Best Afternoon Tea in Bath: The Pump Room

One of the first things you should do after deciding to visit Bath is to book your table for Bath afternoon tea at The Pump Room. It’s a truly exquisite experience and, in my opinion, the best afternoon tea in Bath and, perhaps, even in London.

The Pump Room is in the heart of Bath, what was once the social scene in Georgian times. Having afternoon tea at the Pump Room feels like the quintessential Bath experience. It’s a must do.

the pump room sign on the outside of the building with views of the Bath Abbey in the background — The Pump Room, Bath

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Why Have Bath Afternoon Tea at the Pump Room?

It’s a historic place. The Pump Room is a historic venue where people like Jane Austen once frequented. It’s been a fashionable meeting place for centuries, so definitely treat yourself here while you’re in Bath. (Initially, the Pump Room wasn’t used for afternoon tea but for visitors to promenade and drink the mineral waters.)

There’s classical music. I was pleasantly surprised when a few musicians went on stage and played instruments while we dined. I believe this happens every day as the Pump Room has a resident pianist, so you’re in for a treat.

There’s incredible food. The food in the Pump Room is actually very good! You’ll get as much tea as you want as well. They cater nicely to people with dietary restrictions, just be sure to tell them well in advance.

You’re a fan of Jane Austen. As mentioned, Jane Austen visited the Pump Room during her time in Bath but so did a few characters in her novels (particularly those in Northanger Abbey). Fans of Jane Austen will love the chance to live as if they’re in an Austen novel.

Quick Facts about the Pump Room

Location: Searcys at the Pump Room, Stall St, Bath BA1 1LZ
Tea Times: 12-1:30 p.m., 2-3:30 p.m. or 4-5:30 p.m., daily
Cost: Starts at £42.50 per guest
How to Book: Book online.

the author, a young woman, with her mother, sitting at a table in the Pump Room — The Pump Room, Bath

History of the Pump Room

Why is it called the Pump Room?

The Pump Room is so named because of the hot springs’ water pumped into the building (there’s a fountain where people once drank from the waters, which is still in the Pump Room).

How old is the Pump Room?

Bath’s population exploded in the 18th and 19th centuries, and many new buildings were constructed during that time, including the Pump Room.

The first Pump Room was constructed in 1706 and enlarged a few times before an entirely new room was constructed in 1796. This is the room you can visit today.

Initially, the Pump Room wasn’t used for afternoon tea but for visitors to promenade and drink the waters.

How are the Pump Room and the Roman Baths connected?

In digging a foundation for the new Pump Room in the 1790s, remains of the Roman Temple were discovered. This led to a huge excavation of the area, and you can now also visit the Roman Baths, right next door to the Pump Room.

author's mom posing next to tiered tray of afternoon tea selections — The Pump Room, Bath

What to Expect at The Pump Room Bath Afternoon Tea

Arrival

You’ll wait outside the Pump Room (with everyone else) until it’s time, and then they’ll open the doors and let everyone in. You don’t need to arrive very early as you’ll just be waiting in line. Be do come on time.

About the atmosphere

Someone will show you to your table, and you and your party will have the table to yourselves (no sharing with strangers). They space the tables apart well so you won’t feel crushed.

Above you are gorgeous chandeliers, and the large windows bring in such beautiful sunlight.

About the food

A server will ask after your tea/coffee selections and confirm any dietary restrictions you may have noted on the reservation (if applicable).

When they bring out your three-tiered trays, the server will share about each item on the tray.

We booked our afternoon tea for 2 p.m. and purposely didn’t eat lunch because we wanted to enjoy our tea on an empty stomach. With all of the scones, treats, and sandwiches, I’m glad we did so, as it was very filling.

About the music

While you dine, the resident pianist or Pump Room Trio will come to the stage and perform some instrumental music.

Departure

You’re able to leave whenever you finish, or you can ask for more tea and relish in the atmosphere until time is up! You’ll have a maximum of 90 minutes in the Pump Room afternoon tea.

When to visit the Pump Room?

The restaurant is right next door to the Roman Baths, making it a convenient treat before or after your Roman Baths tour.

the stage with a piano and other instruments in the pump room — The Pump Room, Bath

The Pump Room’s Afternoon Tea Menu

Savoury Selection

The savoury selection changes frequently as the menu is updated, but here are some things to expect.

2-3 cocktail sandwiches, such as ham and cream cheese; smoked salmon and caviar; and truffled egg mayonnaise
3 finger items, such as crab and lemon mayonnaise; cottage pie; and cheddar rarebit

Sweet Selection

Homemade buttermilk scones, fruit and plain with West Country clotted cream and jam
Daily selection of Pump Room pastries

Served with a pot of house tea or hand-roasted filter coffee.

View the current sample menu on the official website.

Is There an Option for Vegetarians/Vegans or Diabetics?

