Where to Enjoy Afternoon Tea in Reading 

11th August 2025

From decadent hotel lounges to quirky barges drifting along the river, Reading’s afternoon tea experiences offer more than just scones and sandwiches – they’re an edible invitation to linger, savour and soak up the city’s charm. 

To celebrate Afternoon Tea Week, here’s your guide to the best spots to indulge your love of all things jam and cream in Reading!

Whittington’s Tea Barge

Afternoon tea on a barge? Yes, please. The Whittington Tea Barge combines homemade sandwiches, cakes, and scones with the gentle sway of the Thames. 

Sit inside the cosy cabin or take in the riverside scenery from the deck – this is Reading’s most unique tea spot, especially on a sunny day. The perfect mix of river views and clotted cream. 

The Pantry Café & Kitchen 

If you’re looking for a cosy corner where little ones are just as welcome as grown-ups, The Pantry is the place to be. Their traditional three-tier stand is piled high with freshly made sandwiches, fluffy scones crowned with Cornish clotted cream, and a tempting line-up of sweet treats.  

While you sip your tea and savour every bite, the kids can tuck into their very own afternoon tea, complete with child-friendly sandwich fillings, just-right portions and a glass of squash. 

YayLo 

For those with dietary needs (or anyone who just loves great baking), YayLo offers a 100% gluten-free afternoon tea with a dairy-free option too. 

Expect scones with cream and jam, cakes, quiche slices and sandwiches made fresh daily. You can bring your own bubbles for a small corkage fee, or go for one of their iced teas or fresh smoothies for a summery twist. 

Thames River Cruise 

If two hours of drifting through Wind in the Willows country sounds like bliss, the Thames River Cruise afternoon tea is for you. Enjoy vintage crockery, finger sandwiches, scones and indulgent cakes, all freshly made with local ingredients. 

It’s as much a sightseeing trip as a dining experience. Expect charming villages, lush greenery and the calm rhythm of the water as you sip and nibble. 

The Roseate Reading 

Step inside The Roseate Reading and be transported into a world of refined luxury. In The Reading Room Restaurant & Lounge, afternoon tea is served daily and perfect for a leisurely escape. 

This year, the hotel is celebrating 250 Years of Jane Austen with a themed menu featuring a plum delice shaped like an ink pot and quill, mango macarons, floral Victoria sponge and more, alongside delicate finger sandwiches and freshly baked scones. Pair with a fine tea blend or a glass of Moët & Chandon Champagne for a literary indulgence. 

OXBO Reading

Tuck into an indulgent afternoon tea at OXBO Kitchen, the stylish café, bar and restaurant inside the Hilton Reading. Pair your warm homemade scones with a choice of Taylors of Harrogate Tea.

7 Flowers & Tea

Bringing an English favourite right to the centre of Reading, 7 Flowers serves a three-tiered afternoon tea that blends artistry with flavour. Alongside your mini scone and desserts, you’ll enjoy five mini quiches or canapés, all beautifully presented. 

It’s as pretty as it is tasty, in a setting with a touch of botanical romance. 

Malmaison

If you like your tradition shaken (and perhaps stirred), Malmaison’s afternoon tea is for you. At Chez Mal, the dainty cucumber sandwich makes way for sliders, tacos and buttermilk fried chicken. 

Start with savouries like Ayrshire bacon & Gruyère sliders or tuna tacos with guacamole, then indulge in sweet surprises including a carrot opera cake or choc chip cookie dough sundae. Finish with a sticky toffee scone and a glass of Prosecco or a cocktail for that extra sparkle. 

So... cream or jam first?

Reading’s afternoon tea scene reflects the town itself, full of history but never stuck in the past. Whether you’re after riverside relaxation, literary elegance or creative reinventions of a British classic, Reading serves it with flair. 

So, why not plan an afternoon here? Stroll by the Abbey Ruins, wander along the Thames, then settle in for a tea experience that will leave you feeling pleasantly surprised. Find even more fantastic places for afternoon tea in Reading here!