by Katie Thompson
There’s nothing more tempting than a tasty tower of afternoon tea treats, right? This quintessentially British tradition is both luxurious and delicious!
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to treat yourself to an array of delectable goodies, Norwich boasts some fantastic afternoon teas! Think fresh finger sandwiches, giant cheese scones and delicate patisserie.
From cosy cafes to elegant interiors, unique themes to savoury selections, here are our recommendations for the best afternoon teas in Norwich!
The Assembly House’s afternoon teas always have wonderful themes!
Where else to start but The Assembly House? Their themed afternoon teas are the stuff of legend here in Norwich, and for good reason (£32.50pp)!
Here, you’ll be greeted by an impressive tower of sandwiches, savouries, scones, and quirky cakes and pastries, with every aspect of this afternoon tea carefully thought through to fit the theme! From spiced autumnal flavours to fruity fairytale creations, a sparkling Christmas selection and chocolatey Easter treats.
But that’s not all. Start your day right with a breakfast of champions with their Beforenoon Tea (£27.95pp, 9am – 11am). It’s three tiers of breakfast treats, including a granola shot glass, cinnamon cruffin and espresso chocolate mousse, and a small hot breakfast (we recommend the Eggs Benedict)!
And The Assembly House has savoury lovers covered too! There’s Afternoon Cheese (£30pp), complete with Norfolk cheese board, and Afternoon Seas (£36pp) – three tiers of seafood, from mini fish and chips to smoked prawns and Cromer Crab rarebit toast!
The Maids Head afternoon tea can be enjoyed in their delightful lounge or out in their courtyard
What could be more traditional than afternoon tea in the oldest site of hospitality in the UK?
At the Maids Head Hotel, you can enjoy a quintessential selection in the comfort of the hotel’s cosy lounge, stylish WinePress restaurant or outside in their charming courtyard (£30pp). Expect all the classics, from finger sandwiches to freshly baked scones, alongside an assortment of seasonal cakes and pastries. In summer, think Wimbledon-inspired fare; in colder months, indulgent flavours like cherry and chocolate. Yum!
The Last Afternoon Tea is an intimate, high-end experience bringing a touch of the West End to NorwichPuttin’ on the Ritz! At The Last, you can experience a touch of the West End here in Norwich with their high-end afternoon tea (£35pp, Saturdays only).
With an offering that includes the best loose-leaf tea- there are 12 varieties and free refills, as well as something sparkling to make it extra special, you’re sure to be tempted! Tuck into exquisite finger sandwiches- think flavours like cured trout and lemon butter, freshly baked scones, carefully crafted patisserie and even ‘the best madeleines outside of Paris’!
Cafe Benji brings Parisian flair to Norwich!
Savour an afternoon tea with Parisian flavour at Cafe Benji at Jarrolds (£26pp, Monday – Saturday). It’s sure to add a little joie de vivre to your afternoon!
This afternoon tea blends traditional treats (think freshly baked fruit scones) with an irresistible selection of quiche, macarons and cakes. To whet your appetite, choose from 10 enticing (and unlimited) tea blends or even a glass of prosecco, local wine or a crisp G&T (from £7).
If you’re looking for a twist on afternoon tea, look no further than Namaste Village. This authentic, family-run Indian offers all your afternoon favourites but with a traditional Indian twist (£29.95pp, Saturday & Sunday)!
Opt for their vegan or vegetarian menu, and you’ll be presented with an exciting three tiers of tea rolls, street food and sweet treats (including the staple scones). Served with house chutneys, tuck into the likes of a Chick’n Masala Wrap and Bombay Grilled Sandwich, before samosas and aloo bonda. Just keep room for dessert- there’s jalebi, kheer and nankhatai biscuits!
The Norfolk Mead offers afternoon tea in style
Enjoy the spectacular interior and grounds of The Norfolk Mead as you relax with their elegant afternoon tea (£26.50pp).
With a choice of the private walled garden, cosy bar and stylish dining rooms, this is a luxury experience. The Norfolk Mead prides themselves on using fresh, locally sourced produce to craft their traditional cakes and treats like meringues, tarts and brownies. You can even graze their savoury option (one for the cheese lovers) and make the afternoon sparkle with a glass of Laurent Perrier!
The beautiful Drawing Room of Park Farm Hotel
Served in Park Farm Hotel’s beautiful Drawing Room, you can enjoy three tiers of freshly prepared sweet and savoury delights (£28pp).
Each selection includes mouthwatering sandwiches and savouries- from smoked salmon and cream cheese sandwiches to pork, sage and onion sausage rolls- and a fresh fruit scone. Plus, tempting treats for every taste, such as a salted caramel and chocolate eclair and watermelon macaron! And they’re all served with loose leaf tea or freshly ground Park Farm blend coffee. Time to tuck in!
Barnham Broom is perfect for an afternoon tea and picturesque walk!
If you’re celebrating a special occasion, head to Barnham Broom for one of three afternoon teas! Alongside the traditional tea (£32.95pp), there’s a cocktail and champagne afternoon tea if you’re feeling particularly indulgent (both £41.95pp).
Settle into a cosy armchair by the warmth of their log fire and enjoy the likes of Binham blue and fig blinis, cheddar, chive and paprika scones, a blackberry eclair and chocolate mousse- we’re sold! Take your time in their Brasserie, with views of the glroious Norfolk countryside- not to mention unlimited teas and sandwich top ups!
Afternoon tea at Dunston Hall? Yes please!
In the grand Elizabethan-style building of Dunston Hall, treat yourself to their traditional afternoon tea (£35ppp). (You can even upgrade it with a glass of prosecco, champagne or a teapot of gin and tonic!)
Whether you’re under the sun on their terrace or cosying up in their snug, Dunston Hall offers a menu that’s truly quintessential. Start with a selection of finger sandwiches and keep room for not only a cheese scone, but a fruit scone with clotted cream and red berry preserve. Finish off with an assortment of sweet treats like choux buns and financiers!