Yes, The Pump Room caters to most dietary restrictions, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and even diabetic. Be sure to note your dietary restriction when you make your reservation.

I was given vegetarian afternoon tea, consisting of desserts, scones, and vegetarian finger sandwiches and wraps.

My mom was given a diabetic-friendly option, where they replaced the desserts with a bowl of fruit. The staff was very friendly and accommodating, making sure everything was in order for us.

two 3-tiered trays of food for afternoon tea on a white tablecloth at the pump room — Diabetic-friendly afternoon tea (left) and vegetarian afternoon tea (right)

How to Book a Table at The Pump Room

If you have less than 6 people in your party, you can simply book your afternoon tea reservations at the Pump Room online.

Be sure to note any dietary restrictions, if you have them, when you book.

If you have more than 6 people in your party, you’ll need to call or email the Pump Room to make a reservation.

Payment is due at booking. You’ll be able to cancel with a full refund up to 48 hours before your reservation.

Frequently Asked Questions about Bath Afternoon Tea at the Pump Room

What makes afternoon tea at the Pump Room so special?

The music, the atmosphere, and the energy in the Pump Room make it special. Also the fact that it’s such a historical building — you’re in a space that has been used for centuries — is quite astounding.

Is there a dress code at the Pump Room?

There isn’t an official dress code, but you can dress up a bit to fit the occasion. I saw many women in dresses (myself included) while we had afternoon tea at the Pump Room. Nothing too fancy, however.

What is the best time to book afternoon tea?

There are only three times a day that you can book afternoon tea at the Pump Room — either noon, 2 p.m. or 4 p.m. The tea lasts 90 minutes, but you can leave earlier if you wish.

There’s not really a “best” time; it depends on which time will be most convenient for you.

If you’re planning to also visit the Roman Baths, which is right next door, I’d time your afternoon tea with that. We wanted to visit the Roman Baths later in the day, at 4 p.m., so we booked our afternoon tea at 2 p.m. and headed there afterward.

How much does it cost?

The cost for afternoon tea at the Pump Room starts at £42.50 per guest. A child’s afternoon tea is £12.50 when purchased with full adult teas. You can also add starters and champagne for an extra cost.

Is it worth it?

Yes, definitely. It was an incredible afternoon tea, one I’ll remember and treasure forever.

I enjoyed The Pump Room afternoon tea more than the afternoon tea I had in London near Big Ben.

What other afternoon tea options are available in Bath?

The Jane Austen Centre has a Regency Tea Room, which serves afternoon tea daily from 10:15 a.m. to 5 p.m. (with limited hours in winter).

Montagu’s Mews at The Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa serves afternoon tea daily from 1-4 p.m.

The Ivy Bath Brasserie & Garden serves afternoon tea daily from 3-5 p.m.

Browns Browns Bath serves afternoon tea daily from 3-5 p.m.

Where to stay in Bath?

Bath has many hotels in the city center that are very convenient for you to explore Bath for a weekend.

Stay in the Royal Crescent: If you’re looking to splurge on your weekend in Bath England, consider the Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa, which is the only hotel inside the famous and historic Royal Crescent.

Stay near Bath’s waters: If you’re wanting to take to Bath’s famous mineral waters, there’s no better hotel than the Gainsborough Bath Spa. Here, guests are able to bathe in an exclusive mineral pool, an experience you really can’t beat.

Stay in Jane Austen’s apartment: Did you know you can stay at the apartment where Jane Austen lived in the early 1800s? Someone privately owns it and rents it out on VRBO and Airbnb. So cool!

What to pack for travel to the UK?

Favorite travel essentials

I really recommend these compression packing cubes. They’re very thick and durable and allow you to pack more than you expect.
I also love this travel backpack that opens like a suitcase, fits almost as much as a carry-on, and has tons of pockets as well as a strap to attach to your luggage handle. It makes traveling so much easier and more organized. It also fits nicely under the airplane seats.
I bring this AirFly receiver for AirPods with me on long-haul flights, so I can connect to the plane’s video screen with my own AirPods.
I no longer hop on a flight without wearing my Sockwell compression socks because they really do help relieve/prevent leg cramps from sitting so long in one place. I have the lotus pattern, but there are other patterns to choose from, such as this cat pattern or this flower pattern. See all sock patterns in the Sockwell storefront.
For Americans, I recommend getting the Capital One Venture X credit card to relax and eat free food in select airport lounges. I’ve had my Capital One Venture X credit card for a few years now, and accessing airport lounges is my absolute favorite perk of the card. Every lounge is different, but most have a buffet available where you can eat and drink to your heart’s content. The annual fee of this card is high, but it evens out with the $300 annual travel credit and 10,000 anniversary miles you get (on top of lounge access and free TSA PreCheck or Global Entry)!