From meeting up with friends from out of town to getting refreshment during a Christmas shopping spree, a festive afternoon tea in Chester is ideal for many occasions. Fortunately, there are an abundance of impeccable venues in and around the city that plan special packages for the season, and 2025 is no exception. Read on for some exemplary options to choose from.
Carden Park
Not far from the city, the Carden Park Hotel and Spa is based on Broxton Road in the scenic Cheshire countryside. While known for its Championship golf courses, adventure activities and luxurious wellbeing treatments, the venue also offers a special seasonal afternoon tea for a limited period. Between November 31 and December 31, visitors can enjoy a Christmas-themed tea complete with turkey and cranberry finger sandwiches, scones and cakes. Options to upgrade are also available, including adding sparkling or mulled wine, gin or Bollinger champagne.
Rowton Hall
A charming Georgian manor house in rural Chester, Rowton Hall is an elegant environment for festive get togethers. From November 15 to December 30, the hall is serving a seasonal afternoon tea between 11 am and 5 pm. After a frosty walk in the venue’s stunning grounds, guests can warm up with a decadent afternoon tea that begins with a welcoming glass of champagne and includes savoury and sweet treats, plus carefully curated Christmas novelties.
Oddfellows
A boutique hotel based in the centre of the city on Lower Bridge Street, Oddfellows is an exceptional option for an enchanting afternoon tea during a Christmas shopping spree. Known for its Alice in Wonderland décor, the hotel is welcoming guests to a “Fabulously Festive Afternoon Tea” this year. Catering for informal parties of between four to 18 people, guests can choose between The Tea Room or Alice’s Parlour to enjoy their refreshment.
Abode
Renowned for its clear views of Chester Racecourse, the Abode is a favourite among the racing scene and the epitome of sophistication in the city. The Grosvenor Road Hotel is laying on a sumptuous afternoon tea from November 29 to December 30, between noon and 5 pm, for just £29.95 per person. Ful of seasonal fare, the sit-down experience features festive cakes, pastries, scones and delicate finger sandwiches. As well as fine teas and freshly brewed coffee, diners can enjoy a winter warmer with a glass of hot mulled wine.
Chester Grosvenor
Operating since 1865, the Chester Grosvenor is a city landmark and a five-star hotel. Synonymous with style and glamour in Chester, the accommodator is also renowned for its exemplary restaurants La Brasserie and Arkle. For 2025, the hotel’s award-winning kitchen team have prepared two different afternoon teas for the festive season, both priced at £60 per person.
The “Indulgent Afternoon Tea” features seasonal sweets, baked fruits, finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and preserve with tea and coffee, followed by Champagne and strawberries. However, those with a heartier appetite can order the Gentleman’s Afternoon Tea”. Swapping sandwiches for options like Welsh Rarebit, crispy haddock sandwiches or a chicken and bacon roll slathered in tarragon mayonnaise, the menu also includes the same dessert of bubbles and berries.
Grosvenor Pulford
Providing four-star splendour at its hotel and spa, the Grosvenor Pulford is just five minutes from Chester city centre. Promising picturesque views of Cheshire and the Welsh border, the hotel was once awarded the title of the North West’s most romantic venue. Between November 28 and January 3, for just £32 per person, the hotel’s famous Palm Court restaurant is presenting a sparkling afternoon tea. Guests can expect finger sandwiches filled with smoked salmon, cheddar cheese, butter basted turkey and topside beef and a selection of warmed scones with strawberry preserve and clotted cream. The extensive dessert menu included delicacies like Glazed winter berry tartlet, Champagne macaron, Peruvian chocolate with nut mousse and Cherry and pistachio Battenberg.
If you’re in the North West in the run up to Christmas, consider sampling one or more of these outstanding options for afternoon tea in Chester. Whether you’re looking for a break from the hubbub within the city or a rural retreat, you’ll find the perfect place for a festive gathering in and around Chester.