Nestled along the picturesque streets of Southampton, United Kingdom, lies a delightful tradition cherished by locals and visitors alike: cream tea.
As you wander through this historic city, the inviting aroma of freshly baked scones and brewed tea beckons you to indulge in a quintessential British experience.
Whether you're seeking a tranquil afternoon break or a charming outing with friends, Southampton offers a plethora of quaint tearooms and cafes, each promising a delectable spread of warm scones, clotted cream, and fruity preserves.
With its rich maritime heritage and vibrant atmosphere, Southampton sets the stage for a memorable rendezvous with this timeless culinary delight.
1. Halladays Tea Rooms
Halladay's Tea Rooms in Southampton is a charming spot that truly delivers on the cream tea experience.
The cream tea here is a standout, featuring freshly baked scones served with clotted cream and jam that are simply divine.
Additionally, their attention to detail shines through in every aspect, from the presentation to the quality of ingredients used.
2. The Grand
The Grand in Southampton is a delightful bistro-bar nestled in the historic South Western House.
The friendly and professional staff, along with the charming refurbishment, create a welcoming environment.
With ample space and a well-thought-out layout, guests can enjoy a relaxed experience without disturbing others.
Indulge in a lovely afternoon tea at The Grand, where the attentive staff and welcoming ambiance enhance your dining experience.
The formal meals and delightful drinks are complemented by the beautiful historic setting.
While the refurbishment adds a modern touch, the impeccable layout of tables ensures a comfortable and spacious dining area.
Although some cakes were noted to be a bit dry, the overall charm of The Grand makes it a fabulous choice for a delightful cream tea outing.
3. HarBAR on 6th
HarBAR on 6th offers a delightful cream tea experience with a stunning view of the Marina at Southampton Harbour Hotel & Spa.
The elegant autumn decor adds to the charm, creating a cozy atmosphere for catching up with family and friends.
Partnering with Mermaid Distillery adds a unique touch to the experience, making it stand out from other tea rooms in the area.
Indulge in a scrumptious cream tea featuring freshly baked scones served warm, complemented by a selection of tasty sandwiches, wraps, and rolls.
The sweet treats are creatively presented with a festive twist, including adorable chocolates and delectable pastries.
Don't miss out on trying their delightful pina coladas, adding a refreshing twist to your cream tea experience.
Friendly service, clean facilities, and lovely toiletries make this a must-visit spot for a memorable cream tea outing.
4. HiTea
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The welcoming ambiance and friendly staff make it a must-visit spot in Southampton.
The scones are a highlight – warm, fluffy, and served with generous dollops of clotted cream and strawberry jam.
Pair it with their aromatic teas; the Passion Fruit Green Tea with Mango Popping Pearls is a personal favorite.
While prices lean towards the higher side, the quality and variety make it worth the visit, especially if you're in the area for a family holiday.
5. Millies Tea Room
Millies Tea Room is a delightful spot in Hythe, offering a cozy ambiance and impeccable service.
The highlight here is undoubtedly their cream tea experience served in charming china cups, adding a touch of elegance to your afternoon.
Indulge in their ginger scones paired with luscious Biscoff spread and clotted cream for a heavenly treat.
The loose leaf Dorset brew is a must-try, boasting rich flavors that perfectly complement the delectable spread of cakes and sandwiches.
Don't miss out on their impeccably cooked jacket potatoes and refreshing house salad dressing, adding layers of flavor to your dining experience at Millies.
6. The Orangery Tea House, The Garden Society
Nestled within the charming surroundings of The Garden Society, The Orangery Tea House is a delightful escape for tea enthusiasts.
The idyllic ambiance, adorned with lush greenery, sets the perfect stage for a serene tea experience.
The quaint setting and friendly staff make it a must-visit spot for those seeking a peaceful retreat.
The scones, served warm and accompanied by generous dollops of clotted cream and strawberry jam, are a heavenly delight.
The attention to detail in presentation and the freshness of ingredients elevate the entire tea-drinking experience.
The Orangery Tea House truly masters the art of serving a delightful Cream Tea that leaves a lasting impression.
7. The Songbird Ice Cream Cafe and Creative Space
The Songbird Ice Cream Cafe and Creative Space is a delightful spot nestled in Southampton that captivates with its charming ambiance and warm hospitality.
