Afternoon tea really is the ultimate indulgence.

The quintessentially English tradition of enjoying tea, cakes, scones and finger sandwiches is the perfect way to reward yourself after a hard day's shopping - and luckily Chester can boast some wonderful venues where you can do just that.

We've picked eight of the best places in the city to enjoy a sumptuous afternoon tea - and even a glass of fizz too if you fancy it.

Please note: Details and prices correct at time of publishing but please check with the venue to avoid disappointment.

 

Oddfellows

Oddfellows, Chester

 

Oddfellows promises 'the ultimate afternoon tea with a splash of odd' through its natty interiors and generous dose of humour and fun.

At £18.50 per person and available from noon to 4.30pm, it consists of freshly prepared finger sandwiches which use flavours in keeping with the season, scones with all the usual trimmings, chef's selection of treats, cakes and tarts and of course the all-important tea and coffee.

Or there's also a savoury afternoon tea which swaps traditional cakes with mini sliders, scotch eggs and pigs in blankets - complete with cheese and onion scones served with a creme fraiche and chive dip.

20 Lower Bridge Street, Chester, CH1 1RS

01244 345454

@OddfellowsCH1

The Chester Grosvenor

Claiming to be the 'finest' in Chester, the tradition of 'taking tea' at The Chester Grosvenor has been going strong every day since 1882.

With a choice of five afternoon teas there's something for everyone, including two 'Gentleman's' variations where delicate pastries and finger foods are replaced with heartier fare like crusty doorstep sandwiches and chunky chips.

It's served from noon to 4.30pm Monday to Thursday and noon to 4pm Friday to Sunday.

But a word to the wise - they say advance booking is highly recommended.

Prices start from £32 per person.

Eastgate, Chester, CH1 1LT

01244 324024

@TheGrosvenor

Traditional afternoon tea

Mad Hatters

This charming venue - which has featured on ITV's Britain's Best Bakery - promises to offer 'subtle English tearoom eccentricity and a touch of wonderland'.

Guests can indulge with a whimsical and traditional Alice's Afternoon Tea fit for Alice herself priced at £16 per person or The Red Queen's Afternoon Tea, which boasts the addition of a glass of bubbly for £21 per person.

Full afternoon tea is not available on a Saturday unless booked in advance, due to high demand.

49 Bridge Street Row East, CH1 1NW, Chester

01244 323444

@MadHattersTRoom

Chester Cathedral

Chester Cathedral's Traditional Afternoon Tea

For a peaceful afternoon tea in truly grand and unique surroundings, why not try Chester Cathedral?

Tea is served in The Refectory - the monks' dining hall - and you can plump for either the traditional or Prosecco-inclusive options.

However you'll need to book at least 24 hours in advance.

Abbey Square, Chester, CH1 2HU

01244 500964

@ChesterCath

The Galley - Ellesmere Port

The Galley Restaurant in Ellesmere Port

Situated in a picturesque location near to the Waterways Museum with a stunning canal side view.

Afternoon Tea at The Galley has become a bit of a phenomenom so be sure to book in advance. 

All dishes are prepared fresh each day and the restaurant offers gluten free and vegetarian variations of their afternoon tea.

Booking 24 hours in advance is required and a £2.50 deposit per person is also required.

Priced at just £13.50 per person.

1 South Pier Road

Ellesmere Port

Tel: 0151 355 1163

For more details visit The Galley Facebook page.

Afternoon tea at The Galley in Ellesmere Port

Edgar House

Edgar House overlooking the River Dee in Chester
Edgar House overlooking the River Dee in Chester

This luxury guesthouse on the banks of the River Dee has joined forces with restaurant Twenty2 to bring afternoon tea aficionados two sophisticated menus on Saturday afternoons, which are specially dedicated to the ritual.

You can choose from either the 'Proper Afternoon Tea' - so-called because 'care and pride' is taken in making and presenting it - or the 'Savoury Afternoon Tea' for those with a slightly less sweet tooth. Both cost £21.50. 

Or you can get 'Prosecco Afternoon Tea' for £26.
And what's great is that Twenty2 has teamed up with Clatterbridge Cancer Charity so £2 is donated for every afternoon tea. 

22 City Walls, Chester, CH1 1SB

01244 347007

@edgarhouse1

Brasserie Abode

 

Sit back, relax and enjoy afternoon tea against a backdrop of stunning views of the Welsh hills and beyond in Brasserie Abode.

Pick a booth on the fifth floor and indulge in a full afternoon tea with sweet and savoury treats..

Full afternoon tea is £19 per person which includes scones, clotted cream, strawberry jam, savouries, sandwiches and pastries as well as tea and coffee and it's £26 if you fancy a glass of champagne with it.

Grosvenor Road, Abode Chester , CH1 2DJ

01244 347000

@abodechester

Zugers

 

For just £13.95 you can get a sumptuous afternoon tea special at Zugers Tea Rooms, which includes a round of traditional sandwiches, homemade scones with Tiptree jam and clotted cream, and a choice of one of Zugers' delicious homemade desserts.

This is all washed down of course with a pot of tea or coffee, and you can add a glass of Momosa or Strawberry Bellini for an extra cost.

Zugers Tea Rooms

St John Street

Chester

CH1 1DA

 

This article was originally published as 'Nine delightful afternoon teas to try in Chester', but we have since updated it.