It may be a tradition that dates back for 200 years, but it’s only in the last few years that afternoon tea has seen a huge resurgence in popularity. Hotels are now offering six or more sittings a day in order to keep up with demand, with an online magazine reporting that in 2014, venues saw a huge 70% increase in bookings compared to the year before.

Afternoon tea used to be a part of the daily routine (for wealthy families at least) for British people, while nowadays it’s considered a special treat to be enjoyed as part of a catch-up with a close-friend, a hen party or another celebration. The British public has a real love affair with afternoon tea, and it’s not looking likely to die down in popularity any time soon.

Love afternoon tea? Come to Bath

When it comes to putting on a splendid spread in majestic surroundings, often with beautiful sunny weather to boot, there really is no better place than Bath for afternoon tea. Thanks to the city’s famous former resident Jane Austen and the penchant of many of her characters for taking tea in one of Bath’s glamorous tea rooms often frequented by high society, the city has become closely linked with afternoon tea.

It’s not hard to see why so many people flock to the city for afternoon tea – at present, Bath has over 20 beautiful venues in which to enjoy cakes, sandwiches, scones and of course, the traditional pot of tea. The city is bursting with quaint little tea rooms and glamorous, grand hotels. Some even offer a champagne version for a dash of extra indulgence.  Here are just a handful of the fantastic places around Bath to order this great British classic:

• The Pump Room Restaurant
• Sally Lunn’s (Bath’s oldest building)
• Emily’s Tearoom at the Francis Hotel
• Old Time Bea’s Vintage Tea Rooms
• Jolly’s Tearoom
• Atelier
• The Jane Austen Centre Regency Tea Rooms
• The Royal Crescent Hotel
• ArtBar at Abbey Hotel
• The Bath Bun Tea Shoppe
• The Green Rocket Café (a good vegetarian option)

You can even enjoy a slice of cake and a lovely cup of tea gliding along the River Avon, as the John Rennie Restaurant Boat also offers cream teas and afternoon tea for private parties. What better way to spend a sunny summer afternoon in Bath!

Don’t miss afternoon tea week!

Afternoon tea has become so popular that it now has a whole week dedicated to it, from Monday 10^th August to Saturday 16^th. So, if you’re planning on visiting Bath this summer, why not time your visit to coincide with this special event? There are bound to be lots of special offers and even events running in Bath, so it could be the perfect time to visit.

Book your stay now at Bath Holiday Rentals – the summer is always a very popular time to visit the city, so make sure you don’t leave it too late to reserve city centre accommodation close to your favourite afternoon tea spots!