Restaurant Brighton's guide to
Afternoon Tea Sussex
Our top picks
Afternoon Tea Sussex | Best Cream Teas, Cakes & Tearooms in East and West Sussex
Indulge in the timeless tradition of afternoon tea in Sussex, where charming tearooms, luxury hotels, and countryside cafés serve irresistible spreads across East Sussex and West Sussex. From freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam to elegant tiered stands of finger sandwiches, cakes, and pastries, Sussex is a haven for tea lovers. Whether you’re seeking a seaside cream tea, a countryside escape, or a lavish hotel experience, our guide to afternoon tea in Sussex showcases the very best spots for tea, cake, and indulgent treats.
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Indulge in a quintessential English Afternoon Tea at Terra Restaurant, nestled in the picturesque countryside at the foot of the South Downs. Its Sussex location offers the perfect setting for alfresco dining, complete with a pergola, fire pits, and grassy benches. Could an afternoon tea get any more idyllic? Treat yourself to freshly made finger sandwiches, sweet and savoury treats, all accompanied by Hoogly Tea from Brighton suppliers, or elevate your experience with a glass of Sussex Sparkling.
A unique experience in Sussex, this nostalgia-rich afternoon tea is served on the restored decks of the RML 2333. Although the Brighton Regency Routemaster afternoon tea tour picks up guests in central Brighton, it takes them out to see the local countryside, so we’ve included it here. Taking in a host of historic local attractions you’re sure to be charmed by the vintage beauty of the transport. Sussex Afternoon tea is a lovely assortment of sweet and savoury patisseries, cakes and sandwiches with tea, gin cocktails or prosecco. Watch the world go by as you’re serenaded by the sounds of the 1960s.
A delightful choice for a Sussex afternoon tea, the Malmaison at Brighton Marina is famed for its spectacular views and exquisite afternoon tea experience. Embracing the cherished tradition of sipping tea or fizz while enjoying dainty sandwiches, Malmaison adds its own creative flair with seasonal and trendy twists on cakes and sandwiches, promising delightful surprises. On chilly days, the sophisticated yet cosy bar or dining room offers a perfect setting for toasts and catch-ups. When the sun shines, the hotel’s boutique hotel terrace becomes the ultimate spot to relax, savour scones, and sip a glass of fizz. Plus, there’s free parking nearby.
The Vineyard Kitchen at Leonardslee Wine Estate serves Sussex afternoon tea every day of the week. In the summertime, the sun-drenched terrace is the perfect spot, boasting beautiful views over the estate. In the cooler months, the wood-panelled comfort of the dining room, with its blazing log fire, makes for a suitably special setting. Leonardslee Wine Estate offers both a savoury and a classic tea, with free-flowing beverages or cocktails and wine for an extra treat. Leonardslee Vineyard Kitchen is also a great Sussex restaurant.
Wingrove House is a historic villa set on the outskirts of Alfriston, one of Sussex’s most idyllic villages. The romantic setting, pretty English garden and traditional service make this an ideal place to enjoy Sussex afternoon tea. Wingrove House offers a beautifully simple cream tea or the classic tiers of delicate cakes and pastries, finger sandwiches and fluffy scones with cream and strawberry jam. The Sparkling Afternoon Tea is served with a flute of English sparkling wine from the beautiful vineyard at the nearby Rathfinny Estate. Not to be missed!
Image credit: The Cobblestone Tea House
Nestled within the charming town of Steyning, steeped in history and situated in West Sussex, Cobblestone Tea House has origins dating back to the 15th Century. Tucked away from the bustling high street, this teahouse offers a sanctuary for tea enthusiasts, inviting visitors to indulge in delightful cream teas along with sumptuous breakfasts, and delectable lunches.
Image credit: The Old Tollgate Hotel
On the doorstep of the South Downs you’ll find the sleepy village of Bramber, where the idyllic Old Tollgate Hotel is located. At the hotel’s restaurant, a delightful treat awaits in the form of daily cream teas from 3-5pm. Guests can savour the experience of a pot of their preferred tea, accompanied by two freshly baked scones served with generous dollops of clotted cream and luscious jam.
Image credit: The Nutmeg Tree
The Nutmeg Tree is a quaint 1930/40s era tearoom in the historic town of Ditchling. Their afternoon tea menu gives you the choice of a simple cream tea, a sandwich cream tea or the full afternoon tea with all of the trimmings. There’s a ‘Maltby’ tea too which includes Welsh Rarebit, cake and tea. Take a seat in the enclosed garden on a sunny day with views of the South Downs, what more could you want from an afternoon tea experience!
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Top picks include The Grand Brighton (luxury afternoon tea with sea views), Hotel du Vin (classic tiered stands), Metropole Bar (elegant seafront lounge), Malmaison Brighton (marina vibes), Terre à Terre (inventive vegetarian), Terra at Tottington Manor (Sussex countryside), and the Brighton Regency Routemaster for an on-the-move experience.
For luxury afternoon tea Brighton style, book The Grand on the seafront or the Metropole Bar for a refined lounge setting. Prefer harbour views? Malmaison Brighton serves afternoon tea overlooking the marina.
Yes—try the Brighton Regency Routemaster. This vintage bus serves afternoon tea as you tour the city, combining classic finger sandwiches, cakes and scones with a moving sightseeing experience.
Terre à Terre is renowned for creative vegetarian afternoon tea with imaginative savouries and sweets. Many hotels, including Hotel du Vin and The Grand, can often provide plant-based options with advance notice.
The Grand offers a Champagne upgrade to its luxury afternoon tea; Hotel du Vin also pairs classic tiers with bubbles. Metropole Bar and Malmaison frequently feature sparkling options for celebratory cream teas.
Head to Terra at Tottington Manor. This Sussex spot offers a relaxing countryside setting with a refined afternoon tea—perfect for a scenic escape just outside the city.
For a classic cream tea Brighton visitors love, try The Grand for warm scones with clotted cream and jam, Hotel du Vin for a cosy, heritage feel, or Metropole Bar for a seafront lounge experience.
The Grand’s lounges are ideal for milestone treats; Malmaison offers marina-side spaces; Metropole Bar suits stylish gatherings; Terra at Tottington Manor works well for countryside celebrations. The Brighton Regency Routemaster can also be hired for memorable group afternoon tea tours.
