It was my birthday at the start of the month and my mother-in-law treated us to afternoon tea at Bettys. 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 afternoon tea, and I felt a bit posher than I actually am!
About Betty’s York
Betty’s is a famous tea room and café in York. Founded in 1919 by Swiss confectioner Frederick Belmont, Betty’s has become an iconic destination known for its quintessentially British charm and high-quality food and drinks.
Located at 6-8 St Helen’s Square in the heart of York, Betty’s is in a beautiful building with an elegant façade. The tea rooms offer 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.
The Belmont Room at Betty’s York
The Belmont Room is where the bookable afternoon tea experience takes place. This beautiful, historic suite is tucked away above the busy ground floor café, offering a calm and elegant setting. Designed in 1936 by the same craftsmen responsible for the Queen Mary ocean liner, the space is furnished with stunning art deco features, soft lighting, and polished wood panelling.
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 Tea Rooms at Christmas, read my Christmas in York post here.
Where is Betty’s York?
Betty’s York is located at 6-8 St Helen’s Square, York YO1 8QP, right in the heart of the historic city centre.
Contact Details:
- Bookings Phone: 0800 456 1919
- Email: heretohelp@bettys.co.uk
- Website: bettys.co.uk
The location is perfect – right on St Helen’s Square, close to York Minster and all the main attractions. You can’t miss the iconic Betty’s frontage!
Opening Times
Ground Floor Café:
- Daily service available (queues are common – see below!)
The Belmont Room (Afternoon Tea):
- Thursday to Sunday by booking only
- Various time slots available throughout the afternoon
Always book in advance for the Belmont Room afternoon tea experience!
Betty’s Afternoon Tea Menu
The Betty’s York afternoon tea menu is inspired by their best-loved patisserie treats and tea room specialities. The menu changes seasonally to make the most of the finest ingredients.
What’s Included in Betty’s Afternoon Tea?
A typical Betty’s afternoon tea York includes:
Savouries:
- Yorkshire sausage roll with rosemary and thyme
- Pear and Harrogate blue cheese macaroon (or similar seasonal savoury)
Selection of Finger Sandwiches:
- Yorkshire chicken and chorizo on sun-dried tomato bread
- Yorkshire smoked salmon with dill and lemon cream cheese on spinach bread
- Mozzarella, tomato and pesto on olive bread
- Egg mayonnaise and pea shoots on white bread
- Ham hock and honey mustard (seasonal)
- Brie, pear and cranberry (seasonal)
The sandwiches are generous! We had to cut each one in half to share.
Scones:
- Plain scone
- Date and apricot scone (or seasonal flavour like cranberry and orange)
- Served warm with strawberry preserve and clotted cream
Miniature Cakes:
- A selection of three exquisite handcrafted patisserie
- Examples include: Lemon Meringue Tartlet, Chocolate & Pistachio Dacquoise, Autumn Berry Éclair, Orange Religieuse
- These change seasonally
Tea Selection:
Staff will help you choose the perfect tea to complement your afternoon tea
Wide choice of finest quality leaf teas including Betty’s Blend, Darjeeling, Earl Grey, green teas, fruit infusions, and herbal teas
Betty’s Afternoon Tea Prices 2025
Standard Afternoon Tea: £44.95 at time of writing — always check bettys.co.uk for the latest price as it does change.
Add Champagne:
- Glass of Collet Rosé Champagne or Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore available for an additional cost
Children’s Afternoon Tea: Available at a reduced price (contact Betty’s for current pricing)
Prices are subject to change, so always check the Betty’s website or call ahead to confirm current pricing.
Is Betty’s Afternoon Tea Expensive?
Yes, Betty’s afternoon tea York is on the expensive side, but it’s basically a full meal and an experience rolled into one. I’ve paid similar prices (and more!) for meals in other places that didn’t come with live piano music and such a stunning setting. For a special occasion, birthday, or treat, it’s absolutely worth it.
Dietary Options at Betty’s York
This is really important – Betty’s caters brilliantly for different dietary requirements!
Gluten-Free Afternoon Tea at Betty’s York
Betty’s offers a comprehensive gluten-free afternoon tea menu available all the time – you don’t even need to pre-book it! The gluten-free options include sandwiches, scones, and petit fours.
Important note: Some menu items are created from ingredients which do not contain gluten, but due to preparation and supplier controls, Betty’s cannot guarantee a complete absence of gluten or other allergens as everything is made in the same kitchen. Staff are very knowledgeable and will help you feel safe and looked after.
