Skip to Content

Where to Find the Best Afternoon Tea in Eastbourne: Our Top 7 Picks

If you are seeking to experience some of the best afternoon tea in Eastbourne, then look no further. Indulge in luxury at the Grand Hotel, where elegance and impeccable service create a memorable experience or unwind in the nostalgic, old-world charm of the Victorian Tea Room, offering scenic views from Eastbourne Pier.

Afternoon tea is surely a quintessentially British experience, and Eastbourne is home to some of the finest and most delicious afternoon tea experiences.

Picture yourself savoring warm scones and delicate pastries while gazing over panoramic sea views, or relaxing in a cozy, welcoming lounge surrounded by picturesque gardens.

Whether you’re drawn to the sophistication of The Langham, the serenity of The View Hotel, or the homely comforts of the Lansdowne Hotel, there’s an afternoon tea in Eastbourne waiting to be discovered that perfectly complements the beauty of this coastal gem.

Afternoon Tea Eastbourne

1. The Grand Hotel

The Grand Hotel is one of the most prestigious and luxurious locations in Eastbourne, offering a classic, traditional afternoon tea experience. The elegant surroundings and impeccable service make it a standout spot for indulging in afternoon tea.

afternoon tea in eastbourne

The Grand Hotel afternoon tea menu offers a classic afternoon tea with a selection of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, various cakes, pastries, and a wide range of teas.

What makes this even more special is the acoustics of the Palm Court Strings Quartet gently playing in the backdrop of the splendour, that is the Grand Hall.

Price range: £35-£50 per person (depending on the package, including champagne options).

Location: King Edward’s Parade, Eastbourne BN21 4EQ.

2. Victorian Tea Room

The Victorian Tea Room in Eastbourne is known for its charming and nostalgic atmosphere, with a Victorian-inspired decor that makes for a memorable visit.

The afternoon tea features a delightful selection of sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and a variety of cakes, served with tea or coffee. Visitors often praise the friendly service and the authentic experience.

afternoon tea eastbourne seafront

Price range: £15-£20 per person, though this may vary based on options chosen.

Location: Eastbourne Pier at Grand Parade, Eastbourne, BN21 3EL.

3. The Towner Gallery Café

For a slightly different twist, The Towner Gallery Café offers a contemporary and creative space to enjoy afternoon tea, especially if you’re an art lover. The café often incorporates local ingredients into its menu.

best afternoon tea eastbourne

With a more modern take on afternoon tea with finger sandwiches, scones, pastries, and a variety of teas, often featuring seasonal ingredients. Vegetarian and vegan options are available.

Price range: £16-£22 per person.

Location: Devonshire Park, College Road, Eastbourne BN21 4JJ.

4. The Langham Hotel

The Langham Hotel in Eastbourne is a fantastic spot for afternoon tea. It offers a luxurious yet relaxed experience along the Eastbourne seafront.

The setting is elegant and bright, available either in the sophisticated Langham Restaurant or the light-filled Conservatory with stunning sea views. Many consider this a delightful afternoon tea in Eastbourne.

langham hotel eastbourne afternoon tea

The Grand Afternoon Tea at the Langham Hotel includes an elegant spread of finger sandwiches with assorted fillings, freshly baked homemade scones served with preserves and clotted cream, and a delightful selection of cakes, pastries, and sweet fancies.

Guests can complement their meal with a choice of fine loose-leaf teas or a robust Colombian coffee blend​

Price Range: Grand Afternoon Tea: £28 per person, Prosecco Afternoon Tea: £33 per person, Champagne Afternoon Tea: £37 per person

Location: The Langham Hotel, 43-49 Royal Parade, Eastbourne, BN22 7AH

5. The View Hotel

The View Hotel in Eastbourne offers a splendid afternoon tea experience at its Vista Bar Café, boasting a stunning location with floor-to-ceiling windows and an outdoor terrace that provides panoramic views of Eastbourne’s seafront.

the grand eastbourne afternoon tea

The afternoon tea includes a mix of freshly brewed teas or coffee, paired with an assortment of sandwiches featuring flavours like honey-roast ham with Dijon mustard, tuna and cracked pepper, or mature cheddar with tomato chutney.

Enjoy warm homemade sultana scones served with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry jam, alongside a range of decadent sweet treats. Gluten-free and vegan options are available with prior booking.

Price range: The cost for this experience is approximately £25 per person, available daily from 2 PM to 5 PM​

Location: The View Hotel Eastbourne, Grand Parade, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 4DN, UK

6. The Hydro Hotel

The Hydro Hotel in Eastbourne offers a delightful setting for afternoon tea, with options served in the elegant Lounge, Drawing Room, or the light-filled Conservatory, all of which provide stunning views of the hotel’s gardens and the sea.

afternoon tea the grand eastbourne

The ambience is classic and tranquil, perfect for a relaxing afternoon in a traditional yet inviting environment.

For afternoon tea, you can indulge in a three-tiered selection featuring traditional tea sandwiches, homemade scones with clotted cream and jam, and an array of cakes and pastries. The hotel also caters to dietary requirements, offering gluten-free and vegan variations if arranged in advance.

Price range: approximately £25.95 per person.

Location: The Hydro Hotel, Mount Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN20 7HZ​

7. Landsdowne Hotel

The Lansdowne Hotel in Eastbourne provides a charming and traditional afternoon tea experience along the scenic seafront.

The ambience is warm and inviting, with elegant lounges that boast panoramic views of the coast. One of the lounges is pet-friendly, allowing guests to enjoy their tea accompanied by their dogs. They also host a festive afternoon tea around Christmas time, which looks wonderful.

afternoon tea grand eastbourne

The afternoon tea menu features freshly cut finger sandwiches, warm plain and fruit scones with clotted cream and preserves, and a delectable selection of cakes and pastries, all served with a pot of tea or fresh coffee.

If you wish to indulge further, there is an option to add a glass of Prosecco. Dietary requirements, including gluten-free and vegan, are catered for with advance notice, though a nut-free menu cannot be guaranteed.

Price range: The cost is £22.95 per person for the standard afternoon tea, with the Prosecco option priced at £27.95 per person.

Location: The Landsdowne Hotel, King Edward’s Parade, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 4EE

Afternoon tea in Eastbourne boasts a huge variety, ranging from luxury hotel experiences to cosy local spots. Prices typically depend on the setting and offerings, but there’s something to suit most tastes and budgets.

You may also like:

The Best Things To Do in Hastings

21 Great Things To Do in Arundel

The Best Glamping Spots in East Sussex