Taste-Tasted Afternoon Tea in Cambridge (from a Local!)

LOOKING FOR THE BEST AFTERNOON TEA IN CAMBRIDGE?

Then you’re in the right place, because I live in Cambridge and have spent many difficult and gruelling hours taste testing the top afternoon tea spots, all so that I can show you quirky spots, places by the river, and even vegan options.

I promise you that Cambridge is one of the best places in the country for afternoon tea, with plenty of options for all tastes and budgets.

There are beautiful hotels and quiet spots on the riverside, and it’s even possible to have a takeaway afternoon tea to eat and drink on Parker’s Piece in the summer.

Find my full ratings below, read the reviews, and make sure you’re hungry.



Quick Overview

Updates 10.07.2024:

  • Added The Fellows House as the new number 1 location.
  • Updated prices for all venues.
VenueMy RatingPrice (per person)Book
The Fellows House⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️£27Website
Fitzbillies⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2£25.95Website
Parker’s Tavern⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2Β£39Website
Six at Varsity Hotel⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️£29.50 (Mon-Fri)
Β£36.50 (Sat-Sun)
Website
Graduate Hotel⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️£29.50Website
Gonville Hotel⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️£29.95Website
The Clayton Hotel⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️£28Website
The Ivy⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️£34.95Website
Brown’s⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2Β£23Website
Carriage’s⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2Β£34.50Website
The Orchard⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️£36Website

1. The Fellows House

πŸ“ 33A Milton Rd, Cambridge CB4 1UZ

Fellows House afternoon tea

⭐️ Rating: 5/5 | πŸ’· Cost: ££ | 🍰 Book Now!

The Fellows House is one of the relatively new high-end hotels in Cambridge with a restaurant (The Folio Bar & Kitchen) that is now offering afternoon tea, Thurs-Sun, 12:00-16:30.

They are one of the cheapest afternoon teas in Cambridge, on a par with the former leaders Fitzbillies (who are Β£1 cheaper), and with no weekend supplement unlike Six, and I’m happy to report, also my new favourite afternoon tea.

The Fellows House team manage to outperform even the much more expensive venues like Parker’s Tavern for food quality, with some really exceptional dishes in their afternoon tea service.

Fellows House afternoon tea selection

The savouries can often be a bit of an afterthought with afternoon tea, but it’s clear they have really put some effort in to bring them up to the same par as the sweets. They were all excellent, with a particular shout-out to the vegetable and salmon quiche, which was truly exceptional – I would happily have that as a full-sized meal.

The brie, tomato and basil sandwich was also very good. It was a mini ciabatta-type bread, with two types of tomato and was completely different – and better – than the sandwiches you usually get at afternoon tea.

Fellows House afternoon tea savouries

I wasn’t convinced on seeing cranberry and rosemary scones on the menu, but again the flavours are so well balanced and work so well together, that I would now choose them over any other scone that I saw on the menu.

The sweet selection was just as strong, with the chocolate hazelnut tart a particular standout, with a depth of flavour that you don’t usually find.

Fellows House sweets

Unlike every other afternoon tea where I can usually find two or three things that I wouldn’t choose to have again, there was only one that didn’t live up to the quality of the rest of the dishes: the mango pana cotta. The flavours were good and I still enjoyed it, but I feel this would have worked better as a mango mousse or similar.

Fellows House afternoon tea menu

Tea selection isn’t as in-depth as Six, who have probably the most extensive selection (but food is definitely better than Six).

You get seven types of loose leaf tea, with the masala tea being a standout and staff will also give you extra hot water for your teapot.

You can also get a glass of prosecco or champagne for an extra Β£5 or Β£10, respectively, which I would definitely recommend, and if you give 24 hours notice, they can also accommodate gluten free/vegan/vegetarian/halal diets and allergies/intolerances with their menu.

Fellows House tea

The whole environment is very relaxed and quiet, not rushed and noisy like some of the city centre venues, and there is more of a restaurant vibe than the cafe vibe you get at Fitzbillies.

