Award Winning Afternoon Tea in the UK and Ireland

In total, there are 647 award winning restaurants serving afternoon tea in The UK and Ireland, based on the combined awards from the leading UK restaurant guides.

Were you expecting to see more restaurants listed that serve afternoon tea in The UK and Ireland? Remember, at Leading Restaurants we only list restaurants holding an award from a major UK restaurant guide; that's less than 3% of all restaurants in the UK and Ireland. The proportion of those restaurants that offer afternoon tea will be even lower than this.

Leading restaurant guides issue awards to restaurants based on dining from a full menu and will not normally consider afternoon tea when deciding how highly to rate a restaurant. Therefore the above restaurants are not ranked, although it's a safe bet that any restaurant serving award winning food in The UK and Ireland is also likely to provide some of the best afternoon tea in The UK and Ireland! Please also note that for the restaurants listed above, afternoon tea may be offered within the parent hotel/venue the restaurant resides in, rather than in the restaurant itself.

The best restaurant serving afternoon tea in The UK and Ireland is Helene Darroze at The Connaught in London (based on our unique combination of the leading UK restaurant guides) where head chef Helene Darroze serves up award winning Modern Cuisine. Helene Darroze at The Connaught currently holds 3 Michelin Stars, 5 AA Rosettes and a rating of Exceptional in the Good Food Guide. Please note that afternoon tea may not be provided by the same restaurant team and may be served in a different dining area if this restaurant resides in a hotel or larger parent venue.

There are currently 40 listed Michelin Star restaurants serving afternoon tea in The UK and Ireland consisting of 3 restaurants holding 3 Michelin Stars, 8 restaurants holding 2 Michelin Stars and 29 restaurants holding 1 Michelin Star. There is also 1 restaurant holding a Michelin Bib Gourmand and 92 restaurants holding a standard Michelin Guide listing.

There are currently 606 listed AA Rosette restaurants serving afternoon tea in The UK and Ireland consisting of 6 restaurants holding 5 AA Rosettes, 19 restaurants holding 4 AA Rosettes, 76 restaurants holding 3 AA Rosettes, 291 restaurants holding 2 AA Rosettes and 214 restaurants holding 1 AA Rosette.

Ah, the United Kingdom and Ireland, lands brimming with rich tradition and refined tastes. When it comes to afternoon tea, these isles truly uphold a legacy of elegance and indulgence. In England, afternoon tea is perhaps most quintessentially experienced in London, with establishments like The Ritz offering a world-renowned setting. Here, one is treated to a resplendent array of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with jam and clotted cream, and delicate pastries, all of which are served in a room that exudes classic British charm. Nearer still, Fortnum & Mason, whose reputation in fine teas reigns supreme, offers an afternoon tea experience steeped in history, perfect for those eager to savour the refined art of tea drinking in a sumptuous setting. In Ireland, both the Republic and Northern Ireland have embraced afternoon tea as part of the ever-growing interest in timeless culinary traditions. For an utterly charming tea experience, The Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin is a celebrated choice, where guests can enjoy a delightful range of teas and sweet treats in opulent surroundings. Belfast's Merchant Hotel is equally famed for its luxurious afternoon tea, which pairs delectable cakes, macarons, and scones with a grand, yet relaxed atmosphere. Whether beneath the steeples of historic cathedrals or amidst the lush green hills, the UK and Ireland together offer a rich tapestry of venues that make afternoon tea a deeply cherished ritual. Indeed, whether you prefer the rustic charm of the Irish countryside or the regal splendour of an English tearoom, both nations possess a unique charm that makes embarking on an afternoon tea journey utterly enchanting.