Best afternoon tea Oxford: 10 places to eat tea and cake

Afternoon tea is a traditional British pastime that never fails to put a smile on your face. Besides, what’s not to like? It's an entire meal dedicated to finger sandwiches, freshly made scones and elegant patisseries, all washed down with copious amounts of tea. We can’t think of a reason not to like it!

If you’re on the hunt for a delicious afternoon tea in Oxford, whether to celebrate a special occasion or you simply fancy eating cake all afternoon, then you’ve come to the right place. We’ve compiled the very best afternoon teas Oxford has to offer, including both classic and more curious offerings.

Oxford is known for many things: its prestigious university for one, and the fact that it was used as a filming location for the Harry Potter movies. Thousands of tourists visit Oxford every year to see its stunning architecture and historic landmarks - there’s nowhere else quite like it in the UK.

Tucked inside many of its beautiful buildings are a wealth of restaurants, cafes, hotels and tearooms serving exemplary afternoon teas. While they do vary across the city, we’ve made sure to include both affordable options and extravagant offerings, with something to suit every mood and occasion. Many are served in extraordinary settings, from waterside spots to impressive dining rooms, that are sure to inject this esteemed occasion with even more sparkle.

Whether you’re searching for the perfect foodie gift, are celebrating an achievement, or just fancy treating yourself, have a browse through our list of the best afternoon teas in Oxford for the perfect solution to all of the above.

The Folly

What: Sitting pretty on the water’s edge, The Folly is a popular all-day spot serving seasonal British food in a relaxed setting. Afternoon tea is very popular here, and features homemade scones with clotted cream and jam, finger sandwiches filled with the likes of egg mayonnaise and chicken and tarragon, plus a selection of ever-changing cakes. You can also opt for High Tea if it’s a special occasion you’re celebrating, which rounds off proceedings with a glass of Prosecco. Available every day from 2:30pm to 3:45pm.
Where: 1 Folly Bridge, OX1 4JU
Book now: The Folly

Victors

What: Victors has pimped its afternoon tea offering with lots of luxurious twists - think smoked salmon brioche buns with caviar, egg and cress brioche with truffle mayonnaise, and pistachio cheesecake with butterscotch sauce. Vegan and vegetarian options are available too, or add a glass of Veuve Clicquot Champagne for an extra £10.
Where: 307 The Westgate, OX1 1PG
Book now: Victors

The Old Parsonage

What: This 17th century property is bursting with original charm and character, offering a truly traditional setting in which to enjoy afternoon tea. You can choose between a Celebration Tea, which includes a glass of Champagne, a Savoury Tea, which foregoes the sweets for more sandwiches and cheese scones, or Very High Tea. There is also a vegan menu if preferred, with all options served with a choice of tea or coffee.
Where: 1-3 Bambury Road, OX2 6NN
Book now: The Old Parsonage

The Alice at The Randolph

What: Alice restaurant at The Randolph hotel offers a breathtaking setting in which to guzzle tea and cake until your heart’s content. Candy pink booth seats, towering ceilings and glittering chandeliers form the backbone of the space, along with nods to Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland, from artworks and illustrations on the walls to cocktails inspired by the famous children’s story. Expect the daintiest of treats to arrive on dinky blue and white striped plates, all washed down with an assortment of loose-leaf teas. At £39 per person, we'd pitch this one as a special occasion spot.
Where: Beaumont Street, OX1 2LN
Book now: The Alice at The Randolph

The Ivy Oxford Brasserie

What: The Ivy is famed for its vintage decor and classic brasserie dishes, so you can expect afternoon tea here to be a glamorous affair. Served in the main restaurant, surrounded by marble floors, art deco details and burnt orange banquets, you’ll be treated to an array of savouries, warm scones and artisan patisseries, all served on a vintage tiered cake stand. You can’t go wrong.
Where: 120-121 High Street, OX1 4DD
Book now: The Ivy Oxford Brasserie

Brown’s

What: Afternoon tea at Brown’s is pleasingly traditional and, at just £23 per person, won’t break the bank either. Sweets and savouries are served on a modern cake stand and include all the usual culprits, from salmon and cream cheese sandwiches to warm scones with jam and clotted cream. Cakes change seasonally, but there’s always a tempting selection. Brown’s also donates 50p from every afternoon tea to housing and homelessness charity Shelter, another reason to have your cake and eat it too.
Where: 5-11 Woodstock Road, OX2 6HA
Book now: Brown’s

The Mad Hatter

What: Traditional teas are all well and good, but have you ever experienced afternoon tea with teapot cocktails and karaoke? Afternoon tea at The Mad Hatter is a curious affair, served every Saturday in one of its karaoke rooms. Enjoy sandwiches and savoury tarts, scones and sweet treats while belting your heart out for 90 minutes to your favourite tunes. You’ll also receive a special cocktail served in a teapot to share, with the option to add on an arrival drink, or an extra bottle of prosecco, if liked.
Where: 43 Iffley Road, OX4 1EA
Book now: The Mad Hatter

Rooftop Restaurant at Ashmolean Museum

What: Head to the rooftop of the Ashmolean Museum to experience afternoon tea with a view. Savouries include coronation chicken on brioche and smoked salmon with cream cheese on rye bread, while cakes range from lemon sponge with raspberry drizzle to matcha and strawberry Battenberg. The best bit? You can add a glass of Prosecco for only a fiver!
Where: Beaumont Street, OX1 2PH
Book now: Rooftop Restaurant at Ashmolean Museum

The Orangery Restaurant at Blenheim Palace

What: Although not technically in the centre of Oxford, it’s worth making the short trip to Blenheim Palace just a few miles away to experience its afternoon tea. Served in the light-filled Orangery Restaurant, you can choose between a classic affair, a premium option (with a glass of fizz) or even a kids offering. Start with the likes of roast beef sliders and a warm pea and mint tart, followed by freshly baked scones and delicate sweet treats.
Where: Woodstock, OX20 1PY
Book now: The Orangery Restaurant at Blenheim Palace

The Grand Cafe

What: Standing on the site of the oldest coffee house in England, The Grand Cafe is something of an Oxford institution. Afternoon tea has become one of its trademarks over the years and is available all day from 9am to 6:30pm. Expect a quintessentially English take on proceedings, with the likes of smoked salmon and cream cheese sandwiches, plain and fruit scones, and a slice of ‘today’s’ cake, which changes daily.
Where: 84 The High Street, OX1 4BG
Book now: The Grand Cafe

Find out more about afternoon tea here, including FAQs and places that serve it in major cities across the UK.