{"id":61902,"date":"2022-06-20T15:21:00","date_gmt":"2022-06-20T14:21:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.carbisbayholidays.co.uk\/blog\/?p=61902"},"modified":"2025-11-21T10:01:48","modified_gmt":"2025-11-21T10:01:48","slug":"best-afternoon-tea-in-st-ives","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.carbisbayholidays.co.uk\/blog\/best-afternoon-tea-in-st-ives\/","title":{"rendered":"Where to Find the Best Afternoon Tea & Cream Tea in St Ives"},"content":{"rendered":"

Discover the best places to enjoy afternoon tea and cream tea in St Ives.<\/span><\/strong><\/big><\/p>\n

It has to be said, afternoon tea and cream tea are both cornerstones of British society.<\/p>\n

Although we don’t enjoy either dining experience as often as non-Britain’s think we do, they’re still beloved traditions!<\/p>\n

Choose to have your afternoon tea in St Ives against a scenic ocean view backdrop. Or take your pick of the lovely caf\u00e9s for a St Ives cream tea amidst the charm and character of this seaside town.<\/p>\n

Read on to find out where the best cream tea and afternoon tea in St Ives can be found\u2026<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Use these links to jump to a different caf\u00e9 or restaurant:<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Olive’s Caf\u00e9<\/a><\/li>\n
  2. The Yellow Canary Caf\u00e9<\/a><\/li>\n
  3. Porthmeor Beach Caf\u00e9<\/a><\/li>\n
  4. The Market Place<\/a><\/li>\n
  5. Scoff Troff Caf\u00e9<\/a><\/li>\n
  6. Caf\u00e9 Art<\/a><\/li>\n
  7. Moomaid of Zennor<\/a><\/li>\n
  8. Carbis Bay Hotel<\/a><\/li>\n
  9. Harbour Hotel St Ives<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
    \n

    First things first…<\/p>\n

    What is the difference between afternoon tea and cream tea?<\/h3>\n

    \"A
    \nAfternoon tea and cream tea are often mixed up, and some use the terms interchangeably, but there is a difference.<\/p>\n

    Afternoon tea consists of a pot of tea, sandwiches cut into fingers, scones with clotted cream and jam, and an assortment of cakes and pastries.<\/p>\n

    This is the more traditional and “posh” option.<\/p>\n

    \"A<\/p>\n

    Cream tea however, is simply scones, clotted cream and jam, and a pot of tea.<\/p>\n

    The key detail to make it a Cornish cream tea is to put the jam on first, then the clotted cream on top.<\/p>\n

    If you were to go about it the other way around, that would be a Devon cream tea, so don’t make that mistake around the locals!<\/p>\n

    \n

    Olive’s Caf\u00e9<\/a><\/h2>\n

    Tripadvisor : <\/span>4.5\/5<\/span><\/strong> | Cream tea \u2714 | Afternoon tea \u2714 <\/strong><\/span><\/small>
    \n\"The<\/p>\n

    We’re kicking off with Olive’s Caf\u00e9. This cute hidden gem embodies the character of St Ives.<\/p>\n

    With scones baked daily, you can expect a delicious cream or afternoon tea. Expect giant, misshapen, and fluffy scones.<\/p>\n

    Their cream teas are served with a large dish of cream and jam, (the more the better!), along with strawberries. The scones are usually available in a variety of flavours too.<\/p>\n

    Olive’s Caf\u00e9 is a lovely, out-of-the-way spot settled in Island Square. You can also enjoy lots of other baked and sweet treats.<\/p>\n

    Where?<\/strong> Island Square, St Ives<\/p>\n

    Vegan \u2714 | Gluten free \u2714 | Dog-friendly \u2718<\/strong><\/small><\/p>\n

    \n

    The Yellow Canary Caf\u00e9<\/a><\/h2>\n

    Tripadvisor : <\/span>4.5\/5<\/span><\/strong> | Cream tea \u2714 | Afternoon tea \u2714 <\/strong><\/span><\/small>
    \n\"The<\/p>\n

