Suffolk is the perfect stop for anyone that wants a taste of some of the most flavoured teas and creams. Whether you’re a local or a visitor – come relax with something elegant, sweet and delicious.
What started in the year 1840, by Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, has now become a quintessential social event to enjoy some sweet and savoury snacks, and of course, some steaming hot tea with friends and family! So skip the tea bag and biscuit at home and truly indulge yourself with the finest that Suffolk has to offer.
The dilemma is deciding the best place to have your afternoon tea as there are several exquisite hotels and tearooms in Suffolk. Then, there is also the matter of many tasty options, including cream clotted scones, dainty pastries and finger sandwiches.
But don’t fret, we have got you covered with our research. The following are some of the best places in Suffolk to pop down for a delightful afternoon tea to satisfy your sugar and social cravings.
This boutique hotel located in Ipswich is a great venue for you and your girlfriends to have afternoon tea in a lively, award-winning Harbour quayside restaurant. The restaurant offers you the opportunity to sip on luxury teas from around the world while gazing out at the scenic waterfront. At the hotel, you can also enjoy various finger sandwiches, creamed cheese scones and cakes.
The afternoon tea is served from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm daily and for those that want to dial up the extravagance, you can always upgrade your tea time with a glass of Champagne. Cheers to that!
<Review from Tripadvisor>
The Swan
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Well-known for its Michelin star food, The Swan is a 15th-century hotel centrally located within the medieval Lavenham village, offering various afternoon tea experiences. These include the “Traditional Afternoon Tea” which serves sandwiches or main dishes first, followed by delicious scones and cakes that can be paired with a bottle of Champagne should you wish to celebrate. There is also the “Gentleman’s Afternoon Tea”, where you’ll be able to sit down and enjoy a range of classic pastries, finger sandwiches, savouries and cakes, all within the splendour of their Gallery Restaurant.
All afternoon teas are presented on fine Royal Worcester Crockery and can be enjoyed with your guests from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
<Review from Tripadvisor>
Tuddenham Mill
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Tuddenham Mill is a magical setting with twelve acres of Suffolk countryside and a traditional watermill that has had a delicate refurbishment, making it stand out from any ordinary boutique hotel and restaurant for afternoon tea. This hotel has also earned a 2AA Rosette culinary award, courtesy of its champion and seasoned chef, Lee Bye, who runs the kitchen.
At Tuddenham Mill, you can have a traditional scone, jam, pastries, clotted cream, and sandwiches together with your afternoon tea. There is a wide range of teas, such as the Himalayan Peak Darjeeling or an Organic Earl Grey, served from Monday to Saturday, from 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm. Go and enjoy a chic and delightful experience at this Suffolk gem!
<Review from Tripadvisor>
Maison Talbooth
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Located on the Essex and Suffolk border, this luxury hotel sits on grounds that showcase beautiful views from both Dedham Vale and the Constable Countryside. As a guest, you can spend your time in the Garden Room and enjoy the view of St. Mary’s Church as you dive into your delicious serving of afternoon tea. The Maison Talbooth hotel offers a varied selection of sandwiches, buttermilk scones, clotted cream, as well as a wide range of cakes, including Battenberg, brownies, fruit cake and raspberry puffs.
Everything is prepared afresh at each tea session, which runs from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm, so you are guaranteed to feel renewed from the exquisite meal and views.
<Review from Tripadvisor>
Hintlesham Hall
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Hintlesham Hall is a Grade 1 Country House that is more than 400 years old, located in Hintlesham, 10 minutes drive from Ipswich. A serene estate surrounded by vast front lawns and rear gardens, including an orchard and rose garden, afternoon tea here is bound to be a sensory delight.
In addition to the traditional afternoon tea and the accompanying treats that are served, guests can also enjoy some Champagne, Bucks Fizz or Prosecco to add some more flavour and fizz into their experience!
Looking for a luxe afternoon tea venue where you can pap some pictures too? Visit Hintlesham Hall from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm every day.
<Review from Tripadvisor>
Westleton Crown
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The Westleton Crown is a traditional coaching inn located on Suffolk’s Heritage Coast, sitting between Aldeburgh and Southwold. With a history dating back to the 1100s, this unique hotel offers afternoon tea at an affordable price. You don’t need to break the bank to enjoy afternoon tea with loved ones!
Revel in a cosy atmosphere whilst you choose from a selection of homemade cakes, scones and finger sandwiches. Furthermore, you will also have the opportunity to listen to local live music while enjoying your mouth-watering treats from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm every day.
<Review from Tripadvisor>
Milsoms Kesgrave Hall
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For those living in Ipswich, it takes roughly 20-30 minutes to drive to Kesgrave Hall, a 4-star premium hotel located in the beautiful and serene Suffolk countryside. Here you can select from a wide range of delicious sandwiches, cakes, and scones with clotted cream and jam. Champagne Afternoon Tea is also available at the hotel whilst you relax in their intimate lounge or outside terraces, which can be especially lovely when the day is hot and sunny. The afternoon tea at Milsoms is served from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm every day.
<Review from Tripadvisor>
Brasserie Bleue
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Exploring Aldeburgh and in the mood for tea? The Brasserie Bleue at The White Lion Hotel is an indoor restaurant that serves various mixes of afternoon teas, scones, sandwiches, and cakes in beautiful themes.
Furthermore, the hotel organises different treats for its customers, depending on each month’s mood and events, promoting Suffolk county’s produce. In this way, you can support local businesses while savouring the fresh ingredients served at the restaurant.
The afternoon tea at Brasserie Bleue is served from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm every day.
<Review from Tripadvisor>
Stoke by Nayland Hotel & Spa
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If a boozy brunch is your go-to, then this family-owned golf hotel may be the answer to your afternoon tea desires. Offering panoramic views of the Constable Country and serving sparkling and traditional afternoon teas, such as the Gin & Tonic tea, and a jam infused with Bombay Sapphire, this hotel located in Leavenheath, on the Essex-Suffolk border, currently boasts a 2 AA Rosette restaurant.
Whether you’re enjoying your sips inside their lounge or in the restaurant or out on their sunny terraces, the afternoon tea here features mini sandwiches, cakes, fresh homemade scones with clotted cream, alongside the freshly brewed artisan tea or coffee.
Delicious no matter what the occasion, served 7 days a week from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
<Review from Tripadvisor>
In totality, the perfect afternoon tea is a mix of a relaxing atmosphere, fine tea and delicious snacks, especially after a long week at work.
Therefore knowing the best place locally, whether it’s a restaurant or a hotel, offering the much-needed indulgence can be very satisfying.
In Suffolk, the places discussed above are among the best places to have your afternoon tea. Many of them are award-winning, with beautiful views and friendly prices that will uplift your day.
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