Bettys Café Tea Rooms

Nestled in the heart of historic York, Bettys Café Tea Rooms offers an exceptional blend of traditional British tea house charm and café sophistication. As a purveyor of classic English culinary heritage, Bettys delivers an experience steeped in indulgence and elegance. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely afternoon tea or a hearty meal, this iconic establishment crafted since 1919 invites you to savor a culinary journey that delights all senses.

Step inside and you immediately enter a world where timeless Edwardian decor meets warm, attentive service. The ambiance is both refined and welcoming—crisp linens, gleaming china, and the delicate clinking of tea cups set the scene for a quintessentially English experience. The elegant Belmont Room, a highlight among the rooms, enchants guests with its tasteful interior and tranquil atmosphere, perfect for relaxing conversations or intimate celebrations.

Bettys' menu is a treasure trove of British favorites elevated with precision and care. Their signature Scones, freshly baked and served with rich clotted cream and vibrant Yorkshire rhubarb & strawberry preserve, are a sublime teatime indulgence. The Spiced Grand Cru Hot Chocolate offers a luscious, velvety depth, perfectly warming for colder days. For those seeking a classic yet indulgent treat, the Bettys Traditional Afternoon Tea is a must-try — an array of delicate pastries, miniature cake selections like the Raspberry Tart and Caramel & Chocolate Pillow create a perfectly balanced symphony of sweetness.

Notably, Bettys doesn’t just excel in teas and pastries; their savory offerings hold their own with equally impressive flair. From the rich, wine-infused Yorkshire Steak Vol-au-Vent accompanied by melt-in-the-mouth mashed potatoes to the delightfully fresh Fish Bake with salmon, prawn, and haddock, every dish is crafted with attention to authentic flavors and quality ingredients. The Smoked Salmon and Pork Pie and the famously comforting Fish, Chips and Peas are classics reinvented to perfection, promising a satisfying lunch or dinner service.

Guests repeatedly praise the attentive and friendly staff who elevate every visit. One diner fondly recalls being personally served by Esther, noting how smoothly their dining experience unfolded — a testament to Bettys’ commitment to impeccable hospitality. Another customer highlights the generosity and finesse in the Yorkshire Steak Vol-au-Vent, especially remarking on the unforgettable mashed potatoes, while others rave about the generosity of the pastry selections, particularly praising the balance of flavors in the Engadine, sticky toffee, and cheesecake desserts.

Bettys also understands the importance of inclusivity, offering a carefully curated Non-Gluten Afternoon Tea Menu that includes a tea-infused sultana scone with Yorkshire rhubarb & strawberry preserve and clotted cream, allowing everyone to partake in this quintessential experience. For those wishing to bring a slice of Bettys home, the range of biscuit tins — from rich Yorkshire Shortbread to dark Swiss chocolate-dusted Chocolate Shortbread — make enviable gifts or personal treats.

Whether visiting for the first time or as a cherished tradition, Bettys Café Tea Rooms promises a sensory escape into Yorkshire hospitality and British culinary excellence. It’s an invitation to slow down, savor, and soak in the simple pleasures of fine tea, exquisite food, and warm service—making every visit a memory worth cherishing.

Contact:
6-8 St. Helen’s Square, York YO1 8QP, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 800 456 1919