Top 7 Student-Friendly Afternoon Teas in Leicester Under £15

Imagine you can now enjoy freshly baked scones and delicate finger sandwiches with steaming Earl Grey tea without affecting your student budget. The demand for more affordable days out has led Leicester’s café scene and campus communities to create budget-friendly options that cost £15 or less! Who knew afternoon tea would be popular enough with students to drive prices down?

With so many places creating their own deals, it would be a shame to not gather a list of our favourite top 7 student-friendly afternoon teas in Leicester for under £15. This guide has locations that fit any budget, whether you’re a student who want to enjoy a quiet study break, hang out with friends or experience a tea themed event. Afternoon tea really does provide more than just delicious food – its also a time to chill, unwind and give yourself some stress relief from studying while you spill the tea with friends.

A Brief History of Afternoon Tea: From the Duchess to Your Student Dorm

Before we dive into where to go and why, a brief history lesson! Pay attention, as there might be a test at the end!

Picture this: it’s 1840 and Anna Russell, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, is halfway through a busy afternoon when her stomach lets out a not-so-polite growl around 4 pm. With dinner not usually enjoyed until 8 pm, Anna faced a gap between lunch and supper, and an epic hunger to match!

To curb her cravings, the Duchess began inviting friends over for a dainty spread of tea, which included little sandwiches and sweet cakes. Before long, her charming “little tea parties” became all the rage, and afternoon tea was born!

But enough history – let’s get to the good stuff. Below, you’ll find everything you need to know, from what’s included and how to book, to insider tips that help you maximise value.

1. Beardsley’s Tearoom – Best Takeaway Afternoon Tea Box Near Leicester (£15)

Tucked away in a village close by called Rearsby is Beardsley’s Tearoom. You can get here pn the bus (routes 127/127A) from Leicester city centre and you’ll arrive in half an hour. Beardsley’s Tearoom blends traditional charm with modern convenience. It really feels homely in here. The building used to be a 19th-century coaching inn, so the tearoom has rustic character. From exposed brick walls, and original wooden beams to beautiful cosy window seats – Beardsley’s creates a warm backdrop for you to enjoy your afternoon tea.

The owner Sophie Beardsley sources local ingredients wherever possible – from homemade jams bought at local farms, free-range eggs for the scones, to artisanal breads from a Leicester bakery. Every bite you enjoy supports the local community while delivering top-quality flavour.

Their winner to try is the Takeaway Tea Box option, which was designed for students on the move. Whether you’re planning a riverside picnic at Abbey Park, a flat-share study session or a cosy meet-up in your communal space at one of our student accommodations, Beardsley’s prepares everything fresh that morning and packs it in an eco-friendly kraft box. Friendly staff will even include a handwritten note if you’re surprising a friend on their birthday! Which is a nice personal touch.

Despite the high-end presentation, the cost remains firmly at £15 per person, making it one of Leicester’s most affordable afternoon-tea experiences.

What’s Included 🍵

• Four gourmet finger sandwiches (e.g. smoked salmon & dill, egg mayo & chives)
• One freshly baked scone with clotted cream and strawberry jam
• Two mini cakes: chocolate brownie square and lemon drizzle bar (which is my favourite)
• Premium tea bags or coffee sachets

Booking & Collection 🛍️

• Pre-order at least 48 hours in advance with a 50% deposit. You can collect from 2 Brook Street, Rearsby, LE7 4YA (bus 127/127A).

Location & Accessibility 🗺️

• Venue: Beardsley’s Tearoom, 2 Brook Street, Rearsby, LE7 4YA
• Takeaway entrance: Ground-level collection counter with no steps or thresholds, ideal for quick pick-ups
• Public transport: Served by Arriva bus routes 127 and 127A (Rearsby stop is next to the tearoom)
• Parking: There’s limited free on-street parking directly outside. The nearest designated Blue Badge bay is at Rearsby Village Hall car park (about 200m away)
• Cyclists: There’s a secure cycle rack installed beside the front door

Pro Tip 🔥

Head to Abbey Park’s Rose Garden – bring a blanket and enjoy your tea under stunning climbing arches of roses (provided you’re there when they’re in season).

2. Mrs Bridges DIY Afternoon Tea Kit – Budget-Friendly & Customisable from £13.50

Right in the heart of Leicester is Mrs Bridges Tea Rooms, which has been delighting locals since 2008 with their homely atmosphere and freshly baked goods. It was founded by lifelong tea enthusiast Sarah Bridges, and began as a market stall offering scones. Sarah’s scones got so popular that she soon moved into a charming Victorian shopfront on Belvoir Street.

