Drinking tea is a very quintessentially British pastime, so it's easy to see why our shores are littered with some of the finest tea-drinking establishments around. Here are seven of the best that the UK and Ireland have to offer.
The Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin
Dine in luxury at The Shelbourne Hotel
No visit to Dublin would be complete without a visit to the Lord Mayor’s Lounge at The Shelbourne Hotel for afternoon tea. With its exquisite setting and five-star service, you’ll lap up every minute of this indulgent experience. Choose from an extensive range of teas and coffees, as well as finger sandwiches and mouthwatering cakes.
Oh Me Oh My, Liverpool
Overlooking the River Mersey, this tea room in Liverpool easily commands one of the best views in the city. Boasting a 1950s kind of vibe, tea lovers will rejoice at the prospect of unlimited tea, served with dainty sandwiches and to-die-for cakes.
Fortnum & Mason, London
Add to your experience with a glass of fizz
A positively splendid afternoon tea at Fortnum & Mason
The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum & Mason was formally opened by the Queen, so if you’re looking for a tea room that has earned the regal seal of approval, then this one surely scores top marks. With over 80 different types of tea to choose from, there’s something to suit every taste.
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Casa Angelina, Edinburgh
This vintage-style tea room is the full package for any tea lover, but its menu also provides something a bit different to whet vegan appetites. Offering exciting twists on the usual afternoon tea stalwarts, you can sample delights such as veggie-infused bagels and mini spinach pies.
Titanic Hotel, Belfast
Enjoy a sumptuous afternoon tea in elegant surroundings
Set on the site where the infamous ship was once built, you get an idea of the Titanic’s opulence and splendour when enjoying afternoon tea next to the Grand Staircase. Once you’ve agonised over which of the vast range of teas to choose from, expect your beverage of choice to be served in replica White Star Line crockery at the Titanic Hotel.
Annies, Manchester
One of Manchester’s must-visit tea room venues, Annies exudes a laid-back vibe with a few theatrical elements thrown in for good measure. This might be down to the fact that it’s part-owned by Coronation Street’s own Fiz, aka Jenny McAlpine. Bursting with tasty treats, this tea room also offers great value for money.
Bettys, York
Bettys offer pristine displays of your favourite cakes
You’ll not want to miss their afternoon tea
One of Yorkshire’s most famous culinary pleasures, a trip to Bettys is a must for any bucket-list tea aficionado. While there are six Bettys tea rooms throughout Yorkshire, the flagship establishment in York is the most well-known. Expect long queues to get in, but once you’re seated, you will feel like you’ve stepped back in time to a truly sophisticated era.
