Afternoon tea at Bettys Harrogate – one of Yorkshire’s most iconic tea rooms and a celebrated destination for indulgence.
For anyone who is from, or who lives, ‘up north’, Bettys is something of an institution.
When you think of Bettys, you think of the most decadent cakes and sweet treats – and of course, its famous afternoon teas. There’s a reason this place, which has tea rooms in York, Harrogate, Ilkley and Northallerton, consistently draws queues out the door.
It’s a brand rooted in heritage, with a story dating back to the 1880s – and not in Yorkshire, but in Switzerland. This is where Fritz Bützer, the ‘chocolate specialist’, was born, before he moved to England in the early 1900s. He opened the first Bettys in Harrogate in 1919 and, more than 100 years later, it continues to delight visitors.
Having previously enjoyed afternoon tea in York, I’d long wanted to visit its Harrogate tea room and, cliche though it may be, it was worth the wait.
The Imperial Room
Afternoon tea is served in The Imperial Room – the kind of grand setting I always picture in my head whenever I think of afternoon tea.
There’s a true elegance to this space, creating a strong sense of occasion from the moment you enter. Panelled walls, chandeliers, and period detailing set the tone – and that’s before I even mention the pianist discreetly positioned in the corner, providing a soft musical backdrop.
We were fortunate to be seated beside the window, which made the table feel extra secluded. Outside, blossom trees framed my view, while a gentle breeze drifted through the slight opening of the raised window pane.
As dining settings go, this one elevates the whole experience. I much preferred it to Bettys in York, which feels slightly less refined in comparison to Harrogate.
Carefully curated teas
The tea menu features a specially curated selection to complement the food.
You’ll find an assortment of black, scented black, green and white teas, alongside herbal infusions and coffee. And of course, if you choose to upgrade your afternoon tea experience, you can enjoy a glass of pink champagne or prosecco.
I chose the traditional afternoon tea blend, exclusive to Bettys, combining India’s golden tips of Assam with the delicate floral notes of Darjeeling. Refills are included, and I found myself drinking two pots over the course of the afternoon.
The afternoon tea spread
This was by far one of the best afternoon tea menus I’ve ever indulged in – the balance of flavours, textures and portion sizes was spot on.
The Yorkshire sausage roll with black pepper and flaky golden pastry was unbelievably tasty (surpassing any I’ve eaten by another beloved North East name!). Perched on the same plate was a red pepper choux which complemented the sausage roll perfectly and got our savoury selection off to a mouthwatering start.
Sandwiches followed. The standout was smoked salmon and dill with lemon cream cheese on wholemeal bread, and I swapped the coronation chicken for another one of these. It’s worth noting that substitutions can be made when ordering, and you can also request extra sandwiches.
Other fillings included basil humous and cucumber on white bread, and egg mayonnaise and pea shoots on caramelised onion bread. All wonderful flavour combinations, too.
Next came the freshly baked miniature scones – one plain, one lemon and poppy seed. Both were the perfect texture, with the lemon and poppy seed scone having an ever-so-subtle taste, and I topped these with clotted cream and strawberry preserve (yes, in that order!).
By the time I reached the cakes, I found myself asking the same question that always arises: why do I never start with these first, since this is always my personal highlight?
And, oh my gosh, the dainty, colourful patisserie creations tasted just as good as they looked!
The light and creamy Swiss Dark and White Chocolate Mousse was divine. As for the Yuzu and Raspberry Slice, made from layers of joconde sponge, yuzu jelly and raspberry buttercream, topped with a toasted hand-piped meringue – this was like an explosion of Fruit Pastilles in my mouth.
Also delightful (but the sweet treat that came third out of the trio for me) was the Gooseberry Tartlet – an all-butter sweet pastry case filled with gooseberry compote and vanilla custard, topped with a gooseberry mousse dome and white chocolate shavings.
A timeless classic
All in all, this afternoon tea was superb from start to finish.
The food, the tea, and the elegant backdrop made it feel like I was having my very own Bridgerton moment! It’s easy to see why its afternoon teas have endured since the 1920s.
I’ve already made a note to check out Bettys’ next seasonal menu for a return visit later in the year, so watch this space (or my Instagram page!) for all the delicious updates.
For more information about afternoon tea at Bettys in Harrogate, along with prices and how to book, visit www.bettys.co.uk.
*Menus are subject to change, so please check with Bettys before booking.
