What is there to say about afternoon tea that hasn't already been said? Britain's favourite pastime isn't going anywhere and we, for one, can hardly say we're disappointed. Finger sandwiches and dainty cakes are a delightful treat no matter the time of day, but when paired with a freshly brewed cup of tea (or a glass of fizz if you prefer) they become better than ever.
As it turns out, afternoon tea in Portsmouth is all about the tea rooms - those quaint, traditional spots that have a real sense of charm and warmth within their walls. It may not be the glitz and glamour of a hotel dining room, but there's something lovably British about the whole experience - lace doilies spread on white wooden tables and bunting hung on the walls as you drink out of chintzy china cups on matching saucers.
Portsmouth is beloved for a whole host of reasons, not least the long waterfront, which is great for lengthy beach walks and restaurants with sea views. Head up the iconic Spinnaker Tower for some of the best vistas of the coast, or take a stroll along the shorefront (and walk off all the cakes you've just consumed from your afternoon tea). Whether you’re planning something special for an upcoming birthday, or even Mother’s Day, afternoon tea makes any afternoon an occasion.
With spots popping up all over the city it can be hard to know where to go to get the best afternoon tea in Portsmouth. But that’s where we come in. We’ve done the hard part for you and rounded up a selection of places to go when you just want a tiny cake or two with endless supplies of tea or bubbles.
Spinnaker Tower, Gunwharf Quays
![Afternoon tea on cake stand (left), scones, jam and cream (right)]()
What: It doesn't get much better than sipping on tea in the clouds. Afternoon tea at Spinnaker Tower is something special, allowing guests to tuck into their cakes from 105m in the air! Two menus are on offer here with options for brunch high tea or the traditional afternoon tea selection. Enjoy mini quiches filled with cheddar and beetroot or spinach and feta, with savoury sandwiches and sweet lemon tarts, cupcakes and macarons. Make the experience all the more memorable with a glass or two of fizz.
Where: Gunwharf Quays, PO1 3TT
Book now: Spinnaker Tower
The Tenth Hole, Southsea
![a raspberry and white chocolate cake (left) and the inside of the tenth hole (right)]()
What: Perched on the seafront, The Tenth Hole is a cosy little spot that comes with a nine-hole golf course attached. Maybe not quite what you’d expect for an afternoon tea spot but the cakes here are still top tier. Savour a selection of mini scones alongside sweet and savoury bites and freshly brewed Teapigs tea all for a very reasonable price. A delightful little spot if you’re looking for a stop-off without having to break the bank.
Where: Eastern Parade, PO4 9RF
Book now: The Tenth Hole
The Parade Tea Rooms, Southsea
![a stand of cakes and sandwiches at the parade tea rooms]()
What: Located right on Southsea Common, The Parade Tea Rooms allows diners to enjoy afternoon tea whilst looking right out across the seafront. This independently run cafe is the perfect stop off after a busy morning of shopping or exploring around the city. Take a seat and delve into a tiered stand of cakes and sandwiches including the likes of fruit scones, a choice of two sandwiches and whatever the freshly baked cake of the day is, all washed down with a selection of Whittard’s teas.
Where: Western Parade, PO5 3JF
Book now: The Parade Tea Rooms
Queen's Hotel, Southsea
![an afternoon tea stand of cakes and sandwiches]()
What: Afternoon tea at the Queen's Hotel in Portsmouth is not to be missed. This Grade-II listed Edwardian house has been around since the 1800s and retains the level of grandeur that makes it the perfect backdrop for your tea and cakes. Served everyday, enjoy traditional scones and sandwiches alongside more unique options such as rarebit tarts and chicken roulade. A selection of desserts from the pastry team complete the stand with Eton mess macarons and coconut, mango and passionfruit choux. Forget upgrading your afternoon tea to include a glass of fizz - here, you can upgrade to include a hovercraft trip to the hotel, allowing you to show up in style.
Where: 2 Osborne Road, PO5 3LJ
Book now: Queen's Hotel
Gracie-Ann’s Tea Room, Port Solent
![a selection of cakes and scones from gracie-ann's tea room]()
What: A warm and charming little option nestled away in the heart of Port Solent, Grace-Ann’s Tea Room is ideal for any celebration. Whether you’re planning a birthday or a baby shower, the team here are happy to go the extra mile with extravagant stands of cakes and sandwiches tailored to your occasion. Not planning an event? No worries, walk-in and enjoy a tranquil afternoon full of freshly baked treats paired with pots of tea or coffee. It may be just a small space but there’s a real character to it that makes it one to put on your list.
Where: The Trading Post, PO6 4TP
Book now: Gracie-Ann's Tea Room
The Chambers, Southsea
![a table set for afternoon tea with teacups and teapots]()
What: For something a bit more unique, look no further than The Chambers. Here, decor models itself after the classic Gentlemen’s Club - think antique furnishings and taxidermy on the walls - offering a memorable setting (and a pretty extensive list of Champagne options too). Despite this, afternoon tea is pretty traditional with sandwiches, petit fours and homemade scones served alongside cream and jam.
Where: 27 Landport Terrace, PO1 2RG
Book now: The Chambers
Langstone Quays Resort, Hayling Island
![a ferris wheel stand of of cakes and sandwiches]()
What: This one may be a little bit further out of the way but it’s absolutely worth a visit to Hayling Island if you’re ever looking for something a little bit more glam. Relax in the Waterside restaurant and enjoy a delightful selection of sandwiches, cakes and scones served in an eye-catching ferris wheel display, rather than the classic three tiered stands. Celebrating? Why not upgrade to include a glass of bubbles to help wash down the cakes!
Where: Northney Road, PO11 0NQ
Book now: Langstone Quays Resort
Slug & Lettuce, Gunwharf Quays
![glasses of prosecco (left) and a selection of small plates (right)]()
What: Afternoon tea at Slug and Lettuce has been rebranded, now offering ‘Sip and Share’ - a twist on the traditional high tea for those wanting something a bit different. Teas and coffees are still available, but prosecco and cocktails are also on offer for something a bit boozier. Sandwiches and cakes have been swapped out for small plates of croquettes and bao buns with desserts in the form of mini churros or ice cream or brownie bites. A perfect spot for a girls day out or birthday celebration with delightful, bite sized treats and a buzzing atmosphere.
Where: Unit R07, PO1 3FR
Book now: Slug & Lettuce
Marjorie's Tearooms & Bistro, Cosham
![a table set for afternoon tea]()
What: Afternoon tea at Marjorie’s Tearooms is sure to be a cosy and slightly whimsical affair with its pastel hues and floral accents. Indulge in sandwiches, scones, petit fours, macarons and even fruit and marshmallow kebabs to finish everything off. The sandwich selection is pretty hefty including the likes of brie and cranberry or chicken tikka and minted yoghurt. A hard choice as you can only pick one type of sandwich, so you might have to upgrade to include a second. Floral plates and matching tea pots add a final touch of kitsch.
Where: 22 Wayte Street, PO6 3BS
Book now: Marjorie's Tearooms & Bistro
Still feeling a bit peckish? Why not head for a meal at one of the best restaurants in Southsea?