10 Best Places for Afternoon Tea in Essex 

Looking for the best places for afternoon tea in Essex? This is our tried and tested list of the best spots for some little sandwiches, scones and decadent cakes.

Whether you’re in Colchester or one of the other charming towns in Essex, you can find a lovely tea shop serving delicious treats and, of course, scrumptious afternoon teas that will have you booking again and again.

Here, we’ll explore some of the best places for afternoon tea in Essex. So put on your finest hat and get ready to enjoy a delightful experience of mini sandwiches, scones with jam and cream, and a selection of cakes for those with a sweet tooth.

10 Best Places For Afternoon Tea in Essex

If you really love afternoon tea, you might also like 17 of the best afternoon teas in London…

1. Kingscliff Hotel

Prices start from £14.95pp

Located on the seafront of Holland-on-Sea, the Kingscliff Hotel offers a delightful afternoon tea presented beautifully and inviting you to stuff yourself with delicious sweet and savoury treats. Three tiers of yum!

They serve classic scones and cakes, sandwiches, and of course clotted cream and jam to add to your scones. Their menu also features some vegetarian options, so there’s plenty to eat there if you have allergies, preferences, or if you’re just not that into afternoon tea (although booking it at this place, you might change your mind…)

The hotel offers great views of the sea, which makes it a really great spot for an indulgent afternoon tea in Essex.

2. The Gilt Rooms

Prices start from £89pp

The Gilt Rooms is a luxurious tea room in Colchester. They serve classic afternoon tea with finger sandwiches, scones, and delicious pastries, and the atmosphere makes it a firm choice on this list of the best afternoon teas in Essex.

It’s warm and inviting inside, and their attentive staff will make sure your experience is perfect every time, whether you’re there for a celebration with all your friends or family, or you’re just going with one other person to treat yourselves.

The afternoon tea in Colchester is perfect for various occasions like birthday celebrations, and with their delicious food and drinks, they might just offer the best afternoon tea in Essex.

3. Greenwoods Hotel

Prices start from £50 for two people

This luxurious hotel in Essex offers a classic afternoon tea experience, serving traditional sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, homemade cakes, macarons and more. Plus their lovely tableware is the perfect Instagrammable afternoon tea to add to your feed.

You can also enjoy a selection of different teas and coffees at Greenwoods Hotel. The warm atmosphere and attentive staff will make your visit there a truly memorable experience, and definitely up there as potentially the best afternoon tea in Essex.

4. Bannatyne Spa, Kingsford Park

Prices start from £22 pp

If you’re looking for a wonderful place to enjoy afternoon tea in Essex, then look no further than Bannatyne Spa at Kingsford Park. Offering delectable cakes and treats, premium teas and coffees, this establishment is sure to provide an unforgettable experience that you’ll be talking about for weeks after.

With cozy seating in the light-filled salon, visitors can sip drinks while admiring the countryside views and listening to soft music in the background. This is a delightful thing to do with friends or family, as Bannatyne Spa is definitely one of the best places for afternoon tea in Essex, hands down.

5. Tea at The George

Prices start from £28 pp

Tea at The George is a unique tea room situated in the heart of Colchester. The friendly staff there provide a wide variety of options to choose from, including sandwiches, cakes, and of course… scones!

Make sure to try their signature afternoon cream tea for a truly authentic and delicious experience which features finger sandwiches filled with cucumber and cream cheese, scones with local jams and clotted cream, and an assortment of seasonal cakes that are made fresh daily.

And if you’re feeling extra fancy, be sure to indulge in one of their specialty teas, such as rose champagne or strawberry slush. These fun extras are what makes The George a contender for the best afternoon tea in Essex.

6. Roslin Beach Hotel

Prices start from £32.50 pp

If you’re looking for a luxury afternoon tea experience, Roslin Beach Hotel is the perfect place. Located on the Southend seafront in Essex, this establishment offers an extensive selection of homemade sandwiches, cakes and pastries, plus speciality teas and coffee.

You can also enjoy a glass of bubbly or champagne to complete your indulgent experience, which really makes the day extra special. If you’re looking for the best afternoon tea in Essex, this could well be it. Elegant but with plenty of food on offer, this is one of the best around.

7. Lifehouse Spa and Hotel

Prices start from £74 for two people

If you’re on the hunt for a truly decadent afternoon tea, Lifehouse Spa and Hotel in Clacton, Essex could be exactly what you need. It’s a great place to take a loved one to treat them to something special, or to simply visit solo for tiers of cakes all to yourself!

This luxurious spa resort offers a range of amazing afternoon tea packages, each carefully crafted to guarantee customer satisfaction. From traditional afternoon teas with freshly made scones and jam to more extravagant options featuring finger sandwiches, quiche, and handmade macarons — this is surely one place that every afternoon tea aficionado can’t miss out on.

And to top it all off, guests enjoy spending time in this beautiful countryside setting, making for a truly memorable afternoon tea in Essex.

8. Tudors Restaurant at Marygreen Manor

Prices start from £19.50 pp

Tudors Restaurant at Marygreen Manor in Brentwood offers absolutely delicious food, but they’re also known for their epic afternoon teas. Yummy food, great atmosphere, and friendly staff; what more could you need?

Located in an elegant 16th-century manor house, this establishment serves traditional sandwiches and scones with clotted cream, as well as delicious homemade cakes and pastries.

The ambiance is charming and cozy, so it’s perfect for those looking to relax and enjoy afternoon tea in Essex in a particularly grand setting where you can feel very fancy for the day.

9. Angela Reed Cafe

Prices start from £27.95pp

The best place to enjoy a classic afternoon tea in Essex is at Angela Reed Cafe. Located in the picturesque Market Hill of Saffron Walden, it is easily accessible yet far enough away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

With over 20 years of experience baking delicious cakes and a genuine passion for the craftsmanship that goes into creating the perfect afternoon tea experience, you will not be disappointed by the choice available at Angela Reed.

From traditional favorites such as Victoria sponge and scones to unique creations like their ‘Tea-infused shortbreads’, no palette will be left unsatisfied. You’ll experience quality hospitality served with a cup of freshly brewed tea in the peaceful surroundings of Clifford House to make your afternoon tea in Essex extra special.

10. The County Hotel

Prices start from £24pp

If you’re looking for an unforgettable afternoon tea experience, head to The County Hotel in Chelmsford. This charming establishment serves up traditional sandwiches, cakes and pastries, along with a selection of speciality teas and coffees, and is not to be missed.

For added luxury, their Afternoon Tea packages include a glass of champagne or Prosecco, so whatever your preference, you can be sure to find an experience that suits you when you’re looking for afternoon tea in Essex!

No matter where you decide to enjoy your afternoon tea experience, you are sure to be delighted with the variety and quality of options available. Whether you’re looking for a traditional English experience or something more exotic, you’ll find it in Essex!

With so many places to choose from, you can be sure to find something that will make your afternoon tea experience one to remember. So why not grab a friend, get ready for some delicious food, and explore the wonderful world of afternoon tea in Essex? We guarantee you won’t be disappointed…

Quick List: 10 Best Places for Afternoon Tea in Essex 

1. Kingscliff Hotel, Holland on Sea
2. The Gilt Rooms, Colchester
3. Greenwoods Hotel, Ingatestone
4. Bannatyne Spa, Kingsford Park
5. Tea at The George, Colchester
6. Roslin Beach Hotel, Southend
7. Lifehouse Spa and Hotel, Clacton
8. Tudors Restaurant at Marygreen Manor, Brentwood
9. Angela Reed Cafe, Saffron Walden
10. The County Hotel, Chelmsford

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