    The Yellow Canary Caf\u00e9 has been part of St Ives for almost 50 years. This independent, family-run caf\u00e9 serves up delicious food made with Cornish ingredients.<\/p>\n

    Serving up some of the best cream tea in St Ives, The Yellow Canary Caf\u00e9 also offers a lovely gluten free cream tea, as well as a selection of vegan cakes, pasties and sandwiches too.<\/p>\n

    Why not sit down for an afternoon tea at The Yellow Canary Caf\u00e9? Being in the heart of St Ives, you can head to this lovely establishment following a walk around St Ives’ galleries or a stroll on the beach.<\/p>\n

    Where?<\/strong> 12 Fore Street, St Ives, TR26 1AB<\/p>\n

    Vegan \u2714 | Gluten free \u2714 | Dog-friendly \u2714<\/strong><\/small><\/p>\n

    \n

    Porthmeor Beach Caf\u00e9<\/a><\/h2>\n

    Tripadvisor : <\/span>4.5\/5<\/span><\/strong> | Cream tea \u2714 | Afternoon tea \u2718 <\/strong><\/span><\/small>
    \n\"Porthmeor<\/p>\n

    Porthmeor Beach Caf\u00e9 is one of St Ives’ hospitality gems. Located just below the famous Tate St Ives, Porthmeor Beach Caf\u00e9 is the perfect place to stop for a scenic bite to eat.<\/p>\n

    Their menu offers a range of creative yet classic dishes, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. And cream tea and cake of course!<\/p>\n

    Reviews on Tripadvisor rave about the “fresh and light scones” to be had here. One customer stated they were the “lightest scones I’ve ever had”.<\/p>\n

    Porthmeor Beach Caf\u00e9 is also supplied by the local company, Original Coffee Ltd, so you can be sure to find a tasty caffeine fix here.<\/p>\n

    Pair this with the outstanding views of Porthmeor Beach and the glittering ocean, it’s not far off perfect!<\/p>\n

    Where?<\/strong> Porthmeor Beach, St Ives, TR26 1JZ<\/p>\n

    Vegan \u2714 | Gluten free \u2714 | Dog-friendly \u2714<\/strong><\/small><\/p>\n

    \n

    The Market Place<\/a><\/h2>\n

    Facebook : <\/span>4.7\/5<\/span><\/strong> | Cream tea \u2714 | Afternoon tea \u2718 <\/strong><\/span><\/small><\/p>\n

    Sitting partway up Lifeboat Hill, The Market Place Tea Rooms is a dog-friendly caf\u00e9 serving afternoon tea in St Ives.<\/p>\n

    Their scones are baked daily, and they even offer vegan scones too, so no one has to miss out on cream tea!<\/p>\n

    Whether you’re sitting down for a full afternoon tea or just enjoying a cream tea pitstop, you won’t be disappointed.<\/p>\n

    As mentioned, The Market Place is dog-friendly. Why not book a dog-friendly cottage in St Ives and plan a trip to this delightful caf\u00e9?<\/p>\n

    Where?<\/strong> Lifeboat Hill, St Ives, TR26 1AE<\/p>\n

    Vegan \u2714 | Gluten free \u2718 | Dog-friendly \u2714<\/strong><\/small><\/p>\n

    \n

    Scoff Troff Caf\u00e9<\/h2>\n

    Tripadvisor : <\/span>4.5\/5<\/span><\/strong> | Cream tea \u2714 | Afternoon tea \u2718 <\/strong><\/span><\/small>
    \n\"Scoff<\/p>\n

    Another hotspot on Lifeboat Hill; Scoff Troff Caf\u00e9 is a great shout for breakfast, lunch and dinner.<\/p>\n

    Their menu offers everything from a full English, sandwiches, salads and soups to pizza and classic comfort food. And of course cream tea!<\/p>\n

    Tuck into their handmade scones served with Cornish clotted cream and Boddington’s strawberry jam.<\/p>\n

    Dog-friendly.<\/p>\n

    Where?<\/strong> Market Place, St Ives, TR26 1RZ<\/p>\n

    Vegan \u2714 | Gluten free \u2714 | Dog-friendly \u2714<\/strong><\/small><\/p>\n

