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Where to Eat: Afternoon Tea in Brighton

Celebrate Afternoon Tea Week 2020 in style with this handy guide to Brighton's best tea shops!

A tiered tray filled with various desserts, including scones, macarons, and slices of cake, is in focus at the forefront of a cafe setting. In the background, patrons are seated at tables and engaging in conversation. Additional cakes are displayed on glass-covered stands.
Image © Facebook via @metrodeco

Spotlight on: Metrodeco

38 Upper St James Street, Brighton, BN2 1JN
 
For a tea-room that’ll transport you right back to the 1930s, head to Metrodeco in the heart of Kemptown! From loose leaf teas, speciality coffees or teacup cocktails, Metrodeco has got it all. They’re well known for serving one of the best afternoon teas in Brighton, perfect for an afternoon out! Perch on a retro chaise lounge and enjoy afternoon tea served on vintage crockery, with sandwiches, scones and plenty of sweet treats served on classic three-tier stands. Try out classic cream tea flavours including smoked salmon and crème fraiche or cream cheese and cucumber sandwiches and be sure to lather a scone with jam and lashings of cream. 
 
Naturally, no afternoon tea is complete without a drink to go alongside your bite-sized treats. Metrocdeco offers 20 types of loose-leaf teas for you to choose from, along with some quality coffees. Alternatively, branch out and enjoy a glass or two of prosecco, a locally produced G&T or perhaps a teapot cocktail! Prices range from £23.50 - £32.50 per person, with vegan and savoury only food options readily available! Visit their website to check out the menu and book! 

That Little Tea Shop in the Lanes

A table set for tea, featuring a slice of cake with frosting on a plate with a fork, a floral-patterned teapot, a matching teacup and saucer, and a jug. The table is covered with a light blue tablecloth, and a wooden chair is visible in the background.
Image © Facebook via @ThatLittleTeashopInTheLanes

17 Meeting House Lane, Brighton, BN1 1HB
 
What? A wonderfully traditional teashop with fresh cakes and plenty of bites to eat. 

Where? Tucked away in the Laines, moments from North Street. 

Why? Keeping it simple in this cosy tearoom, their afternoon tea comes in at £10 per person (or £18 for two) and includes one sandwich per person, a warm scone with jam and cream and a pot of tea or coffee. 

The Ivy in the Laines

Two profiteroles topped with scoops of vanilla ice cream and drizzled with chocolate sauce on a white plate. A hand pouring more chocolate sauce over the dessert. A cocktail with a red garnish is in the background. Stained glass window with diamond shapes in the backdrop.
Image © Facebook via @theivybrighton

51A Ship Street, Brighton, BN1 1AF 
 
What? Brighton’s own version of London’s famous restaurant, The Ivy! 

Where? Just off North Street, in the heart of the Laines.  

Why? For an extra special afternoon tea experience head to The Ivy, where a selection of bite-sized sarnies and scones offer a luxurious treat. Splash out and enjoy champagne afternoon tea or select a posh G&T from their drinks menu. 

Badgers Tea House

A dessert table displaying multiple stands and dishes filled with an assortment of freshly baked scones, some dusted with powdered sugar. Accompanying the scones are bowls of clotted cream and dark fruit jam, likely for a traditional afternoon tea.
Image © badgersteahouse.com/gallery

The Old Village Bakery, North Street, Alfriston, East Sussex, BN26 5UG
 
What? Historic tea house with fresh, home-baked goods! 

Where? In Alfriston, a chocolate box village in the South Downs. Just 15 miles outside of Brighton and well worth a day trip in the car. 

Why? Boasting fine bone china cups, a pretty garden and a cosy tearoom, Badgers Tea House is the perfect spot for an authentic afternoon tea experience. They bake their own bread for sandwiches and their scones are second to none. Pair this day out with a walk around the beautiful surroundings of the National Park to walk off all the cream and jam.