Afternoon Tea, Preston, Lancashire

Afternoon tea at The Cartford is a calm, unhurried affair, served in the comfort of our riverside inn. Whether you’re local or visiting the area, we’re proud to offer one of the best afternoon tea experiences in Lancashire — close to Preston, the Fylde and the Ribble Valley.

 
 
 

What To Expect

Afternoon tea at The Cartford is relaxed, but nothing’s done by halves.

You’ll be seated in our main restaurant, with views of the river and plenty of peace to take your time. Every part of the experience is homemade and carefully considered — from the selection of finger sandwiches to the house-baked scones served warm with jam and clotted cream.

You’ll also get a changing line-up of seasonal cakes and patisserie from our kitchen, served with loose-leaf tea or coffee. And if you’d prefer a glass of fizz or something stronger, we’re happy to oblige.

 
 
 

How To Book

Afternoon tea is served Thursday to Sunday, from 12pm to 3pm. We ask for at least 24 hours' notice when booking, so we can prepare everything properly.

A gentle heads-up: full payment is taken at the time of booking, whether online or through our office.

Please also note that we don’t serve afternoon tea on Mother’s Day, Easter Sunday or Christmas Eve.

You can book online using the link below, or get in touch with our team directly:

Or call us on 01995 670166
Or email office@thecartfordinn.co.uk

When booking, please let us know about any dietary requirements — we’ll always do our best to accommodate.

book here
 
 
 

Afternoon Tea Vouchers

Looking for a thoughtful gift? Our Afternoon Tea Vouchers are a lovely way to treat someone to a slow afternoon at The Cartford.

Each voucher covers afternoon tea for two, and can be used any time we serve it — just make sure to give us at least 24 hours’ notice so we can prepare everything properly.

If you have a voucher, it must be redeemed by contacting our office directly — either by phone or email (online booking isn’t available for vouchers).

Vouchers are valid for 9 months from the date of purchase. They are non-refundable and cannot be exchanged for cash.

buy a voucher
 
 
 

Afternoon Tea Buffet

Planning something a little bigger? Our Afternoon Tea Buffet is made for gathering — perfect for birthdays, baby showers, hen parties or even a team get-together.

Hosted in the privacy of our River House, it’s a more relaxed, help-yourself take on our classic afternoon tea, served exclusively for your group. Available for 12 to 30 guests, with plenty of space, beautiful views, and the feeling of having the place to yourselves.

 
 
 

Our Afternoon Tea Choices

High Tide Afternoon Tea

Enjoy three tiers of home-baked TOTI treats, which includes our best selection of savouries, scones & an assortment of desserts with your choice of loose leaf tea or coffee from Atkinson’s of Lancaster.

£35pp

Sparkling Afternoon Tea

Our High Tide Afternoon Tea with the addition of a glass of Crémant d’Alsace.

£40pp

TOTI Royale Afternoon Tea

Our High Tide Afternoon Tea with the addition of a glass of Stéphane Breton champagne.

£45pp

Lancashire G&Tea

Combining two British favourites. Our High Tide Afternoon Tea with a Lancashire gin & tonic, specially chosen to match the flavours of the afternoon tea.

£40pp

 
 

FAQ’S

  • We are situated on the banks of the River Wyre on Lancashire's Fylde Coast, easily accessible from Preston, Blackpool and the Ribble Valley.

  • Yes! We can cater for most dietary requirements. When making your booking, please inform a member of staff of your dietary requirements and our chefs will do their best to cater to your needs.

  • We ask that you give us at least 48 hours notice so that we can prepare your afternoon tea extravaganza!

  • To book, please use our online reservation system where pre-payment will be taken.

    Alternatively, please call our office on 01995 670166, or email at office@thecartfordinn.co.uk