Award Winning Afternoon Tea in Cambridge

Please note, 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 Cambridge is also likely to provide some of the best afternoon tea in Cambridge! 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.

Cambridge, with its scenic streets and rich history, is a delightful setting for enjoying the quintessentially British tradition of afternoon tea. The city is home to a variety of charming spots where visitors can savour delicate sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and exquisite teas. One of the most celebrated venues in the area is The Orchard Tea Garden, located in the picturesque village of Grantchester, just a short distance from the bustling city centre. Here, you can enjoy your tea al fresco in the very garden that inspired literary greats like Virginia Woolf and Rupert Brooke. It is an experience steeped in tranquillity, offering a retreat from the busyness of everyday life, surrounded by nature while indulging in delicious cakes and pastries. Closer to the heart of Cambridge, one should not miss a visit to Fitzbillies, an iconic bakery and tea room located on Trumpington Street. It has been serving its famous Chelsea buns and afternoon tea since 1920. Fitzbillies offers a cosy yet elegant atmosphere where visitors can savour an assortment of traditional treats paired with high-quality loose-leaf teas. For those seeking a more modern twist on the traditional fare, the Varsity Hotel and Spa offers a rooftop afternoon tea experience, where you can enjoy stunning views of the city alongside an indulgent spread. Whether you're looking for history, tranquillity, or a contemporary dining setting, Cambridge has an afternoon tea experience to suit every palate.