    \n

    Caf\u00e9 Art<\/a><\/h2>\n

    Tripadvisor : <\/span>4.5\/5<\/span><\/strong> | Cream tea \u2714 | Afternoon tea \u2718 <\/strong><\/span><\/small><\/p>\n

    \"The<\/p>\n

    Just out of the crowds, Caf\u00e9 Art is located on Chapel Street. They offer a selection of cakes, sandwiches and cream teas.<\/p>\n

    As the name suggests, Caf\u00e9 Art displays local art and prints which you can buy. They also host craft and art workshops, as well as live events.<\/p>\n

    Where?<\/strong> 3 Chapel Street, St Ives<\/p>\n

    Vegan \u2714 | Gluten free \u2714 | Dog-friendly \u2718<\/strong><\/small><\/p>\n

    \n

    Moomaid of Zennor<\/a><\/h2>\n

    Tripadvisor : <\/span>5\/5<\/span><\/strong> | Cream tea \u2714 | Afternoon tea \u2718 <\/strong><\/span><\/small><\/p>\n

    The beloved Moomaid of Zennor on St Andrew\u2019s Street has now reopened. Head here for an outstanding selection of Cornish ice cream, as well as cream teas, coffees, and sundaes.<\/p>\n

    All are made with local ingredients and they offer gluten-free options.<\/p>\n

    Where?<\/strong> Street-an-Pol, St Ives, TR26 2DS<\/p>\n

    Vegan \u2718 | Gluten free \u2714 | Dog-friendly \u2718<\/strong><\/small><\/p>\n

    \n

    Carbis Bay Hotel<\/a><\/h2>\n

    Tripadvisor : <\/span>4\/5<\/span><\/strong> | Cream tea \u2714 | Afternoon tea \u2714 <\/strong><\/span><\/small><\/p>\n

    Enjoy a luxury afternoon tea at the Carbis Bay Hotel. Served in the beautiful Main House Orangery, you can enjoy views across St Ives Bay as you tuck into a delicious array of food.<\/p>\n

    Perfect for special occasions or just a treat, devour finger sandwiches, cakes, freshly baked scones and Cornish clotted cream.<\/p>\n

    You can even opt for a glass of Moet instead of tea or coffee to add an extra sparkle to your experience!<\/p>\n

    Choose between afternoon tea for two, or a simple Cornish cream tea.<\/p>\n

    Where?<\/strong> Carbis Bay Estate, St Ives, TR26 2NP<\/p>\n

    Vegan \u2718 | Gluten free \u2718 | Dog-friendly \u2718<\/strong><\/small><\/p>\n

    \n

    Harbour Hotel St Ives<\/a><\/h2>\n

    Tripadvisor : <\/span>4\/5<\/span><\/strong> | Cream tea \u2714 | Afternoon tea \u2714 <\/strong><\/span><\/small><\/p>\n

    Delight in the stunning backdrop of Porthminster Beach at the Harbour Hotel in St Ives.<\/p>\n

    Choose from cream tea or afternoon tea, amongst a host of other menu options too.<\/p>\n

    Gaze at the lapping waves and watch the fishing boats between delicious bites of smoked salmon sandwiches, and sips of champagne.<\/p>\n

    Afternoon tea in St Ives was never so scenic!<\/p>\n

    Where?<\/strong> St Ives Harbour Hotel & Spa, The Terrace, St Ives, TR26 2BN<\/p>\n

    Vegan \u2718 | Gluten free \u2718 | Dog-friendly \u2718<\/strong><\/small><\/p>\n

    \n

    If you’re looking for more restaurant recommendations, read our extensive post on 40 St Ives Restaurants<\/a>. Or check out our St Ives Visitors Guide<\/a>!<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

    Try another classic Cornish delicacy; fish and chips! Read 10 Fish and Chips in St Ives: The Complete Local Food Guide<\/a>!<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

    Get to know St Ives even better through these delicious dishes; book your next break to St Ives with Carbis Bay Holidays.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n