Whether it’s Mother’s Day or you simply fancy some finger sandwiches, scones and tea in the sun, an afternoon tea is a popular pastime that shows no sign of stopping, especially since the rise of brunch offerings in cafes, restaurants and the like.
And us Bristolians love an afternoon tea – be it a fanciful tiered tray filled with posh sarnies and sweet treats, the traditional scones with clotted cream and jam, options where you can replace the tea element with some bubbles, and even sushi (yes there’s one of these among this list).
We’ve compiled a short list of four spots that offer something different or traditional, and still as celebratory, when it comes to afternoon teas in Bristol. And, for some, it doesn’t even matter the time of day…
The Ivy
Address: 42-44 Caledonia Place, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 4DN
It doesn’t come much more classic than afternoon tea at The Ivy, and Clifton’s Ivy Brasserie serves up a spring edition, priced at £33.75 with tea or £43.75 with a glass of Champagne, that includes:
- The Ivy 1917 Cure smoked salmon and cream cheese choux bun
- Chicken Milanese and truffle cream brioche roll
- Lightly curried egg finger sandwich
- Warm fruited scones with clotted cream, fresh strawberries and strawberry preserve
- creme brulee with berry compote
- The Ivy chocolate bomb with milk foam and gold flake
- Mini chocolate truffles with a liquid salted caramel centre
- Vanilla and strawberry jam muffin
The Ivy’s afternoon tea is available everyday between the hours of 3-5pm.
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No.4 Clifton Village
Address: The Rodney Hotel, 4 Rodney Place, Clifton, Bristol BS8 4HY
Dubbed ‘the best Afternoon Tea Bristol has to offer‘, chefs at No.4 Clifton Village have supposedly ‘perfected the quintessentially British art of High Tea’. You’ll be able to tuck into a selection of finger foods, sweet treats and loose-leaf teas, from delicate cakes to savoury sandwiches.
What’s more, No.4 Clifton Village has put together hand crafted Afternoon Tea packages, which include ‘Tipsy Teapots filled with deliciously wicked cocktail concoctions’.
Classic Tea includes scones and an assortment of miniature sandwiches and cakes for £24 per person, Prosecco Tea sees you able to upgrade your Classic Tea with a glass of bubbly for an extra £31, Mocktail Tea where you can upgrade your Classic Tea with a mocktail for an extra £5, Hendricks G&Tea for £31, and even a hot chocolate option for £26.
The Library
Address: 6 St Nicholas Street, Bristol, BS1 1UQ
Did you know that cocktail bar, The Library, on St Nicholas Street has its own vintage afternoon tea parlour? It’s available Friday to Sunday, 11am-4pm and serves a traditional afternoon tea set over two courses with Champagne upgrades and unlimited Rare Tea Company teas to enjoy.
The Library’s very own in-house patisserie and baker builds every pleasantry from the base up, making the experience a very unique and relaxed one, surrounded by opulent vintage decor. Courses include unique mini loaf sandwiches and amuse bouche, as well as an abundance of scones with clotted cream and jam, sweet pastries and cakes.
Reserve your table here.
Kibou
Address: 16 Kings Road, Clifton, BS8 4AB
Japanese restaurant Kibou in Clifton serves up an afternoon tea for two on a three-tiered stand, including a selection of sushi, sashimi and Japanese sweets, for a different take on the classic. This Japanese-inspired afternoon tea costs £23 per person with a minimum of two people sharing.
It has to be pre-booked 48 hours in advance, has vegetarian options available, and comes served with a range of Japanese teas or infusions, or with a variety of drinks packages – Champagne, cocktails, sake or matcha tea. The classic afternoon tea includes things like prawn tempura California roll, sea bream nigiri, a selection of mochi ice cream, cinnamon and apple gyoza, and more.
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