Many reviews mention that the gluten-free bread and scones are delicious, though some note that cross-contamination is possible as it’s not a dedicated gluten-free facility.
Vegan Afternoon Tea at Betty’s York
Betty’s provides a dedicated vegan afternoon tea menu with adapted items for plant-based diets. Vegan options must be pre-booked in advance to ensure the kitchen team has adequate time to prepare.
The vegan menu includes vegan sandwiches, scones, and miniature cakes specially created without animal products.
Note: Some reviewers have mentioned that there were limited gluten-free vegan dessert options, so if you need both gluten-free AND vegan, it’s worth calling ahead to discuss what’s available.
Vegetarian Afternoon Tea at Betty’s York
Betty’s has a dedicated vegetarian afternoon tea menu, and you can simply let the staff know when you book or when you arrive. All the sandwiches can be made vegetarian, and everything else is already suitable for vegetarians.
Other Dietary Requirements
Staff will ask every table about food allergies and preferences when you arrive. If you have specific allergen needs, intolerances, or dietary requirements, always inform them when booking and again when you arrive. Reviews consistently praise Betty’s for accommodating special requests including dairy-free and other allergy requirements.
Beyond Afternoon Tea at Betty’s
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.
Our Visit to Betty’s Afternoon Tea
The service is on point, with them explaining everything you are having and asking if the food is okay. You’ll be serenaded by a pianist playing live classical covers of contemporary music throughout your afternoon tea – it’s absolutely lovely!
We had two starters (the savouries), 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 air conditioning, 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.
The staff are ultra polite and all exceptionally well-trained. They make you feel special throughout the entire experience.
The Queues at Betty’s York!
There are always queues for the downstairs café and bakery. Every time I walk past, there are queues of people waiting – sometimes for over an hour! The ground floor café operates on a first-come, first-served basis for the regular menu (not afternoon tea).
My recommendation: Book the Belmont Room afternoon tea to avoid the queues entirely. 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 and you skip all the waiting!
Walk-in customers often face long queues, especially at busy times like weekend afternoons and peak tourist season. Reviews strongly recommend reserving a table, especially for the Belmont Room, to skip the queue.
Betty’s York Afternoon Tea Reviews – What Others Say
Betty’s has an impressive reputation across review platforms! On TripAdvisor, Betty’s Café Tea Rooms York is rated 4.4 out of 5 with over 8,500 reviews, and it’s rated 4.7 stars by over 1,100 OpenTable diners.
What People Love About Betty’s Afternoon Tea York:
The Experience: People consistently mention that afternoon tea at Betty’s York is a “must-do” when visiting the city. The live pianist, elegant Belmont Room, and attentive service create a truly special atmosphere.
The Food Quality: Reviews praise the “exquisite cakes, scones, and sandwiches” and note that everything is beautifully presented and delicious. The sandwiches are described as generous and filling.
The Service: Staff are described as “exceptional,” “polite,” and “attentive,” with particular praise for how they handle celebrations and dietary requirements.
The Setting: The art deco Belmont Room gets rave reviews for its elegant, historic charm and the Queen Mary-inspired design.
Birthday Celebrations: Many reviews mention the special touch of the pianist playing Happy Birthday and the complimentary birthday cakes – just like we experienced!
Common Themes in Bettys York Afternoon Tea Reviews:
- “Worth the wait and price”
- “Perfect for special occasions”
- “Book in advance – essential!”
- “The scones are incredible”
- “Beautiful art deco setting”
- “Attentive service”
- “Live piano music adds to the experience”
Some reviews mention that the cakes can be “too sweet” for some tastes, and a few note that service can be slower during extremely busy periods. The lack of air conditioning on hot days is mentioned occasionally (which matches our experience!).
Betty’s Afternoon Tea York FAQ
How much does afternoon tea at Betty’s York cost?
Bettys York afternoon tea was priced at £44.95 per person at time of writing, but prices are updated regularly. Always check the Bettys website or call 0800 456 1919 for the current price before booking.
Do you need to book Betty’s afternoon tea in advance?
Yes! Afternoon tea in the Belmont Room is available by booking only. Call 0800 456 1919 or email heretohelp@bettys.co.uk to book. It’s essential to book in advance, especially for weekends and special occasions.
Does Betty’s York do gluten-free afternoon tea?
Yes! Betty’s offers gluten-free afternoon tea all the time and you don’t even need to pre-book it. They have a separate gluten-free menu with sandwiches, scones, and cakes. However, the establishment is not a dedicated gluten-free facility, so cross-contamination is possible.
