7 charming places for afternoon tea in Canterbury

The ancient city of Canterbury is one of the most historic places in the UK. Awash with Roman and mediaeval architecture, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a wonderful place for whiling away the hours over a scrumptious afternoon tea. 

The following handpicked list comprises seven of the best afternoon tea spots in Canterbury, chosen by a committed foodie – yours truly!

From a country manor to a traditional tea room or stylish city centre hotel, here’s my pick of where to tuck into finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and delicate cakes in Canterbury. 

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1. Moat Tea Rooms

Address: 67 Burgate, Canterbury CT1 2HJ

Best for: A courtyard garden

A quaint, characterful building in the heart of Canterbury provides the setting for Moat Tea Rooms.

The charming, half-timbered facade is guaranteed to draw you in. It’s one of the finest spots in the cathedral city for homemade sandwiches – plus baked sweet treats to follow. 

Moat Tea Rooms are squeaky clean, and staff unfailingly polite and friendly. Tea and coffee connoisseurs will love the loose leaf selection and freshly ground coffee.

High, afternoon and cream teas are a speciality, and the delightful courtyard garden is one of the city’s best-kept secrets. 

2. The Falstaff Hotel

Address: 8-10 St. Dunstans Street, Canterbury CT2 8AF

Best for: British tradition

When it’s named after one of Shakespeare’s best-loved comedic characters, you can expect a venue that’s steeped in British tradition.

The surroundings are just what you might expect, complete with beamed ceilings, leaded bay windows, and opulent light fittings. 

Rates for the top-notch afternoon tea at the Falstaff are a snip compared to what you’d pay in London.

Options include the champagne and bottomless prosecco afternoon teas, as well as the traditional afternoon tea.

Cocktails can be substituted for champagne, too, if you fancy a more colourful beverage.

Book a stay at The Falstaff Hotel.

3. The Cook’s Tale

Address: 14-15 Beer Cart Lane, Canterbury CT1 2NY

Best for: An Indian twist

Another reference to classic English literature exists at the Cook’s Tale in Canterbury, Chaucer being the storyteller in this case.

There’s a twist, though, as this is primarily an Indian restaurant.

You can thus sample items like chicken tikka sandwiches, cinnamon scones, and coconut and saffron cheesecake. Plus mint yoghurt on the side.

Even if you’ve done afternoon tea dozens of times, you might never have sampled it Indian-style.

Chef Dev Biswal has really perfected the all-purpose dining venue here, with the restaurant offering seafood, tapas, bottomless thali, and exotic Sunday lunch menus, and more. 

4. Tiny Tim’s Tearoom

Address: 34 St Margaret’s Street, Canterbury CT1 2TG

Best for: Ghost-hunting

Those literary references just keep on coming when it comes to afternoon tea in Canterbury, Tiny Tim being a character from the Charles Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol.

The owners aim high here, claiming to offer the best afternoon tea in the entire county of Kent. 

If you like getting spooked, you’ll love the fact that the building is said to be the city’s most haunted.

But there’s nothing scary about the yummy sandwiches, scrumptious cakes, and freshly-baked scones served here. Nor the 30 types of tea and coffee available for customers to choose from. 

5. Mama Feelgoods

Address: Unit 2, Chalkpit Farm School Lane, Canterbury CT4 5EU

Best for: Savoury-toothed types

For a real feel-good factor, venture to the village of Bekesbourne, southwest of the city of Canterbury.

This family-run venue offers cakes made to order, a gift shop, cakecraft classes, and of course a delectable afternoon tea. 

Gluten-free alternatives and seasonal specials are offered at Mama Feelgoods, with featured items for occasions like Valentine’s, Mother’s Day, Easter, and Christmas.

Tomato quiches and cheese scones are also on the menu: this fail-safe savoury favourite is served with mature cheddar and onion marmalade. 

6. ABode Canterbury

Address: County Hotel, 30-33 High Street, Canterbury CT1 2NR

Best for: A city centre hotel

The smart Brasserie Bar at ABode Canterbury provides an elegant setting for a real treat of an afternoon tea.

You can order a glass of champagne to add to this refined experience, or pick from an impressive list of Newby London teas. 

This stylish hotel also offers an appealing range of rooms, should you wish to stay over. The building is abundant in classic charm.

Once you step inside, you can also expect contemporary decor with facilities to match. 

Book a stay at ABode Canterbury here. 

7. Howfield Manor

Address: Howfield Lane, Chartham Hatch, Canterbury CT4 7HQ

Best for: A countryside escape

Instead of afternoon tea in the city, escape for a few hours by booking a table at Howfield Manor.

This charming manor house lies southwest of the city, and offers great value prices as well as sumptuous surroundings. 

The menu features a classic selection of sandwich fillings, such as beef and horseradish, ham and mustard, salmon and cream cheese, or egg and cress.

In addition to freshly baked scones slathered in jam and clotted cream, you can also feast on lemon drizzle cake, brownies, strawberry cheesecake and more. 

Book a stay at Howfield Manor.

Do you have a favourite spot for afternoon tea in Canterbury? Let me know in the comments below!

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