Afternoon tea Cardiff prices run from about £22 at city-centre hotels to £36 or more at heritage venues. Expect finger sandwiches, scones with cream and jam, cakes and unlimited tea. Pettigrew Tea Rooms in Bute Park closed in 2025, so many older guides now point readers to the wrong place.
Afternoon tea Cardiff style means a tiered stand of sandwiches, scones and cakes, served with tea in a hotel lounge or restaurant. Prices start at roughly £22 and climb past £36 at the grandest venues. The choice is wide, but some popular names have changed.
This guide lists current options, compares listed prices and explains what you get. It also flags one important correction: Pettigrew Tea Rooms in Bute Park closed in 2025, yet many websites still recommend it.
Menus, prices and seasonal offers change often. The prices below come from venue and tourism listings, so confirm the current price and booking rules before you reserve.
Key takeaways
- Listed afternoon tea Cardiff prices run from about £22 to £36 or more per person.
- Pettigrew Tea Rooms in Bute Park closed in 2025, and a coffee shop now uses the building.
- Prosecco or champagne upgrades usually add between £6 and £15 per person.
- Most venues need advance booking, and they ask about dietary needs when you reserve.
Afternoon tea Cardiff venues and listed prices
The table below compares venues that have published prices. Because menus change, treat each figure as a guide, not a quote.
| Venue | Area | Listed price from | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clayton Hotel Cardiff | City centre, St Mary Street | About £22 | Listing includes prosecco in some versions |
| Future Inn Cardiff Bay | Cardiff Bay | From £21 | A bottomless version costs more |
| Park Plaza Cardiff | City centre | £27.95 | Champagne upgrade about £9 |
| The Ivy Asia | The Hayes | From £29.95 | Asian-inspired menu |
| The Ivy Cardiff | St David’s | From £33.50 to £35.95 | Champagne version costs more |
| The Parkgate Hotel | Westgate Street | From £36 | Served in a restored former post office |
| The Angel Hotel | Opposite Cardiff Castle | From £36 | Traditional and champagne options |
| Hilton Cardiff | Kingsway | Varies | Bottomless prosecco upgrade listed at £15 |
The Pettigrew Tea Rooms correction
Pettigrew Tea Rooms sat in the West Lodge at Bute Park for years, and reviewers loved it. However, the Bute Park website now states that the tea rooms closed in 2025. A coffee shop called Brodies on the Wall uses the building. Therefore, do not book there for afternoon tea.
What is included in a Cardiff afternoon tea?
Most menus follow the same pattern. Even so, the details differ by venue.
- Sandwiches: Finger sandwiches with classic fillings, cut into small portions.
- Scones: Plain or fruit scones with clotted cream and jam.
- Cakes and pastries: A selection of small sweet treats.
- Drinks: Tea or coffee, often with refills.
- Upgrades: Prosecco, champagne or a cocktail for an extra charge.
Some hotels also serve a savoury “gentleman’s” version with heartier bites. Additionally, seasonal menus appear in spring and December, so check the date range of the offer.
How to choose the right afternoon tea Cardiff venue
Think about the occasion before you compare prices.
| Occasion | Good choice | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Birthday or celebration | Heritage hotel such as The Parkgate | Grand rooms and a formal feel |
| Relaxed catch-up | Chain hotel lounge | Lower prices and easy booking |
| Shopping break | Restaurant in St David’s | Close to the shops |
| Castle visit | Hotel opposite Cardiff Castle | Short walk before or after |
| Something different | Asian-inspired menu | A twist on the classic |
Moreover, consider the time slot. Many venues serve between about noon and 5pm, and weekday slots can cost less than weekends. As a result, a Tuesday booking often saves money.
Book a table near a window or the lounge fireplace when you reserve. Venues rarely guarantee seats, but they often note requests and try to match them.
Dietary needs and booking
Most venues cater for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free guests if you ask in advance. Tell them when you reserve, not on arrival. Furthermore, allergies need clear written notice, because kitchens prepare the stands before guests arrive.
- Book ahead: Weekends and December sell out quickly.
- Share dietary needs: Give details at booking and confirm them the day before.