Does Betty’s York do vegan afternoon tea?
Yes! Betty’s provides a dedicated vegan afternoon tea menu, but you must pre-book in advance to give the kitchen team time to prepare.
Is Betty’s afternoon tea suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely! Betty’s has a dedicated vegetarian afternoon tea menu. Just let them know when you book or when you arrive.
What days is afternoon tea served at Betty’s York?
Afternoon tea in the Belmont Room is served Thursday to Sunday by booking only. Various time slots are available throughout the afternoon.
Can you just walk into Betty’s York?
Yes, for the ground floor café, but expect long queues – often over an hour during busy times! For the Belmont Room afternoon tea experience, you must book in advance.
Is Betty’s York child-friendly?
Yes! Betty’s is family-friendly and offers a dedicated Children’s Afternoon Tea menu. Many families bring children for afternoon tea, and staff are experienced with celebrations.
What should I wear to Betty’s afternoon tea York?
The dress code is business casual or smart casual. The elegant, old-school atmosphere lends itself to neat, polished outfits. You’ll fit right in with smart casual or slightly dressier attire for special occasions.
How long does afternoon tea at Betty’s take?
Plan for around 1.5 to 2 hours to fully enjoy the experience. You’re not rushed, and staff will happily bring more tea and sandwiches if you’d like.
Does Betty’s afternoon tea include unlimited tea?
Yes! They’ll happily bring another pot of tea to make sure you leave feeling content. Some reviewers mention getting extra sandwiches too if you’re still hungry!
Can Betty’s accommodate food allergies?
Yes! Staff ask every table about food allergies and preferences. Always inform them when booking and again when you arrive. Reviews consistently praise Betty’s for accommodating special dietary requests.
Is the Belmont Room accessible?
The Belmont Room is upstairs, but the ground floor can be made available for those with mobility needs. Contact Betty’s in advance to discuss accessibility requirements.
Tips for Visiting Betty’s Afternoon Tea York
Book Well in Advance
Betty’s afternoon tea York is incredibly popular. Book at least 2-4 weeks in advance, especially for weekends, bank holidays, or if you’re visiting during peak tourist season.
Mention Celebrations
If you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or special occasion, tell them when you book! They’ll make it extra special with birthday cakes and the pianist playing Happy Birthday.
Arrive on Time
Your table is reserved for a specific time slot, so arrive promptly. This ensures you get the full experience.
Come Hungry
The afternoon tea is more filling than it looks! Between the sandwiches, scones, and cakes, it’s basically a full meal.
Avoid Hot Days (if possible!)
There’s no air conditioning in the Belmont Room, so it can get warm on hot summer days. If you’re heat-sensitive, try to book for a cooler day or earlier in the day.
Don’t Rush
This is an experience to savour! Take your time, enjoy the live piano music, and soak up the elegant atmosphere.
Pre-Book Dietary Requirements
If you need vegan, gluten-free, or have specific allergies, mention this when booking to ensure they can prepare properly.
Visit the Shop
After your afternoon tea, browse the Betty’s shop downstairs. They sell their famous cakes, chocolates, preserves, and teas – perfect gifts or treats to take home!
My Final Thoughts on Betty’s Afternoon Tea York
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. It’s become one of those quintessentially York experiences that you really should do at least once.
Yes, it’s expensive at £44.95 per person, but for a special occasion, birthday treat, or celebration, it’s absolutely worth it. The quality of the food, the beautiful Belmont Room setting, the live piano music, and the exceptional service all combine to create something really special.
The fact that they now offer comprehensive dietary options (gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian) means more people can enjoy this iconic York experience. Just remember to book in advance and mention any dietary requirements when you do!
I’m so glad we did this for my birthday, even if I did cry when they played Happy Birthday (don’t judge me!). It’s one of those memories that will stay with me forever, and I can totally understand why Betty’s has been a York institution since 1919.
If you’re visiting York and want to treat yourself or mark a special occasion, definitely book Betty’s afternoon tea. Just maybe avoid the really hot days unless you love feeling like you’re in a sauna while eating delicate pastries!
Betty’s York:
6-8 St Helen’s Square
York YO1 8QP
Bookings: 0800 456 1919
Email: heretohelp@bettys.co.uk
Website: bettys.co.uk
Have you been to Betty’s before? Let me know in the comments!
Looking for more York food and drink experiences? Check out York Minster Refectory Afternoon Tea, The Ivy York, or my ultimate guide to York for more ideas!
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