The Guide to Best Afternoon Tea in Bermuda and Top Venues

 

 

Updated: October 2026 

If you want to understand Bermuda, you have to understand its afternoon tea culture. The island has evolved far beyond the stuffy, formal parlor rooms of the past. 

 

Today, you will find modern luxury resorts pouring craft gin alongside your Earl Grey, and historic gardens serving local loquat jam on freshly baked scones. 

 

I have spent many afternoons testing these menus to figure out exactly which venues are worth your time and money. 

 

At a Glance

 

 

The Bermuda Tea Tradition

 

Bermuda is heavily influenced by its British heritage, but the local tea culture has a distinct tropical rhythm. You will not just find standard cucumber sandwiches here. Local chefs weave island ingredients into the classic three-tiered silver stands. 

 

Expect to taste Bermuda black rum cake and even savory cones filled with local yellowfin tuna tartar. If you want to dive deeper into how British customs shaped the island, check out my guide on Bermuda Traditions and Local Customs. 

 

 

 

Who This Is For (And Who Should Skip It)

 

Afternoon tea is perfect for couples seeking a quiet date, multi-generational families wanting an activity that does not require walking, and anyone looking for an elegant rainy-day backup plan. It is a slow, methodical dining experience. 

 

This might not be the best fit if you are a budget traveler, as luxury resort teas easily exceed $100 for two people. You should also skip it if you just want a quick, heavy lunch before rushing to Horseshoe Bay. The portions are delicate and designed for grazing. 

 

Common Mistakes to Avoid

 

Ignoring the 24-Hour Rule: Almost every luxury resort requires a 24-hour advance reservation for afternoon tea so the pastry chefs can prepare the delicate items. 

Dressing Too Casually: Bermuda takes its dress codes seriously. Men should wear collared shirts. Leave the beachwear in your hotel room. 

 

Top Luxury Hotel Tea Experiences

 

These are the globally recognized heavyweights. They offer flawless service, ocean or harbor views, and air-conditioned comfort. 

 

The Crown and Anchor at Hamilton Princess

 

This is the undisputed favorite for a classic, high-end experience. The "Art of Tea" menu changes seasonally to reflect the modern art hanging in the lobby. 

Vibe: Sleek, modern, and nautical. 

The Menu: Fairmont's exclusive LOT 35 loose leaf teas paired with artfully crafted pastries. They also offer a Kids Tea menu. 

Pro-Tip: You absolutely must book 24 hours in advance if you want to go Monday through Friday. Saturday allows walk-ins, but the wait can be long. Read more about the property in my complete Hamilton Princess Hotel guide. 

 

The Conservatory at Rosewood Bermuda

 

Located in Tucker's Point, this venue leans heavily into craft cocktails and botanical flavors. 

Vibe: Bright, airy, and sophisticated with sweeping views of Castle Harbor. 

The Menu: They offer a "Tipsy Afternoon Tea" featuring tea-inspired cocktails. The food includes local goat cheese sandwiches and warm raisin scones with clotted cream. 

Pro-Tip: If you rent an EV Micro Car, parking at the Rosewood is simple, but the winding drive up to the resort can be intimidating for first-time drivers. Read my full breakdown in the Rosewood Bermuda guide. 

 

Conservatory at Rosewood 

 

Photo: Rosewood Bermuda 

 

The St. Regis Bar at St. Regis Bermuda

 

The newest luxury addition in St. George's brings the famous Astor family tea tradition to the island. 

Vibe: Intimate, ultra-modern luxury. 

The Menu: Their "Tea with a Twist" or "Tea Time Ritual" focuses on shareable plates and refined sweets. 

Pro-Tip: Combine this with a morning exploring Fort St. Catherine, which sits right next door. 

Location Map (Luxury Venues) 

 

Historic and Garden Tea Settings

 

If you prefer the smell of cedar trees and blooming flowers over a hotel lobby, these non-resort venues offer incredible atmosphere. 

 

Sweet P at The Bermuda Perfumery

 

Located in the historic Stewart Hall (Queen Street) in St. George's, this is a sensory overload in the best way. You smell the custom Lili Bermuda perfumes in the front room, and the aroma of baking scones in the back. 

Vibe: Charming, historic, and highly exclusive. 

The Menu: Incredible finger sandwiches, petit fours, and scones served with local honey. 