- Ask about timing: Some sessions last about two hours, and late arrival cuts your time.
- Check the deposit: Some venues take a deposit that you lose if you cancel late.
- Read upgrade terms: A glass of fizz may be one glass, not unlimited.
Afternoon tea Cardiff by area
Location shapes the day, so pick the area first.
- City centre and St David’s: Best for a shopping break. The Ivy and the Ivy Asia sit inside the shopping area, and several hotels lie within a short walk.
- Castle Quarter: The Angel Hotel faces Cardiff Castle, so you can pair tea with a castle visit. Moreover, the Hilton is a short stroll along Kingsway.
- Westgate Street: The Parkgate Hotel sits close to Principality Stadium, so check event dates before you book, because match days bring crowds.
- Cardiff Bay: Hotels near the waterfront suit a quieter afternoon and a walk around the Bay afterwards.
Seasonal and museum teas
National Museum Cardiff has run seasonal afternoon teas linked to exhibitions. One spring edition listed a price of £23, with a prosecco upgrade at £6. Because these events run for a limited period, check the museum’s own page for the next one.
What to expect on the day
Venues rarely enforce a strict dress code for afternoon tea. Smart casual works almost everywhere. However, arrive on time, because staff prepare the stands for your booked slot. Expect a calm room, tea served at the table and a small plate of food at each level of the stand. If you cannot finish everything, ask whether the venue offers a box to take cakes home.
Afternoon tea Cardiff at Christmas
Hotels often launch festive menus in December. One city hotel has listed a festive afternoon tea at around £29.50 in a previous season, so expect similar or higher prices this year. In addition, Christmas dates fill early. If you plan to pair tea with the Cardiff Christmas Market, reserve both before November ends.
Budget and money-saving tips
- Pick a weekday slot, because many venues price weekends higher.
- Compare hotel chain lounges with heritage venues, which often cost around £10 to £15 more.
- Share a bottomless offer only if you will really drink it. Our guide to bottomless brunch in Cardiff shows how to work out cost per drink.
- Look for gift vouchers or seasonal offers on the hotel’s own site.
- Skip the champagne upgrade if tea is the point.
Is afternoon tea Cardiff style worth the money?
It depends on what you want. If you value a formal room, polished service and a long, slow conversation, the price makes sense. If you only want cake and a hot drink, a cafe will cost far less. For more places to eat and drink, browse the Eat & Drink section or return to the Cardiff Post homepage. You can also read how we collect prices in our editorial policy.
Frequently asked questions
How much is afternoon tea in Cardiff?
Listed prices start at about £21 to £22 at chain hotels and rise to £36 or more at heritage venues. Upgrades with prosecco or champagne add to the cost.
Where is the best afternoon tea in Cardiff?
That depends on the occasion. The Parkgate Hotel suits celebrations, while chain hotel lounges give good value for a relaxed visit.
Is Pettigrew Tea Rooms still open?
No. Bute Park’s website states that Pettigrew Tea Rooms closed in 2025. A coffee shop called Brodies on the Wall now uses the West Lodge building.
Do I need to book afternoon tea in Cardiff?
Yes, in most cases. Hotels and restaurants take bookings, and weekends and December fill quickly.
Can I get afternoon tea with prosecco in Cardiff?
Yes. Several venues offer prosecco or champagne versions, and upgrades commonly add between £6 and £15 per person.
Is afternoon tea in Cardiff suitable for vegans and coffee drinkers?
Most venues offer vegan and other dietary versions if you ask in advance, and they usually serve coffee as well as tea.
How long does afternoon tea last?
Plan on around two hours. Check the booking terms, because some venues set a fixed session length.
Afternoon tea Cardiff: final tips
Choose your venue by occasion, book early and tell the kitchen about dietary needs. Forget older recommendations for Pettigrew Tea Rooms, and confirm the price before you pay a deposit. With those steps done, afternoon tea Cardiff style is an easy treat to plan.
Cardiff Post Editorial. Independent Cardiff guides, checked against official sources. Read our editorial policy, corrections policy and about page.
Information only. Cardiff Post is independent and is not affiliated with any government body. Check details with the official source before you travel or book.
