The Best Afternoon Tea in Sussex

Serena Says...

Joanna's is a boutique tearoom adorned with beautiful sage green and pale-pink décor, illuminated by crystal chandeliers that create a warm and inviting atmosphere. This family-run gem has earned an exceptional reputation for providing a memorable afternoon tea experience.

Upon entering through a charming courtyard, you'll find yourself in a hidden, elegant oasis. The café offers a seasonal selection of homemade sandwiches, traditional scones, pastries and savouries, along with daily specials and a variety of drinks. Customers can choose between the Morning Tea, which features a selection of brunch favourites paired with hot drinks or a mocktail, and the traditional Afternoon Tea, which includes finger sandwiches, warm savouries, homemade patisseries and freshly baked scones. For a special occasion, you can enhance your experience with a fruity cocktail or a bottle of Sussex sparkling wine."

"I shared an unforgettable afternoon with my girlfriends, celebrating two joint baby showers at Joanna's. The staff went above and beyond to make us feel welcome, comfortable and relaxed. The afternoon tea was absolutely delicious, and the cocktails and mocktails were some of the best we've ever had. The beautiful décor made us feel as though we had been transported to a peaceful oasis of calm, luxury and delightful treats. We will certainly be back for more."

Available Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm, Saturday 9am-5pm and Sunday 10am-5pm. Book now.

A quintessentially British high-tea experience can be had at the Alexander House Hotel with their deliciously homemade bites. The challenge is choosing between traditional, champagne and Laurent-Perrier tea experiences. For special occasions, such as Father's Day, there's the additional choice of a savoury afternoon tea. And four-legged friends are welcome too, and can even have their very own cream tea with tribal gourmet sausage!

All human options come with a selection of open and closed sandwiches as well as cakes and pastries. The tea menu itself leaves nothing to chance, with classic and quirky flavours abound. The dainty dishes associated with this mid-afternoon meal aren't to be baulked at either. Refills are on offer to ensure you leave entirely satisfied.

"I loved going to Alexander House for afternoon tea. The selection of both savoury and sweet was amazing, and everyone can just keep getting topped up if you're especially hungry. There is a huge range of tea and other drinks to go alongside the food. The atmosphere makes you feel like you are somewhere special. We sat next to the open fire, which is in the middle of the room, on the most comfortable and luxurious wingback chairs. We all left feeling full and truly relaxed."

Available 12-4.30pm all week, but prices rise on Saturday and Sunday. Book now.

Just minutes from our showroom in the heart of the village of Henfield, guests can enjoy a traditional afternoon tea served in a beautiful period building. A mouth-watering combination of sandwiches, scones and cakes, accompanied by a variety of teas that are all either homemade or locally sourced, the tearoom also offers a range of tempting gifts to browse in between courses.

With our fair share of celebrations, baby showers and significant birthdays, F&P HQ never misses the opportunity to enjoy a lunchtime festivity at this venue. And with Cristina's offering a free local delivery service, we have enjoyed her afternoon tea in the comfort of our showroom.

"We're so fortunate to have such a charming local tearoom right on our doorstep. Our afternoon tea was absolutely delicious. It was beautifully presented in individual boxes to accommodate everyone's dietary needs. The ordering process was seamless, and the staff went above and beyond to ensure a great experience. Everything was fresh and homemade, with the scones still warm."

Available Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 10am-4pm. Book now.