Available daily, 11:30–4 | £32.50pp | Veggie & vegan options available
Afternoon tea at the Ashmolean feels like the most Oxford thing you can do: cake, culture, and a pot of something fancy surrounded by art and history.
For £32.50 you get a selection of sandwiches, scones, sweet bits, and a pot of tea. Vegetarian and vegan versions are available, and the staff are brilliant about swapping things around. My plus one Emilie is veggie, and they happily mixed and matched her sandwiches from both menus. I’m not big on egg, so they swapped my egg mayo for extra salmon. Easy to do and made a difference.
The sandwiches were great; light enough that you’re not done in before pudding, but still full of flavour.
The little salmon brioche roll was a standout for me: soft, buttery, and very cute. Emilie’s courgette number from the veggie menu also got a nod of approval.
The scones came out warm, and the combo of jam and clotted cream just doesn’t get old.
Always feels like such a treat, and I’m a sucker for the cute mini jam pots! At the top of the classic afternoon tea tier is a plate of sweet treats. The lemon posset was the star for Emilie: zingy, creamy and rich, while I preferred the sticky ginger cake. There were also macarons, an almond tart, and some fresh fruit which was a nice way to end the experience. We couldn’t finish it all but they kindly gave us a little box to take leftover treats home.
The tea list is decent (we went for a Lapsang and an Oolong), and if you fancy upgrading things, you can add a glass of fizz for a little extra.
Always a good shout. Service was spot on: friendly but not hovering, and the whole place had a lovely autumn buzz with people chatting, clinking teacups, and doing a bit of genteel people-watching.
It’s worth noting that when Bitten last visited a few years back, things were a bit hit and miss with both service and the food. It feels like there’s been a huge improvement, and the buzzing atmosphere confirmed this. The food, service and overall experience all feel dialled up.
From 27 November, they’ll be switching to a Festive Afternoon Tea. Same price, but expect turkey, brie and cranberry sandwiches, plus seasonal sweets. A great way to start the Christmas period!
Ashmolean Rooftop Restaurant
Ashmolean Museum, Beaumont St
Bitten were invited as guests, all views are our own
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