If you’re in the centre of town, then it’s about 15 minutes walk to The Fellows House, but this keeps it quieter than other, more central places. It’s also in an excellent location if you are taking part in the Cambridge Half Marathon or involved in some other event at Midsummer Common, as you’re only 5 minutes walk away.

Fellows House bar

Overall, I have no hesitation in saying that The Fellows House is the best afternoon tea in Cambridge, and is well worth a visit.

πŸ˜‹At a Glance:
delicious food and a relaxed vibe


2. Fitzbillies

πŸ“51-52 Trumpington St, Cambridge CB2 1RG

fitzbillies cambridge afternoon tea

⭐️ Rating: 4.5/5 | πŸ’· Cost: Β£ | 🍰 Book Now!

Fitzbillies is one of the oldest cafes in Cambridge, going through a couple of periods of bankruptcy to get where they are now.

They are most famous for their Chelsea buns, but do a very well-proportioned afternoon tea with a good drink selection.

Unlike some of the other establishments, you do not come away from Fitzbillies feeling absolutely stuffed!

fitzbillies cambridge afternoon tea full set

Not all of the sandwiches are perfect – does anyone really like cheese and cucumber sandwiches – but the Norfolk ham and mustard were delicious, as was the Salmon, and the scones are among the best I’ve had, soft on the inside with a firmness to the outside.

The desserts are all delicious, and you get to choose your own flavour of macaron – the pistachio was surprisingly good.

fitzbillies cambridge menu

There’s also a good selection of teas from around the world, with your teapot filled up with hot water at regular intervals, price-wise this is one of the cheapest afternoon teas in Cambridge, although all are within a few pounds of each other.

You can also get cream tea at Fitzbillies, which I would highly recommend if you are not hungry enough for afternoon tea, just because of the high quality of the scones.

Fitzbillies offers a takeaway afternoon tea picnic, which you could take to nearby Coe Fen to have afternoon tea by the river.

fitzbillies cambridge take away afternoon tea

They also offer afternoon tea by mail order, with nationwide delivery, along with vegan afternoon tea and gluten-free versions, as well as afternoon tea vouchers which I keep getting for my birthday for some reason…

πŸ˜‹At a Glance:
traditional setting and ideal if you are not super hungry


3. Parker’s Tavern at University Arms

πŸ“52-42 Regent St, Cambridge CB2 1AD

parkers tavern afternoon tea cambridge

⭐️ Rating: 4.5/5 | πŸ’· Cost: ££££ | 🍰 Book Now!

Only re-opened a few years ago after a major renovation, Parker’s Tavern is one of my favourite hotels in Cambridge, with a traditional high-end hotel feel to the lobby and restaurant, and stunning views over Parker’s Piece.

Their afternoon teas are themed to the season, making it just that little bit more special than some of the other places, but this does come at a relatively high cost – you’ll pay about the same as the weekend price for Six, but you do get sumptuous surroundings and some really lovely cakes, including Duke of Cambridge tart in the summer and Father Christmas’ Choux in winter.

parkers tavern cambridge afternoon tea menu

Sandwiches are suited to the high-end environment, with options including quiche, smoked salmon, and creme fraiche, and a take-home gingerbread man in the winter.

Parker’s Tavern also offers a takeaway afternoon tea in the summer, which you can take out onto Parker’s Piece for a picnic.

πŸ˜‹At a Glance:
traditional hotel with a high-class finish.


4. Six at Varsity Hotel

πŸ“24 Thompsons Ln, Cambridge CB5 8EQ

six afternoon tea cambridge

⭐️ Rating: 4/5 | πŸ’· Cost: £££ | 🍰 Book Now!

Six is one of those places you go to for the view but stay for the huge afternoon tea.

It’s located at the top of the Varsity Hotel (on the sixth floor), with floor-to-ceiling windows giving you a pretty special view of Cambridge. There’s also a terrace on the roof above where you can have cocktails if you have space after eating.

