The Student's Guide to Afternoon Tea in Leicester Under £15
Craving a slice of calm and afternoon tea in Leicester between lectures, revision, and uni clubs? Picture this: you and your mates lounging in the sunshine, scones in hand, laughs heard across the lawn. Whether you’re planning a mini celebration or just need a sweet escape from studying, Leicester’s buzzing with afternoon tea spots that are big on flavour and light on money. Here’s our ultimate student guide to bargain afternoon teas, all £15 or less!
How Afternoon Tea Went from Royal Ritual to Campus Favourite
Before we spill the tea on where to go, let’s rewind a bit because every great student trend has a fab backstory!
Imagine this: it’s 1840, and Anna Russell (yes, a duchess) is hit with that classic 4pm hunger. Dinner’s hours away, so she invites her pals for tea, finger sandwiches, and sweet little bakes. What started as a cheeky snack break turned into the ultimate social ritual, and boom, afternoon tea was born.
Fast-forward to today, and that same spirit lives on in every flat hang, courtyard picnic, and student catch-up over scones. And lucky for us, afternoon tea in Leicester has gone full glow-up, with tons of student-friendly options that are tasty, sociable, and totally budget-friendly.
Now that you’re in on the tea’s royal roots, it’s time to plan your own. Keep scrolling for where to go, what to try, and how to make your next get-together unforgettable.
Afternoon tea really has been enjoyed for centuries
1. Beardsley’s Takeaway Tea Box – Cosy Vibes To-Go
Imagine unboxing a kraft box packed with hand made smoked salmon sarnies, soft fresh-baked scones, and rich lemon drizzle bars, all sourced locally. Beardsley’s Tearoom in Rearsby (a quick bus ride from campus) brings you that rustic, homemade feel with a dash of charm. Sophie, the lovely owner, even includes handwritten notes for special occasions, perfect for surprising a mate on their birthday! Just let her know what the order is for.
Price 💵
£15 per person
Where 🗺️
Beardsley’s Tearoom, 2 Brook Street, Rearsby, LE7 4YA
How to Book 🛍️
Pre-order 48 hours ahead, collect in Rearsby (Bus 127/127A)
Pro Tip 🔥
Pack a blanket for Abbey Park’s Rose Garden—the ultimate spot for a picnic-style afternoon tea in Leicester.
2. Afternoon Tea in Leicester at Home: Mrs Bridges DIY Kit
Want to host your own tearoom vibes without leaving the flat? Mrs Bridges has you covered. These DIY kits are bursting with fruity scones, mini lemon drizzle cakes, and cute cucumber-mint sandwiches that are more delicious than you think! It’s a dream setup for a chill “Bake-Off” challenge or a themed flat hang. Honestly, you won’t regret it. If you’re craving the best DIY afternoon tea in Leicester, Mrs Bridges’ kit delivers, literally free delivery to your student accommodation in Leicester!
Price 💵
From £13.50
Where 🗺️
Mrs Bridges Tea Rooms, 17 Loseby Lane, Leicester, LE1 5DR
Delivery 🛍️
Free within 5 miles or collect at DMU campus
Pro Tip 🔥
Try setting up a tea party playlist and dressing up for themed vibes – bonus points for costumes!
3. UoL Chaplaincy Cream Teas – Free Scones + Chill Vibes
Every Wednesday, the UoL Chaplaincy turns into your go-to tea haven. With endless pots of tea, fresh fruit scones, and a welcoming crew, it’s a midweek mood-lifter. Whether you’re solo or bringing the whole flat, you’ll leave smiling.
Price 💵
Free
Where 🗺️
Chaplaincy Centre, University Road, LE1 7QA (right opposite the Arts Building)
When 📅
Wednesdays, 2-4pm
Pro Tip 🔥
Arrive early to grab the best sunlit spots and keep an eye out for pop-up themes-World Poetry Day with tea and biscuits? Yes please.
Scones with cream and jam just hit different!
4. DMU Women’s Day Pop-Up – Feminist Feasts
For International Women’s Day, DMU goes all out. Picture strings of fairy lights, empowering panel chats, floral teacups, and platters of sweet bakes-all in the heart of campus. It’s more than just food; it’s connection, celebration, and community wrapped in one.
Price 💵
Free
Where 🗺️
Kimberlin Library Quad, De Montfort University (The Gateway, Leicester LE1 9BH)
When 📅
Every year close to International Women’s Day, which is March 8th. Check the DMU website for dates, as it’s sometimes put on earlier.
Pro Tip 🔥
Arrive early for the Instagrammable rose-macarons and stay for the student-led workshops.
5. LGBTea Social at the SU – Where Everyone’s Welcome
Every Thursday, the Percy Gee Building buzzes with laughter, steaming mugs, and rainbow cupcakes. Hosted by the LGBTQ+ Network, it’s a feel-good space for connection, stories, and plenty of biscuits. Bring your mates or come solo, you’ll always be welcome.
Price 💵
Free
Where 🗺️
The Liberation room in the Percy Gee Building, Students’ Union Building, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH
When 📅
Thursdays, 4-6pm
Pro Tip 🔥
Keep tabs on SU socials for special themed events – karaoke, quiz nights, even craft tables!
6. Choir & Cake at Percy Gee – Music Meets Victoria Sponge
Ever paired live music with a slab of sponge cake? Now’s your chance. Enjoy an uplifting choir performance and a proper brew in a chilled concert hall setting. It’s the perfect break from a busy term and a classy way to treat yourself.
Price 💵
£6
Where 🗺️
Concert Hall, Percy Gee Building, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH
When 📅
Once per term, tickets via uni events calendar
Pro Tip 🔥
Arrive early to wander the student art gallery and chat with performers over tea during the interval.
7. Seasonal Pop-Up Teas – All the Festive Feels
From pumpkin spice tarts in October to gingerbread goodies in December, Leicester’s seasonal pop-ups make every celebration sweeter. Expect bunting, fairy lights, themed menus, and even live music or crafty workshops – ideal for group hangs and Insta stories.
Price 💵
£10-£15
Where 🗺️
Locations of the pop-ups rotate between Buttercups Tearoom (13 St Martin’s, LE1 6AF), Abbey Park Rose Garden (Abbey Park Drive, LE4 6BG), the Students’ Union Courtyard (University Road, LE1 7RH) and Kimberlin Library Quad (DMU, LE1 9BH)
When 📅
Watch SU & Visit Leicester socials for event drops
Pro Tip 🔥
Group-book for afternoon tea in Leicester – many places offer discounts on 4+ people. It’s a great way to tea-hop with your flat through every season.
Why not host your own Afternoon tea in Leicester right in your accommodation? Use our resident app KLIQ and book your event today!
Bonus Student Tips: Afternoon Tea Hacks 🍓
- Group book: Discounts often kick in at 4+ people
- Off-peak perks: Go midweek for extra treats or free top-ups
- UNiDAYS & Beans: Always check for codes before you book
- DIY party: Use Mrs Bridges or Beardsley’s kits to host your own in the common room
Final Sip: Share the Love, Spill the Tea
From chai lattes to classic afternoon tea in Leicester setups in fairy-lit courtyards, Leicester’s tea scene is your ticket to tasty group moments. So gather your gang, get your teacups ready, and snap those tea party pics.
Tag us @_wearehomesforstudents with #LeicesterStudentTea and show us your brew-tiful setups. Got a squad tea tradition or a hilarious scone fail? Drop it in the comments or create your own #TeaTok trend. Best posts might get featured on our story, so bring the vibes!. Cheers to more scones, more chats, and more unforgettable afternoons!