Whether beneath the timber-frames of Stratford-upon-Avon or lounging amidst the cultivated glamour of country house estates, Warwickshire is a splendid destination to enjoy Afternoon Tea. From fine hotels with pristine lawns to ivy-wrapped tearooms, delicious finger sandwiches, fruit scones and clotted cream take centre stage.
The following entries focus on venues that not only serve exquisite teas and patisserie, but provide a real sense of place, occasion, and exemplary service for those wanting an experience to remember. Whether looking for the full silver-service experience or something more relaxed and informal, these are Warwickshire’s finest destinations for afternoon tea.
The Arden Hotel
Found opposite the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and set along the banks of the River Avon, The Arden Hotel offers a particularly well-located setting for Afternoon Tea. The interiors are bedecked with a modern-classic palette of pale grey panelling, linen upholstery and polished floors, while the Club Bar adds an intimate fireside nook for those seeking a cosier experience during the colder months of the year. In summer, the terrace opens onto a manicured courtyard garden, offering an excellent spot for tea with views across to the Swan Theatre’s weathered brickwork.
Afternoon tea is served with a dose of theatricality. Expect a tiered display featuring dainty finger sandwiches filled with smoked salmon, free-range egg mayonnaise, or honey-roast ham, alongside freshly baked fruit scones accompanied with Chantilly cream. The patisserie selection leans into seasonal trappings, such as rhubarb and custard tartlets or pistachio choux buns in spring, and spiced chocolate delice come autumn. Gluten-free and vegan versions are handled with equal attention to detail, and ensure that those with dietary requirements enjoy the full experience as much as other customers.
Mallory Court Country House Hotel & Spa
A grand manor house set among ten acres of immaculately landscaped gardens, Mallory Court represents the height of Warwickshire hospitality. Inside, the oak-panelled drawing room and Art Deco-inspired Brasserie bring old-world elegance and grandeur to proceedings, while the gardens provide a lovely alternative in fine weather, especially the stone terrace overlooking the topiary lawns and long borders. The wisest of guests would pair their afternoon experience here with a spa day to truly make the most of the splendid settings.
The hotel offers two tiers of service for their Afternoon Tea experience: the Classic and Champagne-centred. Both begin with traditional savouries, such as smoked chicken on rye or cucumber and mint on brioche, followed by raisin-studded scones and clotted cream. The pastry team adds touches of flair to proceedings through the addition of lemon verbena eclairs, violet macaroons, or dark chocolate opera gateaux. Loose-leaf tea is poured from heavy silver pots, with staff on hand to recommend pairings from a curated selection from across the world, as well as advise on any further champagne pairings should it tickle one's fancy.
The Fourteas
This 1940s-themed tearoom on the edge of Stratford’s historic centre is a quirky but impeccably executed homage to wartime Britain. Waitresses in Victory Rolls and floral aprons, menus styled like ration books, and golden-age jazz playing in the background all contribute to the vintage ambience. Inside, the décor includes Bakelite telephones, Churchill portraits, and mismatched teacups set against wood-panelled walls and checkerboard floors.
Despite the themed setting, The Fourteas serves a serious afternoon tea. Sandwiches include classics like ham and mustard or cheddar and chutney, followed by substantial fruit scones and a towering array of homemade cakes — all made without shortcuts or preservatives. Their loose-leaf tea menu is robust, with options ranging from Darjeeling and Assam to herbal blends such as rosehip or peppermint. For a playful twist, you can opt for the ‘Spitfire Tea’ – served with prosecco or elderflower fizz in enamel mugs.
Coombe Abbey Hotel
Once a 12th-century Cistercian abbey, Coombe Abbey offers one of Warwickshire’s most immersive tea experiences. The estate is fantastically medieval, complete with moat, lake and 500 acres of parkland, exuding period drama. The interiors follow suit, with velvet drapes, candle sconces, and oak-beamed ceilings defining the public rooms, particularly the Garden Room Restaurant where teas are served. In summer, the outdoor terrace offers views across the rose garden and formal lawns stretching as far as the eye can see.
The menu here leans heavily into traditional servings, with finger sandwiches including poached salmon, roast beef with horseradish, and cucumber with dill cream. Scones are served warm, paired with thick strawberry preserve and lashings of Devonshire clotted cream. The patisserie selection is wide-ranging, from éclairs to lemon meringue tartlets and treacle slices. A Gentleman’s Tea is available too, replacing cakes with sausage rolls, pork pies and mini cheese scones, along with a wide selection of black and herbal teas to round out the offering.
Hilltop Farm
A much more contemporary café compared to many of our previous entries, Hilltop Farm balances panoramic views over the Warwickshire countryside with rustic charm, clean, Scandinavian-inspired interiors, whitewashed walls, scrubbed pine tables, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Set on a working family farm, the venue prides itself on its local sourcing and home baking for filling out the contents of its afternoon tea menu.
Hilltop’s afternoon tea is served on wooden boards rather than cake stands and features thick-cut sandwiches with local ham, Wootton cheese, and pickles, alongside large homemade scones served with raspberry jam and thick cream. Sweet treats vary but often include brownies, rocky road, or seasonal fruit tarts. The tea list is simple but high quality, with loose-leaf options served in handmade ceramic pots, for a suitably rustic experience.
The Globe
Located on Theatre Street in Warwick’s historic centre, The Globe is a boutique hotel which formerly served as a 19th-century coaching inn. The interior now offers a mix of deep-buttoned leather armchairs, antique mirrors and exposed brickwork, with the dining room and lounge feeling like a crossover between a gentlemen’s club and a stylish gastropub, with an adjacent courtyard that serves afternoon tea alfresco in agreeable weather.
The afternoon tea menu features savouries ranging from crab and chilli tartlets to classic cucumber sandwiches, followed by warm scones and a selection of miniature puddings that include the likes of elderflower drizzle cake, chocolate ganache pots, and cherry bakewells. For those celebrating a special occasion, there's a prosecco upgrade option or a Gin Afternoon Tea featuring local distillery pairings, making this a spot to mark any and every occasion, should one desire.
