Afternoon Tea at Dobbies

On 5th March, Dobbies Brighton on Warren Road is hosting their Afternoon Tea service, which might be of interest if you're planning a catch-up or a small celebration. The main feature is the Gardener’s Afternoon Tea, a traditional three-tier spread that covers the usual sweet and savoury bases. The venue operates from 09:00 to 17:30, but it’s worth noting that the kitchen stops serving hot food at 15:00, making the afternoon tea a central focus for those visiting later in the day.

The food is laid out in the classic style, starting with a selection of sandwiches including egg and cress, smoked salmon with cream cheese, chicken and bacon, and ham with tomato. The middle tier features their scones—available in both plain and fruit varieties—accompanied by Cornish clotted cream and strawberry jam. To finish, the top tier includes a selection of pastries such as raspberry cheesecake, chocolate ganache, and a rose cake. Throughout the meal, you can have as much tea or coffee as you like, with the option to swap to a specialty coffee for a small 50p surcharge.

If you're heading there with family, they have a specific Little Seedlings menu for children under 12. At £10.75, it includes sandwiches cut into flower shapes and various treats designed for younger tastes. For the adults, the Gardener’s Afternoon Tea costs £18.50 individually, or £34 for two people. There are also Luxury and Heritage versions available if you're looking for something slightly different. For those who want to add a bit more to the table, you can order extra savoury plates for £4.25 or a bottle of Prosecco for £6.50.

In terms of dietary needs, the kitchen can accommodate vegetarian and gluten-free (NGCI) requests, provided you mention these when you book. However, they aren't able to offer vegan or dairy-free options at this time. Since this is a set event, booking ahead is necessary to ensure they have everything ready for your arrival. It’s a straightforward, local option for a Thursday afternoon in Brighton, whether you're there for the plants or just the cake.