Logistics: They only serve tea on Wednesdays and Saturdays. It costs around $55 per person, and they do not accept credit cards. Bring cash. 

Afternoon Tea at Sweet P 

 

Photo: Sweet P 

 

The Botanist Cafe and Garden Lounge

 

Tucked away at the Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art inside Botanical Gardens in Paget Parish, this is a fantastic cultural stop. 

Vibe: Quiet, artistic, and surrounded by the lush Rose Garden. 

The Menu: Fresh, botanical-inspired teas and locally sourced pastries. 

Pro-Tip: The steps leading down to the garden can be slippery after a quick rain shower. Wear shoes with good grip. Read complete details on my Botanist Cafe guide. 

 

Huckleberry at Rosedon Hotel

 

This boutique hotel in Pembroke Parish offers old-world elegance just a short walk from the city center of Hamilton. 

Vibe: Classic southern charm meets Bermudian hospitality. They serve in beautiful and classy vintage bone china from Royal Kendal, Royal Albert, Colclough, and others. 

The Menu: They often feature live weekend music to accompany their extensive loose-leaf tea selection and house-made preserves. Finger food frequently includes tuna, smoked salmon or cucumber with cream cheese sandwiches, in-house baked carrot cake, banana bread, gingerbread, scones and the popular sugar cookies. 

Location: 61 Pitts Bay Road, Pembroke. Check out my guide on Rodedon Hotel for a full breakdown. 

 

West End and Casual Venues

 

If your cruise ship docks at the Royal Naval Dockyard, you do not have to travel all the way to Hamilton or St. George's for a great cup of tea. 

 

The Parlour at Cambridge Beaches

 

Located in Sandys Parish, this is a great daily tea spot integrated with a local art gallery. It offers a relaxed atmosphere with excellent views of Mangrove Bay. 

 

While the resort recently dropped its strict adults-only policy to welcome families, it still maintains a sophisticated, quiet vibe. Check my guide on Cambridge Beaches for details. 

 

The Dockyard Cafe

 

If you are looking for the old Dockyard Pastry Shop, note that it has permanently closed. However, The Dockyard Cafe has taken over the exact footprint at 12 Dockyard Terrace. 

 

It is a much more casual, grab-and-go spot. It will not give you the formal table service, but it is the perfect place to grab a hot tea and a heavy slice of cake before boarding the ferry. 

 

What Surprised Me the Most

 

I was genuinely surprised by how fast the luxury spots book up. You can no longer just wander into a hotel lobby at 3:00 PM and expect a table. 

 

I was also impressed by how beautifully local flavors are woven into a traditionally British menu. Tasting the sharp, salty local goat cheese paired with a sweet Bermuda loquat jam is an experience you simply cannot replicate in London. 

 

Practical Details (Costs, Access, and Dietary Needs)

 

Expect to pay a base rate of $50 to $75 per person at the major resorts. Adding a glass of Veuve Clicquot or Prosecco will push the price higher. A 15 to 17 percent gratuity is almost always added to your final bill automatically. 

 

If you have dietary restrictions, you are in luck. Every major venue on this list can accommodate gluten-free or vegan diets if you notify them when booking. 

 

For a deeper look at eating safely on the island, read my guide to Gluten Free and Vegan Dining in Bermuda. 

 

Alternatives to Traditional High Tea

 

If you do not want to spend two hours sitting over a formal tea service, you have great alternatives in the City of Hamilton. 

 

Head over to The Duchess Cafe (located just outside the Hamilton Princess) for a quick Chemex slow-pour coffee, a cup of Lot 35 tea, and a fresh pastry to go. 

 

Another excellent option is Cafe 4 in the Washington Mall area (18 Queen Street, Windsor Place), where you can grab a fast, high-quality tea and a slice of cake before doing some local shopping. 

 

Related Articles

 

 

1) Bermuda Local Food and Drinks 

 

2) Great restaurants in Bermuda 

 

Visitors' Reviews and Comments     Kelly Carbonaro (July 2024)  I will be traveling to Bermuda in August via cruise ship. We will be in port for two days, Monday and Tuesday and my daughter and I would like to experience high tea. Do you have any recommendations that may be near Royal Naval Dockyard? Thanks for your help.    Raj (bermuda-attractions.com) July 2024  Hi, Dockyard Cafe located inside Royal Naval Dockyard (a short walk from the cruise berths) serves high tea.

 

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