Where to Treat Mum: Best Afternoon Teas in Bury St Edmunds and Beyond

Traditional afternoon tea is served daily in the lounge at The Angel Hotel; a stately building in the heart of the town. Beginning with savouries, followed by warm scones with homemade jam and clotted cream, and finishing with delicate patisserie, afternoon teas change through the year, and from 1st March to 30th April the Easter Afternoon Tea brings in seasonal flavours, and playful twists on familiar favourites.

Once tea is over, Angel Hill and the Abbey Gardens are right outside, as well as the town where you can enjoy a browse through the local independent shops and boutiques.

Book online at https://www.theangel.co.uk/food-and-drink/afternoon-tea/

Procopio’s Pantry combines thoughtful cooking with a friendly, unfussy atmosphere right in the heart of town. Afternoon tea here comes in several forms, which you can choose depending on your appetite and how fancy you want to be!

We suggest the sumptuous Occasion Tea, which comes with finger sandwiches with a range of delicious fillings, warm homemade fruit scones plus a cheese and chilli scone, and then a surprise selection of 4 homemade treats - think brownies, shortbread, lemon drizzle and classic victoria sponge. Be sure to pre-book as everything is made fresh to order.

To book call 01284 750028.

A much loved favourite, Harriet’s Café Tearooms is known for its traditional approach and tempting cake counter. Afternoon teas here include nostalgic and lesser seen treats such as macaroons and fondant fancies as well as a range of visually beautiful and equally delicious handmade cakes. This afternoon tea really is picture perfect, served on tiered stands with colourful, almost whimsical presentation, this is a luxury option.

There are a range of options available from the special afternoon tea, with finger sandwiches, scones and a selection of mini cakes, to the mini afternoon tea for smaller appetites. Tea includes a free refill and the tea selection is as intriguing as it is vast. You can even order an afternoon tea for home delivery- a wonderful way to bring the tearoom experience to mum at home.

To book call 01284 756256.

Afternoon tea at The Ickworth Hotel comes with a real sense of occasion. Served with three tiers of sweet and savoury treats, teapots and loose leaf teas, it’s set within the gorgeous Ickworth estate, which is perfect for a bit of a ramble before or after you eat.

Scones with cream and jam sit alongside a mix of sweet and savoury delights, and there’s also a children’s afternoon tea option with cupcakes and fruit juice, so you can extend the invite to the whole family if you wish. As a hotel with spa facilities and acres of parkland, it’s easy to extend the experience into a longer stay if you’d like.

For more information and to book visit https://luxuryfamilyhotels.co.uk/locations/the-ickworth/dining/afternoon-tea/

For mums who enjoy something a little more unusual, Lotties offers a twist on traditional afternoon tea. As soon as you step into the bright pink space you know this is going to be something a bit different.

The afternoon tea menu has bagels in place of sandwiches, hot, freshly prepared churros with dipping sauces followed by gelato and a selection of macaroons. Pair it with a pink hot chocolate and you’ve got a very instagrammable mother’s day outing!  Afternoon tea is available Tuesday to Sunday on a pre booked basis.

For more information and to book visit https://lotties-waffles.co.uk/index.php#booking

A go to destination for indulgence, Bedford Lodge Hotel and Spa serves afternoon tea from Wednesday to Sunday, with bookings essential. Expect a traditional spread of finger sandwiches, warm plain or fruit scones with jam, and a selection of cakes and pastries reflecting the season, all freshly prepared and served with tea or coffee. You can even add champagne if you’re feeling decadent.

Afternoon tea is served in the Roxana Bar midweek and in Squires Restaurant at weekends, and there are private dining rooms available if you’d like to make it extra special. With a luxury spa on site and the option to stay overnight, this is an easy choice if you want to turn Mother’s Day into an extended experience.

For more information and to book visit https://www.bedfordlodgehotel.co.uk/restaurants-in-newmarket-suffolk/afternoon-tea/

Set just outside the town centre, The Priory Hotel offers afternoon tea in elegant surroundings that just ooze with sophisticated luxury and have panoramic views of the beautiful gardens.

The menu includes finely cut sandwiches, freshly baked scones served warm with clotted cream and jam, and an assortment of pastries, all paired with a wide range of teas, or coffee if you prefer. It’s close enough to the town centre if you fancy a short stroll and a browse through the shops afterwards.

For more information and to book visit https://afternoontea.co.uk/uk/east-of-england/suffolk/the-best-western-priory-hotel/#pid=2

The luxurious All Saints Hotel offers a Mother’s Day afternoon tea exclusively on Mother’s Day this year. It is served in The Lodge, with views across the Suffolk Golf Course and even includes a special gift for mum. Enjoy a mix of sweet and savoury treats including sandwiches with a range of fillings, homemade Suffolk pork sausage rolls and mini cheese straws, plus cherry Bakewell frangipane tart, salted caramel pavlova, traditional scones and unlimited tea or coffee. What a delight!

Book online at https://allsaintsresort.com/special-events-at-all-saints-resort/

Located in the famously picturesque village of Lavenham, The Swan offers afternoon tea in the historic surroundings of the Gallery restaurant beneath its impressive beams, or in the cosy lounge.

There are a range of afternoon teas which include delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and Tiptree jams, followed by a selection of artisanal cakes such as red velvet, orange and passionfruit délice and chocolate, coffee and hazelnut torte, and can be paired with tea, coffee, prosecco or champagne. Lavenham itself is a joy to explore, with its timber framed buildings, independent boutiques and gentle walks.

Book online at https://theswanatlavenham.co.uk/dine/afternoon-tea/

Ravenwood Hall offers a relaxing setting for afternoon tea; snuggle up by the fireplace and while away the time while sampling the delights of the menu. Choose from the traditional afternoon tea option with sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and the chefs selection of cakes and pastries.

 If you have less of a sweet tooth then the savoury afternoon tea is for you, with a selection of pies, pasties and sausage rolls plus cheeses and pickles served with warm crusty bread and butter. Served on site Tuesday to Saturday from 2pm to 5pm, there’s also a takeaway option available by pre booking, so you can enjoy a treat in the comfort of your own home.

Book online at https://www.ravenwoodhall.co.uk/dining