Best Afternoon Teas in Brighton
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1 year ago
Where to go for tea and cake by the sea
Where better to enjoy a spot of afternoon tea than in one of Britain’s most quintessential seaside towns, Brighton. The vibrant coastal region oozes English nostalgia, and is renowned for its food and drink scene: grand seafront hotels sit alongside cosy cafes and eateries nestled within the Lanes. Whether you’re after a traditional cream tea, a sky-high experience or a vegan twist on the classic delicacy, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to afternoon tea in Brighton. Here are our top picks.
Best Afternoon Teas in Brighton
Brighton i360
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See Brighton from a new vantage point by whizzing 138 metres into the sky, before heading back down to earth for cream tea by the sea. This experience from the Brighton i360 includes a trip in its glass viewing pod – which offers views of the city, plus the South Downs National Park and the UNESCO Biosphere – ahead of afternoon tea in the beachfront cafe. Enjoy freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, and a selection of sweet treats – with gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options available.
Price: £25.25pp (adult) or £12.60 (child)
Availability: Monday – Sunday, with pod journey time slots between 1.30pm and 4.30pm
BOOK: brightoni360.co.uk
The Grand Brighton
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One of Brighton’s most historic hotels, The Grand has stood proudly on the seafront since 1864. Afternoon tea here is served on the famed Victoria Terrace & Lounge, which overlooks the sea, with a traditional spread curated by Executive Head Chef, Neil. Feast on pork and leek sausage rolls, red onion and goat’s cheese quiche, and fresh sandwiches filled with chicken tarragon mayonnaise, and cheddar and spiced apple chutney. Next up: Shipton Mill scones, ahead of treats from the chef’s cake trolley – think raspberry and vanilla custard tart, and choux craquelin with chocolate cream. Enjoy alongside one of The Grand’s own blended teas, or a glass of fizz.
Price: £38pp
Availability: Served daily at 12pm, 2pm and 4pm
BOOK: grandbrighton.co.uk
That Little Tea Shop In The Lanes
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This adorable cafe nestled within the Lanes is the epitome of cosy. While you won’t find decadent multi-tiered platters here, the quaint spot offers a simple yet effective afternoon tea. Tuck into freshly baked scones with Cornish clotted cream, jam and butter, plus a sandwich and a pot of tea or cafetiere of coffee. Craving more sugar? Take your pick from the cabinet of daily cakes, tarts and tray bakes.
Price: From £12.95pp
Availability: Served everyday
BOOK: thatlittleteashop.com
Browns Brighton
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Another Brighton stalwart, the town’s branch of Browns has been around since the ‘70s, offering brasserie-style dining amid stylish settings. Its afternoon tea has always been special, but the restaurant is going the extra mile this year for its 50th anniversary edition. Guests can join in the celebrations with a slice of raspberry marble birthday cake, alongside sandwiches such as ham and Dijon mustard, and heritage hen egg mayo. Pair with a glass of Moët & Chandon Impérial Champagne or a choice of two cocktails, alongside a cup of Good Earth Tea.
Price: £22pp or £32 with a glass of champagne or a cocktail
Availability: Served everyday from 3pm to 5pm
BOOK: browns-restaurants.co.uk
Terre a Terre
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One of Brighton’s most beloved veggie restaurants, Terre a Terre is renowned for its unusual twist on afternoon tea. The eatery’s offering includes array of creative plant-based sweet and savoury dishes. Begin with Asian-inspired steamed rice buns with marinated halloumi, sweetcorn and polenta cakes, and seaweed tapioca crackers with pickled vegetables. Then, get stuck into the pastries: think orange and almond polenta cake, chocolate hazelnut truffle cake, and Crème de Cacao Brandy Alexander shake. Fear not: the tea adds a traditional edge with a tier of tea-soaked sultana scones with vanilla strawberry jam (no afternoon tea is complete without one, really).
Price: £29pp
Availability: Wednesday – Friday 12pm – 2.45pm and Saturday & Sunday 3pm – 4.45pm
BOOK: terreaterre.co.uk
Hotel du Vin Brighton
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You know you’re in safe hands at a Hotel du Vin, and the Brighton outpost is characteristically charming, with a beachy seaside feel. The bistro-style restaurant follows suit, with nautical-themed interiors and large windows overlooking Ship Street. From here you can enjoy a traditional afternoon tea, which kicks off with sandwiches of smoked salmon and cream cheese, ham and mustard, and egg and cress on brioche. On the sweet side, there are cakes including orange marmalade tea loaf, chocolate ganache pebble, Bakewell tart and Victoria sponge, plus scones with jam and clotted cream.
Price: £29.95pp
Availability: Served everyday
BOOK: hotelduvin.com
Metrodeco Brighton
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Vintage tea room meets modern cafe at Metrodeco Brighton, a friendly spot in the heart of buzzy Kemptown. Its award-winning afternoon tea uses seasonal produce from local markets, which means the menu changes daily. You might be served bacon and cheddar croissants and pork and thyme sausage rolls – or, if you’re vegan, kimchi toasties and homemade pesto and tomato sandwiches. Follow with scones and sweet treats of mini glazed doughnuts, macarons and fresh fruit. A complimentary glass of Prosecco or Nozeco is included, alongside artisan teas from MD Tea and Bird & Blend.
Price: £37pp
Availability: Friday – Sunday
BOOK: metro-deco.com
Leman Tea Room
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This teeny tiny tea room is worth a visit for the novelty factor alone, with just three tables and the ultimate chintzy look. Perched on the corner of St James’s Street and Madeira Place, it serves a stellar afternoon tea – and while the venue may be small, your appetite must be big. Tuck into a selection of homemade cakes, sandwiches, scones, teas and coffees while watching the world go by. You can also hire the whole thing for (little) private events.
Price: £16.90pp
Availability: Served everyday
BOOK: leman-tea-room.business.site
