The best afternoon tea in Cardiff: 12 incredible places for a treat

The best afternoon tea in Cardiff isn’t hard to come by when you know where to look - the Welsh capital has its fair share of plush lounges where you can luxuriate in a sumptuous afternoon tea, in all its glory.

We're of the opinion that afternoon tea, one of Britain's many well-loved and well-worn traditions is one that will surely continue to stand the test of time. The key to its sucess has to be - in part - due to its novelty factor. It's not every day you indulge in three tiers of treats, after all. With the finest attention to detail paid to the sourcing of the tea, its brewing process, or the vessel from which it is served, a hot brew is a fundamental component of this afternoon affair. However, as with most affairs, it takes two to tango. So, despite the importance of tea, without the various tasty morsels of food that accompany this warm and comforting drink, it would be, very plainly and simply, a cuppa.

Various bits and bobs are added, changed and adapted on most afternoon tea stands, to make them stand out from the crowd. However, be it a Parisian twist, authentic floral china, quirky aesthetics, affordable prices, a tea menu to out-rival all tea menus or a stunning view, each can find its roots within the old-school traditional combination of finger sandwiches, scones with jam and cream, and a selection of cakes and pastries.

An experience for every occasion, be it Valentine's Day, Mother's or Father's Day, a birthday surprise or the much-overlooked self-treat, the afternoon tea is a versatile experience that, when done right, can change a good day into a magical afternoon.

Scouring Cardiff's best afternoon teas was more challenging than expected in the end, as a result of the many and varied contenders vying for top spot. However, after battling against a host of mouth-watering moments and stumbling upon unexpected gems amongst the castles and friendly locals, the list came together. So, without further delay, have a good look, feast your eyes and plan your visit to one of the spots that made the cut.

The Sorting Room

What: The Sorting Room has honed its selection of eats and treats to a fine art. As part of the Parkgate Hotel, one of Cardiff’s finest Luxury Hotels located in the Grade II-listed building that was once Cardiff’s old Post Office, be prepared to be wowed with this up-market option. Sandwiches are stuffed with fancy fillings like prosecco pickled cucumber, while patisserie-level sweet treats are served alongside a range of speciality teas and, of course, bubbly and cocktails. 
Where: Westgate Street, CF10 1DA
Book now: The Sorting Room

Waterloo Gardens Tea House

What: Waterloo Gardens Tea House is dedicated to speciality teas imported from all over; its portfolio is carefully curated with only the highest quality varieties selected. Recognised on a national level ever since it won Best Cafe in the UK in 2009, its popularity extends to its afternoon teas which need to be booked 24 hours in advance and are made to order for the freshest possible sweet and savoury treats. With classic and vegan options, everyone is sure to leave fully satisfied.  
Where: 5 Waterloo Gardens, CF23 5AA
Book now: Waterloo Gardens Tea House

Park Plaza Hotel Cardiff

What: We’ve all heard of afternoon tea with the option of prosecco or Champagne, but have you heard of an afternoon G & Tea? The Park Plaza’s specifically tailored Hendrick's afternoon tea features a classic cucumber adorned gin and tonic served in a vintage Hendrick’s teapot. Traditional afternoon tea is available as well as vegan and gluten free options, but if you’re one of those people without a massive sweet tooth, the savoury twist on the classic finger sandwiches - mini lamb burger, chorizo Scotch egg, roasted sirloin and Yorkshire pudding - just be the mini feast you never knew you were looking for.  
Where: Greyfriars Road, CF10 3AL
Book now: Park Plaza Hotel Cardiff

Café Rouge Cardiff St David's

What: This reliable French bistro chain boasts four different afternoon teas. Pick from options like traditional scones and sandwiches, a brunch of pastries and smashed avo, or of course, bottomless bubbles for a celebration. The most impressive of the lot is the Rouge Afternoon Tea - three tiers adorned with charcuterie meats, macaroons and - best of all - a whole baked brie with baguette slices to dip. What's not to like? 
Where: 13 Upper East Side, CF10 2EF
Book now: Café Rouge Cardiff St David's

