Best afternoon tea in Tunbridge Wells – where’s our favourite?

There’s something truly decadent about afternoon tea and Tunbridge Wells is lucky enough to have plenty of cafes and restaurants to sit back, relax and enjoy some jam, clotted cream and scones. Not forgetting the yummy finger sandwiches and cake, of course. Here are our top picks…

From cakes on tiered stands to champagne and bubbles at afternoon tea, we love the ceremony and indulgent feeling of going out for cake! Of course it’s definitely a treat – sadly not something we can do every week, but it’s fab for a birthday or big occasion, or just getting together with friends. Once you’ve chosen your venue there’s just one more decision: what to wear for afternoon tea?

So here are our favourite places to go for afternoon tea in Tunbridge Wells…

1. The Ivy

The Ivy serve afternoon tea daily between 3 and 4.45pm. The dining room is probably the most decadent in the whole of Tunbridge Wells, with plenty of Art Deco detailing and a beautiful sit-up bar to drink cocktails at. You can choose from a straight-up cream tea (jam, scones, cream and tea), a champagne cream tea (as a cream tea, with added fizz – yum) or the full works. The Ivy does a seasonal afternoon tea, so the menu does change slightly but expect lashings of cake and tea, or if you want to go the whole nine yards you can also get champagne. I mean… it would be rude not to, right?

2. The Spa Hotel

At The Spa Hotel you can be sure you’re going to have a lovely, traditional experience. Afternoon tea at The Spa Hotel is served on Wednesdays to Sundays at 1.30-4.00pm in The Orangery Restaurant, which has panoramic views over the beautiful gardens. Expect delicate finger sandwiches, warm scones with lashings of jam and cream, and plenty of mini cakes too. You can also opt for a version with some of the best English fizz available.

3. The CHASER

Afternoon Tea at The Chaser in Shipbourne has recently launched (Mondays to Fridays from 3pm) – with finger sandwiches, scones and sweet treats galore. The portions are very generous, the setting is gorgeous (combine it with a countryside walk?) and I can personally recommend it! Booking required. We absolutely loved it! Check out our reel here….

4. Hotel Du Vin

For an elegant afternoon tea experience, Hotel du Vin on Crescent Road is a popular choice right in the heart of Tunbridge Wells. Set in a stylish boutique hotel, it’s perfect if you’re after something refined. Their afternoon tea includes all the classics – finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and a selection of sweet treats – with the option to upgrade with a glass of Champagne. Served daily, it’s a great spot for a relaxed catch-up or special occasion.

5. The Royal Wells Hotel

For a classic and relaxed close to Tunbridge Wells Common, The Royal Wells Hotel is a great local option. Their afternoon tea includes finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with cream and jam, and mini patisseries, all served with your choice of premium teas. You can also add a glass of bubbles if you’re celebrating something special. Booking in advance is recommended, especially for weekends.

6. Bewl Rookery (with alpacas!)

Afternoon Tea with Alpacas – We absolutely loved our ‘Afternoon Tea & Alpacas’ at Bewl Rookery! Located in Wadhurst, just 20 minutes from Tunbridge Wells, enjoy a homemade traditional afternoon tea in a garden marquee with stunning High Weald views – plus meet and feed the resident alpacas. Served on vintage china with loose-leaf tea or fresh coffee, it’s a unique and charming experience for all ages. Please note, this is currently closed for the winter and will re-open in June 2026.

Read on for more cake and scones in Tunbridge Wells…

7. Juliet’s

For a really charming afternoon, you can’t go wrong with Juliet’s on the High Street. People travel for miles around for Juliet’s amazing array of tempting cakes, and their hot chocolate is the best in town. Their afternoon tea won’t disappoint either – you can order one of their afternoon tea hampers, or equally pop in and order a cream tea. You will want to take company though as their scones are epically large.

8. One Warwick Park

We love that One Warwick Park don’t just offer standard, Prosecco and Champagne afternoon teas – they also do one for children too! Afternoon tea here includes scones, jam and clotted cream plus finger sandwiches and seasonal sweet treats. You can have afternoon tea here on Thursdays and Sundays.

8. The Earl Grey Tearooms

The vintage-style Earl Grey Tearooms in Southborough is a cute, more relaxed place to enjoy afternoon tea. Open Mondays to Saturdays, their afternoon tea has all the elements you’d hope and is served in a warm, and friendly environment. We love this one as it’s more chilled and very child friendly too.

Three more fab places to have afternoon tea in Tunbridge Wells

11. Salomon’s Estate

For a very British affair, Salomon’s Estate offers afternoon tea on their country estate. The afternoon tea is served in the country house overlooking the rolling grounds of Salomon’s. This is quite an affordable option, we feel yet still has all the elegant touches you’d hope for. There’s also a Prosecco version available for just £5 more.

12. The Ashdown Park Hotel

This is slightly further afield, but The Ashdown Park Hotel offers a really quintessential afternoon tea experience. The country-house hotel has several lounge rooms to take tea in. Expect tiers of sandwiches, cakes and scones served in refined surroundings and a very genteel afternoon indeed. They offer traditional afternoon tea, Champagne afternoon tea and a Winnie-the-Pooh afternoon tea for kids too. There’s also a gluten-free menu.

13. Pooh Corner

You’d be hard pressed to find a better place to take kids for afternoon tea than Pooh Corner. Situated in AA Milne’s village of Hartfield, deep in Winnie The Pooh country (Pooh Bridge and the 100-Acre wood aren’t very far at all), lies Pooh Corner tearooms. You need to book ahead for afternoon tea here, but it’s so adorable we think it’s worth planning a trip.