoon tea on white-clothed tables in a grand dining room, then you’ll feel right at home here as you tuck into egg mayonnaise or smoked salmon finger sandwiches with petit fours, a selection of savouries and plates of scones with cream and jam. Wash that all down with a choice of different teas, or even add a glass of fizz for something a little bit boozier.
Where: High Street, S20 5EA
Book now: Mosborough Hall Hotel
The Lost & Found
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What: The Lost & Found’s glitzy, floral dining room makes for a cosy little spot for afternoon tea, with its hanging chandeliers, cutesy crockery and sundrenched spaces thanks to its floor-to-ceiling windows. Pitched as ‘Indulgent’ afternoon tea, it’s easy to see why with menus of truffle chicken brioche, and smoked salmon with lemon and dill cream cheese sandwiches. Move on to coronation chicken sausage rolls with curried mayo and a selection of sweet treats including scones, Espresso Martini tiramisu, and a chocolate and praline tort. Add fizz or cocktails, or choose a vegan or veggie option instead.
Where: 516 Ecclesall Road, S11 8PY
Book now: The Lost & Found
The Schoolrooms
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What: Residing in an old Victorian schoolhouse, The Schoolrooms has been feeding the people of Bradfield since 2011. This neighbourhood cafe, bar and bistro offers a selection of menus for every time of day, including afternoon tea, which can be enjoyed in the sleek dining room, or taken outside for a bit of al fresco dining. Tuck into roast ham and coleslaw, cheddar and chutney, and egg mayonnaise sandwiches with scones, veg crisps and a rather generous slice from the daily cake selection, all washed down with teas and coffees galore, or a glass of fizz or G&T - if that’s more your style.
Where: Mill Lee Road, S6 6LB
Book now: The Schoolrooms
The Rhubarb Shed Cafe
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What: Part of The Green Estate Community Interest Company, The Rhubarb Cafe offers a tranquil escape from the city. Available Wednesday to Sunday, the afternoon tea menu is packed full of goodies such as cheddar and red onion marmalade quiche, pork pies, sausage rolls and selection of finger sandwiches and seasonal sweet treats which all arrive on tiered-slate stands, bursting with colour and fresh ingredients. Bringing your little ones along? A mini menu is on offer with a choice of ham, cheese or jam sandwiches, with a sweet treat, scones, crisps, sweets and unlimited squash.
Where: 389 Manor Lane, S2 1UL
Book now: The Rhubarb Shed Cafe
Halifax Hall Hotel
![cakes and sandwiches for afternoon tea]()
What: Just a short walk from the city centre stands Halifax Hall, one of Sheffield's finest hotels that also happens to serve up an indulgent spread of afternoon tea treats. Surround yourself with greenery for a bit of al fresco dining or seat yourself in the stylish dining spaces, and take in to a rather reasonably priced selection of dainty sandwiches, scones and sweet treats. You can get the standard afternoon tea or for a little bit extra, make your afternoon tea deluxe with broccoli and stilton quiche, asparagus, parma ham and smoked cheese puff pastry parcels and homemade sausage rolls too.
Where: Endcliffe Vale Road, S10 3ER
Book now: Halifax Hall Hotel
Looking for a place to take your little one? Be sure to check out our guide to the best children’s afternoon tea with spots across the UK.