Afternoon Tea: A Timeless Tradition

​Afternoon Tea is a quintessentially British tradition and originated in the early 19th century.  It was introduced by Anna, the Duchess of Bedford, who found the long wait between lunch and dinner unbearable. She began taking a light meal of tea, sandwiches, and cakes in the afternoon, a practice that quickly became very fashionable. 

Afternoon Tea is the perfect option whether you are meeting friends, celebrating special occasions, or simply indulging in a bit of luxury.  In Harrogate, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to afternoon tea, with several excellent tearooms in the local area.   

A traditional Afternoon Tea usually consists of sandwiches, scones, cakes, and pastries—with tea, of course. Some Afternoon teas will also include small savoury items. The key to an Afternoon Tea is the delicate nature of the servings. 

Tea is the star of the show, and where better to drink tea than in Harrogate, home of Taylors Tea, creators of the famous Yorkshire Tea, as well as many other teas such as Earl Grey, Darjeeling, Assam and English Breakfast.  Herbal and fruit teas are often available, with both chamomile and Peppermint teas being particularly popular. 

It’s not afternoon tea without sandwiches.  Traditional options include cucumber, smoked salmon with cream cheese, egg and cress, and ham with mustard, all served with the crusts off, and cut into delicate triangles. 

Warm scones, both plain and fruit varieties, are generally included and usually served with both clotted cream and fruity jam. 

And for those with a sweet tooth, the highlight of the meal is the cakes and pastries.  A number of varieties are usually included, and these may range from Victoria sponges and Lemon Drizzle cake slices to macarons, eclairs, fruit tarts and sumptuously decorated cupcakes. 

Some Afternoon Teas may include additional savouries such as quiches or cheese straws, and you may also choose champagne or prosecco rather than tea to accompany your meal. 

Harrogate has a number of charming places to take tea.  Perhaps the most well-known is Bettys.  Located at the top of Montpellier Hill, and famous for its Afternoon Teas, Bettys is popular with locals and visitors alike.  There are usually queues so it can be a good idea to book ahead.  However, the ambience, customer service and quality of food are second to none and well worth the wait.  The décor is traditional and retains the genteel air of a true Victorian tea room.  This is a “must do” for many people who visit the Harrogate area. 

Betty’s also has a Tea Rooms located at RHS Harlow Carr Gardens and for those who love gardening, this is perhaps the best location to choose..  What better way to round off a visit to RHS Harlow Carr and its well-stocked garden and gift shop than a trip to Betty’s for Afternoon Tea? 

Both Betty’s locations offer Vegetarian and Vegan options as well as Gluten-Free. 
If you prefer a more modern décor and quirky detailing, then head over to Mama Doreen’s Emporium.  Situated on James Street, Harrogate, this charming tea room creates the most delicious Afternoon Teas.  They specialise in cupcakes and speciality cakes and serve Afternoon Tea from vintage crockery.  There is a 1950’s feel to this tea room and it’s one of the local’s favourite places to take tea.  The cupcakes are highly recommended and they offer prosecco Afternoon Tea.  Mama Doreen’s cater to Gluten-Free diets and their GF afternoon teas are highly recommended. 

It is possible to walk to all of these tearooms from The Camberley Hotel and Cottages.  The two town centre locations are around a 10 – 15 minute walk away, whilst the Harlow Carr location is around a 45 minute to 1 hour walk.  Head up straight down Kings Road towards the town centre, cross the main road, still heading straight on, walking past the Crescent Gardens.  You will see the gates to the Valley Gardens ahead as you round the corner and can walk up through the gardens and woods, cross the road and continue on the narrow road.  Take a right at the glasshouses and cross the field diagonally left to the footpath which has stunning long-range views.  At the bottom of the hill, turn left and the gardens and tea rooms are a little way up the road on the right hand side. Afternoon Tea can be surprisingly filling, so you may be glad of the walk back after your visit to the tea rooms and gardens.

Not sure which tea rooms to visit?  Perhaps stay with us for a couple of nights and try both Betty’s and Mama Doreen’s.  There is plenty to do in Harrogate, whether you enjoy gardens, retail therapy, theatre or outdoor pursuits.  With over 30 years of experience in the Harrogate area, we can advise you on local attractions and activities.  Or why not check out our other blogs which give details on a range of things to do in the local area.
We have a range of options including:
Room-only (no breakfast) – The Lodge.
Bed and Breakfast – The Camberley.
Self-catering – the fabulous Camberley Cottages. 
​
Both The Lodge and The Camberley have a range of rooms available, and if you have specific requirements do book direct with us. We are always happy to help and want you to thoroughly enjoy your stay with us.    

---