Six really go out of their way to stuff you full of food with their afternoon tea, and the couple of times I’ve been, I have had to ask for a box to take home the uneaten final desserts.

six cambridge afternoon tea menu

Tea choice is strong at Six, but they are one of the most expensive options for afternoon tea, particularly on weekends when there is a substantial surcharge, meaning this is really only suitable for weekdays.

πŸ˜‹At a Glance:
amazing city views and lots of food!


5. Graduate Hotel

πŸ“Granta Pl, Mill Ln, Cambridge CB2 1RT

graduate hotel cambridge afternoon tea

⭐️ Rating: 4/5 | πŸ’· Cost: £££ | 🍰 Book Now!

Formerly the Garden House hotel, the newly refurbished Graduate has been refitted to a very high standard, with the two-story wall behind reception fitted with a jigsaw puzzle of punts.

Next to the Cam, the Graduate is the place for afternoon tea by the river in Cambridge, as you can sit in their garden right on the river’s banks if the weather’s good. Otherwise, you still get a good view from within the hotel restaurant.

graduate hotel cambridge afternoon tea menu

Prices are mid-range for Cambridge, and there are only four tea selections which lets it down a little, but the food itself is tasty with a good range of desserts.

πŸ˜‹At a Glance:
eat outside next to the river.


6. Gonville Hotel

πŸ“2 Gonville Pl, Cambridge CB1 1LY

gonville hotel afternoon tea cambridge

⭐️ Rating: 4/5 | πŸ’· Cost: £££ | 🍰 Book Now!

One of the poshest hotels in Cambridge – you’ll often see their classic cars parked outside that you can book for a ride around town – the Gonville is surprisingly not the most expensive afternoon tea in Cambridge, though it isn’t far off.

They have a good selection of eight loose-leaf teas, with a couple of less common options like Japanese Cherry Tea and a particular Chinese green tea called Gunpowder.

The sandwiches are the real stars at the Gonville, with the smoked salmon and avocado on sourdough a particular highlight, although the desserts are also very nice.

gonville hotel afternoon tea cambridge menu

They have a glass-walled conservatory where you can dine with views across Parker’s Piece (from the opposite side of Parker’s Tavern), although I recommend their large bell tent in the garden if the weather is warm, which I enjoyed much more than being sat inside.

πŸ˜‹At a Glance:
fancy hotel with a high-class finish.


7. The Clayton Hotel

πŸ“27-29 Station Rd, Cambridge CB1 2FB

clayton hotel cambridge afternoon tea

⭐️ Rating: 4/5 | πŸ’· Cost: £££ | 🍰 Book Now!

About a twenty-minute walk from the centre of town but close to the train station, which is handy if you are doing Cambridge as a day trip, the Clayton Hotel is at the cheaper end of afternoon teas for Cambridge, but is still more expensive than Fitzbillies, and isn’t noticeably better.

They do have a lot of vegan and dairy-free options, including a falafel wrap instead of the standard finger sandwiches. Personally, I think the vegan sandwiches actually look the tastiest, and this would make the Clayton my top pick for a vegan afternoon tea in Cambridge.

clayton hotel cambridge afternoon tea menu

There are not many tea choices, but there is Sencha, one of my favourites, and that makes this a winner in my opinion. You can also get a cream tea here if you want something lighter.

πŸ˜‹At a Glance:
amazing city views and lots of food!


8. The Ivy

πŸ“16 Trinity St, Cambridge CB2 1TB

the ivy cambridge afternoon tea

⭐️ Rating: 4/5 | πŸ’· Cost: ££££ | 🍰 Book Now!

The Ivy offers a strong mid-priced afternoon tea, with a brioche roll in the sandwiches and a more quirky selection of desserts.

