Afternoon Tea in Buxton – Our Pick of five of the best

Updated for 2021, we bring you our pick of the best afternoon tea offerings in Buxton. You’ll find an afternoon tea to suit all tastes here, depending on the occasion, whether its formal or a more a casual affair and there’s places that can accommodate children too. Let us know what you think and if we’ve missed one out that you think deserves a mention, get in touch.

Best Western Lee Wood Hotel

Not always an obvious choice with the location of the hotel being just slightly set away from the town centre (although only a ten minute walk from say the Pavilion Gardens). The Lee Wood Hotel has always had a great reputation for being one of Buxton’s best hotels but their restaurant is also open to non-residents. As winners of the AA Rosette award (given annually to a select few dining establishments) their excellent menu includes a traditional Afternoon Tea, with all of the usual trimmings and gluten free is available if you can give them notice.

Pavilion Tea Rooms

The former café area inside the Pavilion Gardens was given a makeover in 2019 but it never really had chance to show off its new look because of the pandemic. The Pavilion Tea Room overlooks the promenade with lovely views over the gardens and the tea rooms are split over two levels including a bar, lounge area with sofas and comfy chairs with a slightly vintage feel to the decor. You can make a day of your visit if you so wish because there’s lots to see while you’re here.

Biggin Hall Hotel

Just a short drive from Buxton, this historic Grade II listed hotel surrounded by stunning Peak District countryside is the perfect spot if you’re looking for a tranquil place to enjoy Afternoon Tea. Dating back to the 1700s, the hotel provides the perfect backdrop. Scones, sandwiches and delicious cakes are all served traditionally, from £20 per person and you can add Prosecco if you wish to make it extra special. If you fancy something a little lighter, their Derbyshire Cream Tea – a scone served with cream and jam and a pot of tea £6 per person.

The Old Hall Hotel

‘Mary’s Afternoon Tea’ commemorates Mary Queen of Scots who stayed here from 1576 – 1578 celebration. This is certainly one of the most atmospheric places in Buxton to enjoy this English dining tradition; expect a selection of finger sandwiches and canapés served with homemade scones with clotted cream and jam.  There’s a selection of ‘sweet treats’ with the highlight being the homemade ‘Mary Queen of Scots Cake’, or ‘Dundee Cake’ – thought to have first been baked in the 16th century as the Queen did not want cherries in her cake, so a recipe using almonds, candid peel and sultana’s became popular across Scotland.  From £14.95 per person.

No.6 The Square

With a light, airy, English Victorian style decor complimenting this Regency Georgian building (built circa 1806), No.6 is pretty much your archetypal tea-room along with it’s afternoon tea.  Served with a selection of sandwiches, scones, cakes and tea of your choice. Booking advisable.

Hargreaves Café

Located on the first floor of the shopping emporium Hargreaves and Sons, the café retains the Edwardian charm of this 150 year old family business. The location is town centre too so if you’re taking in some shopping Afternoon Tea here is the perfect stop off to rest your feet. Tasty finger sandwiches, freshly made scones, a piece of cake and a pot of tea – lovely…

All prices were correct at time of going to press.