Afternoon tea in & around Portsmouth and Southampton – 5 lovely places to try

an afternoon tea laid out on the table near portsmouth and southampton

If you're looking for somewhere fancy for a special occasion, a relaxed catch up with the girls or simply an excuse to eat your body weight in cake, Portsmouth and Southampton have plenty of afternoon teas to choose from.

I've rounded up some of the local spots worth knowing about - from traditional afternoon teas to places offering something a little different.

Round-up

by Sinead Hoare

- October 1, 2026

The Garden Society

The Garden Society is somewhere I’ve visited multiple times, and for good reason! I’ve been here for special occasions including Mother’s Day and even a baby shower in their gorgeous Potting Shed, so it’s already a firm favourite of mine. Their afternoon tea spread is absolutely divine, with a beautiful selection of savoury options, sweet treats and of course freshly baked scones. The whole setting has such a wonderful feel to it, whether experiencing it in the Potting Shed or the Orangery, you won’t be disappointed.

afternoon tea at blooms

Blooms

Blooms in Emsworth, only a 10 minute drive from Portsmouth, is a great choice if you like your afternoon tea with a seasonal twist. Their menu changes throughout the year, so there is always something new to look forward to and another reason to keep returning to this place. It’s a great spot for a relaxed afternoon and a chance to enjoy a seasonal take on a classic.

Orange Grove

I’ve been to Orange Grove a couple of times now and it’s such a lovely spot for afternoon tea. The grounds are gorgeous and make for a really nice setting, especially when the weather is on your side. The afternoon tea comes with a selection of sandwiches, freshly baked scones with cream and jam and plenty of sweet treats, all served on a tiered stand. It’s the kind of place you can settle in and enjoy a proper leisurely afternoon. If you’re celebrating a birthday or special occasion, I’d definitely recommend booking one of the pods. They’re such a fun option for a celebration and make the experience feel that little bit more special.

Limewood Hotel

Afternoon tea at Lime Wood is a pretty great way to spend an afternoon in the New Forest. It’s one of those Hampshire spots where you can make an occasion of it, whether you’re catching up with the girls, celebrating something or simply fancy a little bit of luxury. There’s a lovely selection of sandwiches, scones and cakes, all beautifully presented and of course plenty of tea to keep you going. The setting is gorgeous, the atmosphere is relaxed and there’s no need to rush which for me is exactly what afternoon tea should be about. Add in a wander around the New Forest afterwards and you’ve got yourself a rather enjoyable day out just down the road from Southampton.

southwick afternoon tea

Southwick Village Store & Tea Rooms

If you love a proper traditional tea room, Southwick Village Store & Tea Rooms is one to have on your list. Tucked away in a pretty village, it has that lovely old fashioned feel that makes afternoon tea feel like a real treat. There’s a choice of sandwiches, scones with cream and jam and homemade cakes, and I particularly love that you can choose your cake and what sandwiches you would like. There’s seating indoors as well as a garden for warmer days, making it a lovely spot for a catch up with friends or a relaxed afternoon out. It’s also dog friendly, which is always a bonus for me.

From pretty garden settings to cosy spots for a catch up, there’s an afternoon tea for every occasion around Portsmouth and Southampton. Now, which one will you be trying first?