Award Winning Afternoon Tea in Northern Ireland

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 Northern Ireland is also likely to provide some of the best afternoon tea in Northern 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.

Ah, Northern Ireland, a veritable gem of the United Kingdom that harbours both stunning landscapes and a flourishing culture of culinary delights. Whilst it is widely celebrated for its natural beauty - from the lush Glens of Antrim to the mesmerising Giant's Causeway - the region also enjoys a proud tradition of afternoon tea, a ritual cherished by many locals and visitors alike. Steeped in elegance and promises of indulgence, afternoon tea offerings here are a true reflection of Northern Ireland's rich heritage. Embracing delicious home-grown produce combined with the finest teas, many venues honour the art of a proper afternoon tea experience. Historic hotels and charming tea rooms provide the perfect setting to enjoy this time-honoured tradition, whether in the bustling heart of Belfast or the tranquil countryside. Amongst the finest choices for afternoon tea in Northern Ireland is the opulent Merchant Hotel in Belfast. With its grand Victorian interiors, it sets the scene for a decadent tea experience, offering an exquisite selection of sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and delicate pastries all complemented by an extensive tea menu. Similarly, in the coastal town of Bangor, the luxurious surroundings of the Clandeboye Lodge provide a more contemporary twist on traditional fare, where afternoon tea is served with creative flair. If venturing slightly further afield, a visit to the charming Ballygally Castle near the Causeway Coast will not disappoint. In addition to its scenic location overlooking the sea, the castle invites guests to enjoy afternoon tea in the setting of a genuine 17th-century building. Regardless of which spectacular venue one chooses, Northern Ireland offers the perfect balance of refinement and hospitality, ideal for an afternoon spent sipping tea and savouring delicate treats.