The tea selection is fairly standard, but the main problem with the Ivy is that afternoon tea is only served in a tight time range from 3-5 pm.

the ivy cambridge afternoon tea menu

Personally, I prefer an earlier afternoon tea as then you don’t have to worry about lunch, and really you shouldn’t have any lunch if you are coming to Ivy, as the more generous portions in their afternoon tea mean that you’ll be stuffed unless you come on an empty stomach.

πŸ˜‹At a Glance:
comfortable and great service.


9. Brown’s

πŸ“23 Trumpington St, Cambridge CB2 1QA

browns afternoon tea cambridge

⭐️ Rating: 3.5/5 | πŸ’· Cost: Β£ | 🍰 Book Now!

Brown’s is the only place to get a guaranteed gluten-free afternoon tea in Cambridge, but otherwise, it’s probably best to skip unless you are on a tight budget.

browns afternoon tea cambridge menu

The afternoon tea is cheap but doesn’t match the highs of the others, and the tea selection is poor.

πŸ˜‹At a Glance:
amazing city views and lots of food!


Extra Option Outside Town: Carriages of Cambridge

πŸ“Bannold Supplies, Capability Barns, Huntingdon Rd, Fen Drayton, Cambridge CB24 4SD

carriages afternoon tea cambridge

⭐️ Rating: 4.5/5 | πŸ’· Cost: ££££ | 🍰 Book Now!

If you’re looking for a quirky afternoon tea in Cambridge, then Carriages is the place for you, with a large tea served in restored railways carriages dating from the 1920s and 1930s.

There’s not only the carriages themselves, but a genuine 1920s station platform to complete the whole experience.

carriages afternoon tea cambridge menu

With two scones per person and lots and lots of sandwiches, you are not going to come away hungry from a visit to Carriages, so make sure you have space!

You can also have high tea or a simpler cream tea.

The only issue is that Carriages is not located in Cambridge city itself, and is some way out next to the old part of the A14. It’s only really accessible with your own car, as you can’t get very close with public transport. They also tend to get booked out months in advance, so advance booking is essential.

πŸ˜‹At a Glance:
stunning restored railway carriages.


Extra Option Outside City Centre: The Orchard Tea Garden, Grantchester

πŸ“47 Mill Way, Grantchester, Cambridge

orchard tea garden afternoon tea cambridge

⭐️ Rating: 4/5 | πŸ’· Cost: ££££ | 🍰 Book Now!

Located a short walk down the river from Cambridge, you can sit out in the garden on deckchairs for a cream tea, or go into the cafe building for an afternoon tea with big slabs of cake.

orchard tea garden afternoon tea cambridge menu

It’s one of the most expensive and you have to book at least 2 days in advance, so for me this is a better spot for a cream tea in Cambridge, as you can just turn up without booking, although you will struggle to find a table on a nice day in the summer.

πŸ˜‹At a Glance:
deckchairs on a sunny meadow


Where To Go For Afternoon Tea in Cambridge

  • The best afternoon tea in Cambridge is The Folio Bar and Kitchen at The Fellows House, as you get a perfect portion size, good tea choices, delicious food, and one of the cheapest afternoon teas in Cambridge all in one.
  • For afternoon tea in Cambridge by the river, go to the Graduate Hotel, or get a takeaway afternoon tea from Fitzbillies and have a picnic beside the river opposite the Graduate in Coe Fen.
  • Carriages is the spot for quirky afternoon tea, with it being served inside the 1930s restored railway carriages.
  • Browns and The Fellows House do guaranteed gluten-free afternoon tea, although Fitzbillies, Six, and others offer non-guaranteed gluten-free.
  • Many places offer vegan afternoon tea, including The Fellows House, Fitzbillies, the Ivy, and the Clayton Hotel.
  • For punting and afternoon tea in Cambridge, go to Scudamores, although you will have to hire the entire punt so this is only economical for larger groups.

If you’ve found any other favourite places, then let me know in the comments below!


Read More:

The best tea rooms in Cambridge

The best pubs in Cambridge

All Cambridge restaurants by the river

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