Afternoon tea is a beloved tradition, whether you lean toward sweet or savory delights. There’s something uniquely satisfying about finger sandwiches elegantly arranged on a tiered platter that elevates the whole experience. While illustrious venues like The Ritz or Fortnum and Mason might define luxury afternoon tea, you don’t have to travel far or spend a fortune to enjoy exceptional service and delectable treats.
Right here in Cheltenham, The Nook On Five offers an afternoon tea experience that feels truly indulgent. Open since November 2022, it proudly holds the title of Cheltenham’s only rooftop restaurant, perched on the fifth floor of the Quadrangle building adjacent to Imperial Gardens. With its glass frontage, diners are treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the town’s iconic Regency architecture, the Promenade, Montpellier, and even Cleeve Hill in the distance.
When weather permits, the outdoor terrace lets you fully immerse yourself in the rooftop ambiance. Inside, the stylish décor combines contemporary elegance with cozy charm—the black ceiling dotted with tiny spotlights resembles a starlit sky, and modern lamps and artwork add a refined touch reminiscent of a London high tea setting.
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Upon seating, you’re invited to choose from a selection of teas, including classic Afternoon Tea blend, Darjeeling, Chamomile, and more, or an Arabica coffee with nutty chocolate notes. Opting for the soothing Chamomile, I also indulged in the champagne afternoon tea option, receiving a perfectly chilled glass of Testulat champagne—light, refreshing, and dangerously drinkable.
Soon after, the afternoon tea spread arrives on a three-tier platter. The bottom tier features four varieties of sandwiches, a delicate vegetarian quiche, and a standout sausage roll bursting with fresh herbs and enveloped in flaky pastry—a rich, satisfying portion that I found myself wishing for seconds of. The middle tier presents warm plain and raisin scones, accompanied by generous servings of clotted cream and jam. The top tier is a delightful assortment of bite-sized cakes: lemon Madeleine sponges, cream-filled choux buns with strawberries, and an incredibly moist lemon sponge that practically disintegrated on touch.
For those with a sweet tooth, the filled choux bun was a highlight—a refined twist on the classic Victoria sponge, enjoyed effortlessly despite feeling delightfully full by that stage. The generous portions meant that, between two of us, we couldn’t quite finish everything, but the attentive staff promptly provided takeaway containers to ensure no treat went to waste.
The atmosphere at The Nook On Five is unhurried and welcoming, allowing guests to savor their afternoon tea at leisure. Our visit lasted over two and a half hours, combining a touch of sophistication with warmth and comfort.
While the price—£34 per person or £50 including champagne—is slightly higher than some nearby options, the exceptional views, attentive service, and quality of food make it a worthwhile splurge. For anyone looking to treat themselves to a memorable, upscale afternoon tea in Cheltenham, The Nook On Five is an excellent choice.