Betty’s Afternoon Tea in York (2023)

 

It was my birthday at the start of the month and my boyfriend’s Mum treated us to afternoon tea at Betty’s. How I got to 32 years old and never had afternoon tea before is beyond me. But I’ve done it now, I guess!

Betty’s is lovely. It’s such a stunning room where they hold the tea and I felt a bit posher than I actually am!

About Betty’s York

Betty’s is a famous tea room and café York. Founded in 1919, Betty’s has become an iconic destination known for its quintessentially British charm and high-quality food and drinks.

It’s in a beautiful building with an elegant façade, Betty’s offers a warm and inviting atmosphere where visitors can enjoy a delightful dining experience. The interior is adorned with art deco touches, polished wood, and stained glass windows, creating a timeless ambience that reflects its rich heritage.

Betty’s is famous for its traditional afternoon tea, which is served in exquisite style. Guests can indulge in a selection of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and preserves, and a delectable assortment of cakes and pastries. All of these treats are accompanied by a choice of teas carefully sourced from around the world, ensuring a truly memorable and indulgent experience.

If you’re interested in finding out what’s on at Betty’s Tearoons at Christmas, read my Christmas in York post here.

Beyond afternoon tea, Betty’s offers a large menu featuring a range of breakfast and lunch options. From hearty Yorkshire breakfasts to classic British dishes and international flavours, there is something to satisfy every palate. The menu showcases locally sourced ingredients and highlights the best of Yorkshire’s culinary heritage.

The tea rooms also has a bakery and a shop where visitors can purchase Betty’s famous handmade cakes, chocolates, and other delectable treats. The shop has lovely gifts and souvenirs, including tea sets, preserves, and tea-related accessories, allowing guests to take a piece of Betty’s home with them.

Betty’s in York is not just a tea room but a cultural institution that embodies the charm and elegance of traditional British tea culture. Its commitment to exceptional service, quality ingredients, and a welcoming atmosphere has made it a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike. A visit to Betty’s is a delightful way to experience the timeless charm of York while savouring delicious food and tea in an enchanting setting.

Our Visit to Betty’s

The service is on point, with them explaining everything you are having and asking if the food is okay.

We had two starters, then a plate of sandwiches, scones and cakes. At first, I didn’t think it looked like much, but the cakes are so sweet it’s plenty for two. We cut each in half so we both had a piece!

They ask if you are there for a celebration, and my boyfriend said it was my birthday. During our time there, the live piano player started playing Happy Birthday and they brought out little cakes to the 5 or so of us celebrating our birthday. I’m not going to lie, I did cry at this point because I’m an idiot and need to get a grip!

The only downfall was there is no aircon, so avoid going when it’s a hot day. I was so hot and couldn’t wait to go to somewhere with aircon to cool down! Oh, that and the fact I cried ha.

Queues!

There are always queues for the downstairs cafe and bakery. Every time I walk past, there are queues of people waiting. I would recommend booking an afternoon tea to avoid that. We literally walked straight up to the room at our booked time. Of course, it’s a bit more expensive, but it’s an amazing experience.

How much does afternoon tea at Betty’s cost?

The current price of afternoon tea is £39.95 per person. They cater for vegans, vegetarians, gluten-free and also will do a children’s afternoon tea. It’s not too expensive to say it’s basically a meal and I’ve paid similar prices and more for a meal in other places.

Have you been to Betty’s before?

  

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