With or without Sussex sparkling wine, afternoon tea is one of life’s wonderfully indulgent pleasures. Whether you’ve been on a long walk and need to refuel, want to treat yourself or someone else for a special occasion or just fancy a moment or two of opulence, we’ve put together a list of some of the best afternoon teas in Sussex.
NB. This is a work in progress as we eat our way across the county.
Stansted Park Pavilion Tearoom
Head to the rather lovely Pavilion Tearoom and Victorian glasshouse in the Walled Garden at Stansted. They serve afternoon tea from 3.30 pm every day, but you need to book.
Ashdown Park Hotel & The Grand
Ashdown Park Hotel and the The Grand in Eastbourne are part of the same family. Their afternoon teas are award-winning. At Ashdown Park, they also offer Sussex afternoon tea, Champagne afternoon tea and even Winnie the Pooh afternoon tea. You can also opt for an afternoon tea picnic. At The Grand you can choose between Grand afternoon tea, Champagne afternoon tea and Savoury afternoon tea. Booking recommended.
Gravetye Manor
Set in the stunning manor house that was built in 1598 and has majestic views and beautiful grounds, you need a minimum of six people to have afternoon tea at Gravetye. Alternatively, you can just book for morning coffee.
Bailiffscourt
Down on the coast at Climping, Bailiffscourt is part of the Historic Sussex Hotels group which also includes Ockenden Manor in Cuckfield and The Spread Eagle in Midhurst. Head to any of these for a fabulous afternoon treat. Afternoon tea is served between 3 pm and 4.30 pm (3 pm and 5.30 pm at Ockenden Manor and 3 pm to 5 pm at The Spread Eagle).
Guestling Hall
Guestling Hall is set in beautiful grounds high up on the hill with Camber Sands in the distance. Enjoy afternoon tea either in the Orangery in front of the fire.
South Lodge
Head to South Lodge for a touch of luxury and enjoy afternoon tea on the sofa in the drawing room or lounge, or out on the terrace with views across to the South Downs when the weather is kind.
Doubletree by Hilton Brighton Metropole
Set along the iconic Brighton seafront, this striking hotel built in 1890 as a cool Art Deco Metropole Bar & Terrace where they serve afternoon tea daily. Sit in the sunshine and then head off for a walk on the beach.
The Relais Cooden Beach
Head to the beach not far from Eastbourne and to the Rally Bar at the Relais for a choice of classic or plant-based afternoon teas – available from 2 pm to 4.30 pm. Booking recommended.
Amberley Castle
You will feel every bit the lord and lady of the castle when you indulge in afternoon tea at Amberley Castle. With 900 years of history and beautiful grounds, you can opt for their classic afternoon tea or go big with Laurent-Perrier La Cuvée Champagne or a Nyetimber Flight afternoon tea. Booking is required and afternoon tea is served Monday – Sunday from 12:30 pm to 4.00 pm.
Prices for afternoon tea vary per venue from as little as £16 per person to as much as £65 per person. Booking is always recommended and check availability before you travel.
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