Our Guide To The Best Afternoon Tea In Brighton

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By katie kirwan Head Of Brand & B2C At DesignMyNight Nightlife and hospitality expert with 13 years of experience and coverage in The Times, Time Out and Bar Magazine. Last updated on 29th June 2026

Brighton is one of the best cities in the UK for afternoon tea, and whether you're after a grand hotel spread with sea views, a vegetarian feast in the Lanes, or a Champagne-fuelled celebration, there's something here for every budget and occasion. We've rounded up the best afternoon teas in Brighton, from classic tiered affairs starting at around £15 per person to luxury hotel experiences worth every penny, plus a couple of options just outside the city in Hove and the Sussex countryside should you need them.

Best Afternoon Tea Brighton




Best Afternoon Tea In Brighton Hotels

The Grand Brighton

Brighton's best afternoon tea three years running at the BRAVOs, The Grand is the benchmark. Served daily in the Victoria Terrace and Lounge with views across the seafront, the three-tiered spread covers freshly made finger sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream and jam, and pastries, plus slices from the cake trolley that does laps of the room. Choose from over 30 tea blends, or upgrade to Champagne. Dedicated vegan and gluten-free menus are available at the same price. From £40 per person, served daily between 12 to 4pm. We really recommend you book in advance for this one.

Hotel Du Vin Brighton

Treat yourself to afternoon tea at the stunning Hotel Du Vin Brighton, found within The Lanes and only a short walk from the beachfront. It fuses together modern decor with notes of teal and darker blues and Victorian charm to create a quaint place to stay. Bistro Du Vin is its French-inspired brasserie whipping up dishes made with local ingredients and it's where you can find a delicious afternoon spread from £15.95 per person. The classic cream tea features plain and fruit scones, whereas the £29.95 per person affair includes chicken and tarragon Dijonnaise on pain d'epi finger sandwiches, plus a selection of cakes and desserts such as crème brûlée.

Vegetarian And Vegan Afternoon Tea In Brighton

Terre à Terre

On the hunt for the best afternoon tea in Brighton? Look no further than Terre à Terre, a vegetarian restaurant, also famed for its afternoon tea tiers. This gorgeous restaurant only a stone's throw from the sea and the heart of town offers a cracking menu, from marinated halloumi with kimchi cabbage to an orange polenta cake served alongside a clementine sorbet and pomegranate molasses, from £29.95 per person.

Afternoon Tea With Sea Views In Brighton

HarBAR + Kitchen

Part of The Harbour Hotel, HarBAR + Kitchen is the ideal spot for those of you seeking afternoon tea on Brighton's seafront. Slurp on its fabulous selection of tea or bubbles, then be sure to munch your way through best-loved sandwiches, cakes and scones, alongside a few nostalgic treats as part of its funfair-inspired spread.

Best Afternoon Tea In The Brighton Lanes

Blossoms Brighton

If you're bored of sandwiches, Blossoms is the afternoon tea for you. This Japanese cocktail bar in Brighton's Lanes puts its own spin on the format, swapping finger sandwiches for crispy chicken katsu sandos and duck gyozas, with avocado maki alongside. The sweet tier keeps the theme going with chocolate mochi balls and miso-chocolate brownies. Add a glass of Champagne to round it off. From £25 per person, available 12 to 4pm. 

A Little Further Afield

Tottington Manor Afternoon Tea

Nestled at the foot of Devils Dyke and just a short distance from South Downs Way, Tottington Manor is a fabulous hotel to enjoy afternoon tea. Touting an outdoor deck for summertime fun alongside an oh-so-chic suite for those cooler days, this boutique spot is worth a visit.

Afternoon Teas are prepared fresh each day and require booking at least 48hrs in advance.
  • £29

Stanmer House

For a relaxing and memorable afternoon tea experience in Brighton, head to Stanmer House, located in the serene Stanmer Park, just a short distance from the city centre. This charming Georgian manor house offers the finest afternoon tea in Brighton, served in a beautiful ground-floor café overlooking the park.

Indulge in an array of delectable treats, including freshly baked scones, delicate finger sandwiches, and a selection of premium teas. Whether you're catching up with friends or celebrating a special occasion, Stanmer House provides the perfect setting for an elegant afternoon tea.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places for afternoon tea in Brighton?

Brighton is one of the UK's best cities for afternoon tea, with options ranging from grand hotel spreads to quirky Japanese-inspired experiences. Top picks include The Grand Brighton for luxury and sea views, The Ivy in the Lanes for a classic all-day option, Terre à Terre for the best vegetarian afternoon tea in the city, Hotel du Vin for a champagne-included experience in the Lanes, and Blossoms Brighton for a Japanese twist on the format. From around £15 to £40 per person, there's something for every budget and occasion.

Where can I have afternoon tea with sea views in Brighton?

For afternoon tea on the seafront, The Grand Brighton is the standout choice, serving in the Victoria Terrace and Lounge with views along the coast. HarBAR + Kitchen at The Harbour Hotel is another strong option, with a funfair-inspired spread right on Brighton's beachfront.

Where can I find vegetarian or vegan afternoon tea in Brighton?

Terre à Terre is the go-to for vegetarian and vegan afternoon tea in Brighton. The menu changes seasonally and replaces traditional sandwiches with creative dishes, from marinated halloumi with kimchi cabbage to polenta cakes and sorbets. The Grand Brighton also offers a dedicated vegan afternoon tea at the same price as the standard menu.

How much does afternoon tea cost in Brighton?

Prices typically range from around £15 to £40 per person. Budget-friendly options start from £15, most independents and hotel bistros sit in the £25 to £30 range, and luxury hotel spreads at The Grand or Hotel du Vin run to around £40. Champagne upgrades are available at most venues for an additional cost.

Do you need to book afternoon tea in Brighton in advance?

Yes, most venues require advance booking, particularly at weekends. The Grand, Hotel du Vin, and Terre à Terre are all popular and can fill up quickly, especially for celebrations. Some venues, like Tottington Manor, require at least 48 hours' notice. It's always worth calling ahead to confirm dietary requirements at the same time.

Where can I find unusual or quirky afternoon tea in Brighton?

For something different, Blossoms Brighton serves a Japanese-inspired afternoon tea with duck gyozas, avocado maki, and chocolate mochi in place of the standard tiered format. Terre à Terre also offers a creative vegetarian alternative with an umami-led menu that's a long way from cucumber sandwiches.