The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee is just around the corner and what better way to get you in the mood than to enjoy a terribly British afternoon tea?
Crustless cucumber sandwiches, Victoria sponge cake, scones with jam and clotted cream, all washed down with good tea – dishes that, naturally, must be eaten with a raised finger at all times.
If you want to elevate a cup of tea to queen, or just fancy a round of tasty treats, we turned to Tripadvisor to find the best places serving traditional cuisine, according to reviews left by people. who have been there.
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Best places for afternoon tea in Dorset
Vintage Steam Tea Rooms
Steam Vintage Tea Rooms (TripAdvisor)
Where: 47 Poole Hill, Bournemouth BH2 5PW
TripAdvisor ranking: 4.5/5
Steam Vintage Tea Rooms has gained a reputation for excellent afternoon teas and is also vegan.
Out of 497 reviews, 403 were rated as “Excellent” on its TripAdvisor page.
One reviewer wrote: “We walked in to the smell of freshly baked scones and a very warm welcome. The decor is great and I love the old buffet which played vinyl records from the past.
“But the food, where to start? It was plentiful, fresh and tasty. And I must comment on the vegan afternoon tea provided for a couple, they were very impressed with the selection and the owner had also bothered to make vegan cream so they didn’t feel like they were missing out at all.”
The old tea house
Old Tea House (TripAdvisor)
Where: 44 High Street West, Dorchester, DT1 1UT
TripAdvisor ranking: 4.5/5
Situated in the oldest independent house in Dorset‘s capital, The Old Tea House is distinguished by its traditional English decor and freshly brewed afternoon teas.
Out of 282 reviews, 201 were rated as “Excellent” on its TripAdvisor page.
One reviewer wrote: “3 of us had afternoon tea and WOW what a great value selection and also offered to can what we had left! Good food and so much of it!”
West Bay Team Rooms
West Bay Tea Rooms (TripAdvisor)
Where: 2 Maritime House West Bay Road West Bay, Bridport, DT6 4GD
TripAdvisor ranking: 4.5/5
Heading to Bridport now, the West Bay Tea Rooms come highly recommended by TripAdvisor users.
Out of 204 reviews, 151 were rated as “Excellent” on its TripAdvisor page.
One reviewer wrote: “We had an extremely generous afternoon tea for two, delivered. Generously filled sandwiches with delicious fillings, a large roll of sausage, a large scone with lots of jam and clotted cream , strawberries, cakes, a bottle of juice, a tea bag included. Everything is impeccable!”
love cake
Love Cake (TripAdvisor)
Where: 42 High Street, Swanage, BH19 2NX
TripAdvisor ranking: 4.5/5
As the name suggests, this cafe is a big cake lover, and that passion has clearly translated into a great product if TripAdvisor reviews are to be believed.
Out of 812 reviews, 589 were rated as “Excellent” on its TripAdvisor page.
One reviewer wrote: “Such a great afternoon tea – so much food. The sandwiches were super fresh and the scones and cakes were delicious. Excellent and very good value.”
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Frieda’s tea room
Frieda’s Tea Room (TripAdvisor)
Where: 7 Stafford Road City Centre, Bournemouth BH1 1JH
TripAdvisor ranking: 4.5/5
Another place in Bournemouth for a well-received afternoon tea is in Frieda’s Tea Room.
Out of 456 reviews, 339 were rated as “Excellent” on its TripAdvisor page.
One reviewer wrote: “A really lovely afternoon tea – the food was amazing and the staff were so lovely and welcoming. Me, my mum and sister went and were very pleased with our experience.
“Good prices and we were allowed to take anything we didn’t eat in a take out box. Highly recommend a visit there!”