Barker Tea House

What: As its name suggests, Barker Tea House is an establishment of tea aficionados; its ten-page tea menu is proof of that in itself. With nine different tea varieties, all served in cast iron teapots and china cups, only high quality tea is found here. But, as we all know, a good afternoon tea is not just about the tea. Three-tiered stands of floral plates make for a sophisticated assortment of traditional afternoon tea staples, with scones, sandwiches and a cake of the day making up the layers of treats. This cosy tea house is a must-visit.
Where: 8-14 High Street Arcade, CF10 1BB
Book now: Barker Tea House

Clayton Hotel 

What: Dubbed the ‘Proper Lush Afternoon Tea’, Cardiff’s Clayton Hotel provides quite the deal with its offering of tea, coffee, finger sandwiches, scones, savoury bites, sweet treats, and a glass of prosecco all coming in under £22. If you're looking to celebrate in style, Clayton Hotel will accommodate your needs with dedication and precision giving you the royal treatment that an afternoon tea demands.
Where: St Mary Street, CF10 1GD
Book now: Clayton Hotel

Jaspers Tea Rooms

What: You’ll find Jaspers Tea Rooms just a short way outside of central Cardiff in nearby Llandaff, where it sits just a stone’s throw from Llandaff Cathedral - a perfect place to stop if you’re planning on going to see the magnificent monument. As well as offering a a cracking afternoon tea of cakes, scones, teacakes and fresh sandwiches, Jaspers also delivers afternoon tea so if you’re local, you can have it come to you.
Where: 6 High Street, CF5 2DZ
Book now: Jaspers Tea Rooms

Waterloo Tea at Wyndham Arcade

What: Waterloo Tea’s most central location is smack bang in the middle of Cardiff City Centre, making it an extremely popular place for afternoon teas. Wyndham Arcade is one of the city’s oldest Edwardian Arcade - well worth a visit in its own right - and you can stop by for a classic afternoon tea of sandwiches, freshly baked scones and sweet patisserie treats.
Where: Wyndham Arcade, CF10 1FH
Book now: Waterloo Tea at Wyndham Arcade

Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill

What: Marco isn't classically associated with afternoon tea, but this is yet another thing that this reliable chain does pretty well. Sandwiches and freshly baked scones with all the trimmings are naturally present and correct, plus a selection of sweet morsels alongside your choice of tea, coffee or bubbles. This rooftop bar and restaurant not only makes a mighty fine afternoon tea but provides spectacular views out over Cardiff.
Where: Queen Street, CF10 2AR
Book now: Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill

Tir a Môr at voco St David’s 

What: Tir a Môr, Welsh for land and sea, is where food meets the ocean with its stunning location overlooking Cardiff Bay. Within the five-star St David's hotel, this high-class restaurant and bar offers delicious foods of all kinds, including its extravagant high tea. Sandwiches, scones and sweet delicacies dressed to the nines in deliciousness are accompanied by tea, prosecco or Champagne. Whatever you choose, you're in for a treat.  
Where: Havannah Street, CF10 5SD
Book now: Tir a Môr

Pettigrew Tea Rooms

What: Nestled in the heart of Cardiff, inside Bute Park and overlooked by Cardiff Castle, Pettigrew Tea Rooms knows its way around a good afternoon tea. Entering through a quaint entrance, the little, crenellated stone building is completely charming. Seated in its recently renovated botanical gallery with sandwiches, scones and a slice of cake of your choice, we can guarentee you’ll be content to sip away the day with one of the various teas on offer.  
Where: Castle Street, CF10 1BJ
Book now: Pettigrew Tea Rooms

Castell’s at The Angel Hotel

What: The Angel Hotel is a popular stay for those attending matches at the nearby Principality Stadium, but it's also a great afternoon tea spot in the heart of the city. The in-house restaurant, Castell's, serves themed afternoon tea through-out the year, with the theme changing every few months, from 'Story Book' with treats taken from popular books, to a late summer Teddy Bear's Picnic, or a festive afternoon tea at Christmas. 
Where: The Angel Hotel, Castle Street, CF10 1SZ
Book now: Castell’s at The Angel Hotel

Still hungry for more? Check out more of what the Cardiff food scene has to offer with 11 of the best restaurants in Mermaid Quay Cardiff.