With its inviting atmosphere and cozy decor, it's an ideal retreat for cream tea enthusiasts seeking a serene escape from the bustle of everyday life.
Indulge in the quintessential British experience with their sumptuous cream tea offerings.
From freshly baked scones served with clotted cream and jam to a selection of exquisite teas, every bite and sip is a culinary delight that promises to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
Experience a perfect blend of tradition and innovation at The Songbird Ice Cream Cafe and Creative Space.
8. Ding Tea Southampton
With its cozy ambiance and friendly staff, it offers a delightful experience for tea lovers.
The cream tea here is simply divine, with freshly baked scones and rich clotted cream that melt in your mouth.
Indulge in their classic cream tea, which includes warm, fluffy scones served with generous dollops of clotted cream and sweet strawberry jam.
Don't miss out on their other delectable offerings like fruit teas and refreshing milk teas for a unique twist to your tea experience.
9. Afternoon Tea @ The Manor Restaurant
The standout feature is the impeccable customer service, with a particularly sweet Greek staff member adding a personal touch.
The reasonably priced afternoon tea offers a generous portion size, including warm and fluffy scones that left us craving for more.
The unlimited hot drinks, including lattes and cappuccinos, add to the overall value.
We were pleasantly surprised by the ample portions, prompting us to box up leftovers – easily sufficient to feed 3 or 4.
A perfect day was topped off by a leisurely stroll in the beautiful grounds under the sunshine.
After a brilliant experience, this spot is highly recommended, and I'm already looking forward to a return visit!
10. Happy Lemon Southampton
Happy Lemon Southampton is a delightful spot nestled in Southampton, offering a unique twist to traditional cream tea experiences.
With its cozy ambiance and diverse drink selection, it's a must-visit for tea enthusiasts and casual patrons alike.
The vibrant atmosphere coupled with prompt service creates a welcoming environment for all.
Indulge in their delectable cream tea offerings, where you can savor the perfect blend of flavors in every sip.
While their brown sugar milk tea comes highly recommended, explore other intriguing options that set them apart from the rest.
Be mindful of sugar and ice levels to tailor your drink to personal preferences, ensuring a satisfying and memorable experience.
Whether you're a fan of classic favorites or eager to try something new, Happy Lemon Southampton promises a delightful journey through their enticing menu.
11. Chatime Southampton
If you're in Southampton, Chatime is a must-visit spot, especially if you're a fan of cream tea.
The charming ambiance with lots of greenery adds to the experience, making it a delightful place to unwind.
Indulge in their heavenly cream tea offerings, featuring freshly baked warm sweet pancakes topped with rich chocolate and paired with their amazing green tea.
Don't miss out on their mango fruit tea with lychee popping bubbles for a refreshing treat alongside your cream tea.
12. ChariTeas
023 8063 6151
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ChariTeas Tearooms offers a unique blend of elegance and charity support, providing a traditional yet innovative experience.
With a commitment to fundraising, patrons can enjoy their cream tea while contributing to a good cause.
Indulge in delightful scones served with generous dollops of clotted cream and jam, providing a perfect balance of sweetness.
Complement your tea with a selection of freshly brewed beverages, ensuring a satisfying and enjoyable cream tea experience.
13. Slug & Lettuce - Southampton
If you're in Southampton and craving a delightful cream tea experience, Slug & Lettuce is a must-visit.
The ambiance is a perfect blend of modern and cozy, providing a relaxing setting for your tea indulgence.
The friendly staff adds a welcoming touch, making it an ideal spot to unwind with friends or family.
Served with freshly baked scones, clotted cream, and a variety of jams, it embodies the essence of a classic British treat.
The tea selection complements the experience, offering a range of options to suit different preferences.
The generous portions and attention to detail make this cream tea a standout choice for those seeking a quintessential taste of England.
13 Best Cream Tea in Southampton, United Kingdom for 2024
- Halladays Tea Rooms
- The Grand
- HarBAR on 6th
- HiTea
- Millies Tea Room
- The Orangery Tea House, The Garden Society
- The Songbird Ice Cream Cafe and Creative Space
- Ding Tea Southampton
- Afternoon Tea @ The Manor Restaurant
- Happy Lemon Southampton
- Chatime Southampton
- ChariTeas
- Slug & Lettuce - Southampton