11 places to enjoy afternoon tea in Lincoln

Located in the iconic Cathedral Quarter, Bell’s Tea Shop is a Steep Hill staple. Situated within a Grade-II listed cottage, this vintage-style tea room is cosy and quaint. Tea is served in traditional china cups, tables are adorned with floral tablecloths, and service comes with a smile.

If you want to sample some real Lincolnshire delicacies, Bell’s is a must-visit. The majority of the food here is sourced locally - from the ham to the jam!

The afternoon tea at Bells is extremely popular, so it’s a good idea to book in advance. The menu features a varied selection of finger sandwiches, homemade cakes and delicious scones smothered in cream and jam.

Gluten free, vegetarian and vegan options available.

Situated in the historic Bailgate, the White Hart serve their sandwiches with a side of sophistication. Open to both hotel guests and visitors, afternoon tea here can be served in the hotel’s stylish bar or in the new Antlers Restaurant.

Guests can choose one option from a menu of sandwiches, which will then be served with a selection of fresh cakes and a fruit scone layered with strawberry jam and clotted cream. If you love to support local and shop small, the White Hart is a solid choice. The hotel aim to use local produce wherever possible, to emphasis the quality and variety of goods on offer in Lincolnshire.

Celebrating something special? The afternoon tea menu here also offers Pimms and Champagne as additional extras, so you can upgrade your experience with a cheeky glass of fizz.

Vegetarian, vegan and allergen options available.

It’s almost impossible to walk past Bunty’s without stopping to admire the impressive homemade cakes in the window.

Conveniently situated halfway up Steep Hill, Bunty’s is the perfect spot to catch your breath and refuel. Inside, the atmosphere is warm, welcoming and incredibly homely. This 1940s-inspired tearoom is full of nostalgia, piled high with quirky antiques and fun memorabilia.

Bunty’s specialise in afternoon teas, offering vintage cake stands piled high with tasty sandwiches, huge scones and of course, a slice or two of their famous cake.

Dietary requirements will be catered for where possible.

When it comes to afternoon tea, Stokes are definitely well versed. Their café has been serving up this delicious treat for over a century! Expect fresh sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, sweet pastries and tasty cakes. If that wasn’t enough, Stokes also offer over 30 different blends of loose leaf teas and an amazing selection of coffee.

There are two Stokes cafés in Lincoln; one just a stone’s throw from the Castle in the grounds of the Lawn, and one in the city centre. The Stokes Lawn Café has been beautifully restored, using eco-friendly materials and upcycled items. This café is also home to the Stokes Roastery, so you can watch and smell the delicious coffee roasting during your visit.

For something more traditional, Stokes High Bridge Café will transport you back in time. The medieval High Bridge in Lincoln was built in around 1160, and the building housing Stokes has been standing tall on the bridge since 1540. Steeped in history, there’s no better place to enjoy an authentic afternoon tea in Lincoln!

Vegan and gluten-free options are available.

Located just off Bailgate in Lincoln, Reform Restaurant is situated within the Castle Hotel. This award-winning eatery showcases local produce wherever possible, using fresh seasonal ingredients in every dish.

This historic venue has a brilliant atmosphere, and afternoon tea here is a real treat. Everything is freshly prepared in-house, and served on pretty vintage crockery. You will find a scrumptious selection of sandwiches and homemade pastries on offer, followed by a variety of mouth-watering cakes and brownies.

Reform offer unlimited teas and filter coffees with every afternoon tea – or you can opt for a glass of prosecco or champagne if you’re feeling a bit decadent.

Sandwiches can be adapted for dietary requirements upon request.

Located just outside Lincoln, in the village of Heighington, Clarke's Farm is a wonderful, family-run B&B. In addition to their accommodation, this cosy farmhouse also hosts vintage-style afternoon teas. Whether you're staying the night, or just popping in for a cuppa, every guest is made to feel like part of the family, and you can expect a very warm welcome.

Honouring tradition, the afternoon tea at Clarke's Farm is all home baked, and you can enjoy a selection of sweet and savoury treats. Always keen to go the extra mile, mother and daughter team, Julia and Kay, have sourced the most beautiful cake stands to serve their tea, along with vintage linens, crockery and tableware.

This picture-perfect experience can be enjoyed in the farmhouse conservatory, the converted barn tea room or outside in the stunning walled garden. Surrounded by the scent of roses, this is the perfect spot to relax on a summer's day.

Afternoon tea at Clarke's Farm is by advance booking only. A set menu is served, but dietary requirements will be catered for where needed. 

Set in the picturesque Bailgate area, the Tower Hotel are leading the way for fine dining in Lincoln. Combining classic flavours with a unique twist, the restaurant’s eclectic menu has earned them 2 AA Rosettes. The chefs here are passionate about using local produce, so this is a great place to sample some of Lincolnshire’s finest exports.

If you’ve not eaten at the Tower Hotel before, afternoon tea is a great place to start! You can enjoy a delicious sample of sandwiches, accompanied by some classic Lincolnshire savouries and homemade scones, served with clotted cream and jam. Although it is all delicious, the highlight of this afternoon tea has to be the cakes. Beautifully presented, these sweet treats look almost too good to eat….(almost).

Gluten-free options available.

If you’re a real foodie, the restaurant at Doddington Hall is a must-visit. Just a short drive from Lincoln city centre, their award-winning afternoon tea is well worth the trip!

The menus at Doddington are all based around homegrown produce. Fruit, veg, eggs and honey are all sourced from the estate - anything that can’t be grown onsite is sourced as locally and sustainably as possible.

Afternoon tea is served in Doddington’s cosy restaurant, next to the main café. Quiet and charming, this rural setting is the perfect place to relax with family and friends. Order the classic afternoon tea and you can delight in a delicious variety of sandwiches and fresh scones, and a selection of Doddington’s famous cakes and desserts.

For those with less of a sweet tooth, Doddington also offer a fantastic Savoury Afternoon Tea. Options on this menu include locally made sausage rolls, scotch eggs and pork pies, served alongside Lincolnshire Poacher cheese, salad, homemade piccalilli and chutney.

Vegetarian, vegan, gluten and dairy-free options available.

Another option outside of the city centre is Washingborough Hall Hotel, which is just 3 miles from Lincoln. Over 300 years old, this Georgian manor is the perfect setting for a traditional afternoon tea - think crisp white linens, fresh flowers and elegant vintage china.

Served in the cosy Dining Room Restaurant, a classic afternoon tea at Washingborough Hall is made up of a selection of finger sandwiches and savouries, homemade fruit scones and a variety of delectable cakes.

The talented team of chefs at Washingborough Hall are keen to showcase Lincolnshire produce, so the menus here change regularly, depending on what’s available locally. Packed with seasonal delights, the afternoon tea menu is updated every quarter, so a return visit is essential!

For a traditional English experience, you can enjoy a quintessential afternoon tea at the Petwood Hotel.

Set in the heart of the Lincolnshire countryside, this hotel emanates all the character and charm of a country residence. On sunny days, you can enjoy your tea out on the terrace, surrounded by manicured gardens, beautiful flowers and acres of woodland. Visit during winter and you can simply cosy up in an armchair and take your tea next to the fire.

Afternoon tea at the Petwood features a classic menu of sandwiches, savoury snacks and homemade scones, followed by a variety of sweet delicacies. If you’re celebrating something special, you can also upgrade your experience with a cheeky glass of champagne, prosecco or gin.