Afternoon Tea in Tunbridge Wells

Written on 10 Aug 2015

Afternoon Tea - in the current form - has been a British tradition since the nineteenth century, and has roots laid down all the way back to the seventeenth century.  The loose leaf tea, best china set and quaint tiered service platters typically trigger thoughts of smart London hotels, but the concept can be found all over the country in all different shapes and forms.

With the growth of cafe culture - and the number of cafes - we are spoilt for choice for Afternoon Tea.

Hotels are notoriously bad at publishing their offerings, so we have put together a condensed guide to the best afternoon tea in Tunbridge Wells.

If you're in a rush we would advocate:  Juliets for overall experience, but not if you want a quiet corner to catch up.  Shrager's Patisserie offer a quieter reprieve and high end sweets, whilst The Tunbridge Wells Hotel is most akin to posh London hotels.

	Juliets Juliets is one of the most renowned cafes in Tunbridge Wells.  Nestled in the middle of the old High St, they have been setting the standard for independent cafe food for several years.  There are very few occasions where you don't have to queue out the door at some point of the day. With that in mind, you will find their Afternoon Tea exceptional.  Presentation, freshness and quality are second to none.  The sandwich and mini-cake course will, per person, leave you amply satisfied and there's no shame here about doggy-bagging any leftovers.  Given the popularity of Juliets, booking is essential.  Large bookings will get you in to the events room upstairs. Pricing starts at £15.50 per person, ranging up to £24.00 per person for the "all in" food options (fizzy drinks are extra on top of this).  They are very flexible with taking bookings, can take special requests and deliver a great service on the day.  You can find more information over here or call them directly on 01892 522 931.
	The Spa Hotel Situated atop of Tunbridge Wells, The Spa Hotel offers a country spa feel better suited to group escapes and celebratory events.  Packages/deals can be had to combine Spa treatments followed by drinks and afternoon tea, which makes for a better full day experience. Prices range from £21.50 (classic, non alcoholic version) up to £32.00 all in.  Whilst the food/nibbles aren't at the same standard as the likes of Juliets, it is a decent offering that will definitely appeal if you want to be in a more private setting and use the spa facilities. You can call directly to book afternoon tea on 01892 520331.
	Woods Woods has been serving at the far end of the Pantiles for a long time, and through the years they have had some inconsistencies with service and quality. Sometimes trying to be all things to all people, they have simplified in the last year and they do offer a good afternoon tea. It's a great people watching destination, offers fresh baked nibbles and have plenty of space - inside and out - if you are out for an impromptu spot of Afternoon Tea.
	Shrager's Patisserie The only Celebrity powered afternoon tea destination in Tunbridge Wells, Rosemary Shrager opened Shrager's Patisserie shortly after her cookery school (and chef's table) opened in the Pantiles. This is one of two (the other being La Roche) that bring true patiserrie disciplines to their food.  Even if you don't have a sweet tooth, it is hard to walk past the shop front without your mouth watering when you spy the macrarons and cakes on show.  The Patisserie positioning makes for great people watching, and the range of price options - £6.50, £15.00 and £20 (fizzy) - mean there is something for most budgets. Booking not required, but better to play it safe: 01892 548 358
	The Tunbridge Wells Hotel This recently rennovated Hotel in the heart of the Pantiles offers a perfect people watching afternoon tea setting, and is one of the higher end/classier afternoon venues on this page.  Where you may enjoy the bustle of Juliets or the country setting of The Spa Hotel, The Tunbridge Wells Hotel gives the smart hotel experience you might covet from London's West End. A great destination if you're quite keen to extend the liquid portion of your Afternoon Tea in to the late afternoon and early evening, as they boast an impressive drinks selection that can't be found in the other destinations here. Tea is priced at £14.95 (no fizz) or £24.95 (fizzy) per person, and includes the tasty mix of sweet and savoury.  You can book directly on 01892 530501.
	La Roche Initially opening as a French boulangerie/patisserie, La Roche has since expanded to offering dine-in options.  There aren't many tables, so it is well worth calling ahead and trying to reserve a table. Note we are still trying to nail down the specifics (in 2015) of Afternoon Tea and La Roche.  You should read up on Mrs Anke's write up (here) to whet your whistle!