Today, Mrs Bridges combines that heritage with modern convenience in its cute DIY Afternoon Tea Kit, which is perfect for students craving an authentic tearoom experience without the sit-in price.

Each kit starts at £13.50 per person, making it one of the most budget-friendly options on our list. The contents arrive artfully arranged in a recyclable box, packed with individually wrapped components that you put together at home, which is fun in itself.

The DIY Kit includes premium British ingredients, from stoneground flour in the scones to locally churned butter, so every bite feels special. Plus, the detailed reheating instructions mean you can enjoy warm, fluffy scones just as if they’d come fresh from the oven!

What’s Included 🍵

• Two fruit scones and two brioche buns
• Four sandwich portions (ham & mustard, cucumber & mint, which may sound odd but give them a try!)
• Mini Victoria sponge slices and lemon drizzle cakes (again, a favourite of mine)
• Loose-leaf tea bags and a printed serving guide

Delivery & Collection 🛍️

• Free delivery within a 5-mile radius of Leicester city centre
• You can also click-and-collect at De Montfort Ville campus
• There’s a 24-48 hours in advance via the online shop
• Gluten-free and vegan kits available on request too, with 48 hours’ notice

Location & Accessibility 🗺️

• Venue: Mrs Bridges Tea Rooms, 17 Loseby Lane, Leicester, LE1 5DR
• Public transport: Regular city buses (routes 4, 10, X6, 83) stop on High Street and Market Street—both a 3-minute walk away
• Parking: There’s limited pay-and-display bays on Loseby Lane and a multi-storey nearby at St. Martin’s Square (includes Blue Badge spaces)
• Cycling: Secure cycle rack situated beside the front window for up to six bikes
• Access: Ground-floor seating area only. The historic doorway is 78 cm wide, so please call 0116 262 3131 in advance for any specific access requirements

Pro Tip 🔥

Host a “bake-off” with flatmates right at your accommodation – reheat scones fresh from your oven for maximum flavour.

3. University Chaplaincy Cream Teas: Free Campus Socials

Part of the University of Leicester’s wellbeing initiatives, the Chaplaincy Centre has students from all backgrounds to coming to their weekly Cream Tea socials to unwind (how nice does that sound?). These get togethers started in 2010, and blend light refreshments with a warm, supportive atmosphere.

Whether you’re feeling stressed before an essay deadline or simply seeking a friendly face, the Chaplaincy Cream Tea offers a no-cost way to hit pause on your studies and connect with others – no tea-party etiquette required!

What’s Included 🍵

• Unlimited freshly baked fruit scones, served with house-made clotted cream and strawberry jam. Did I mention the scones are unlimited?
• Endless pots of premium loose-leaf tea, from English Breakfast, and Earl Grey to herbal blends, in fine bone china (again, endless!)
• Freshly brewed coffee for non-tea drinkers, which actually tastes good

Schedule & Booking 🛍️

• The event is held every Wednesday from 14:00 to 16:00 during term-time 
• Drop-in format, so no advance booking or deposit required
• Occasional themed teas (e.g. World Poetry Day, exam-stress relief). Check the SU social channels for more info

Location & Accessibility 🗺️

• Venue: Chaplaincy Centre, University Road, LE1 7QA (right opposite the Arts Building)
• Step-free access: Lift access to all floors and a ramped entrance ensure full wheelchair accessibility
• Parking: Blue Badge bays available in the nearby campus car park; pay-and-display spaces on University Road
• Cycling: Secure bike racks located immediately outside the main doors
• Public transport: Served by the campus shuttle bus and city routes 127/127A, with a stop just 50m from the entrance

Pro Tip 🔥

Arrive by 14:00 to grab a seat in the sunlit lounge or garden courtyard, ideal for flat-mate study groups. Personally, I prefer the garen courtyard. Keep an eye on the SU Instagram for surprise pop-up stalls offering free biscuits or themed decorations!

4. Free Themed Afternoon Tea – DMU Women’s Day Pop-Up Event

Every 8th of March (or near it deending on the day it lands on), the DMU celebrates International Women’s Day by turning the Kimberlin Library Quad into a pop-up tea party, and yes, it’s completely free.

You’ll find a spread of artisan teas, fancy little cakes and sweet pastries you’d usually save for a special occasion. There’s music, workshops, and relaxed panel talks with some inspiring guests. The event is part celebration, part social, and part self-care with snacks (who doesn’t love free snacks?).

The event is hosted by DMU’s Women’s Network, with help from loads of different student groups. You don’t need to book, just bring your friends, grab a plate and enjoy!

Whether you’re there for the tea or the talk, it’s a great way to mark the day, meet people, and take a break that actually feels good, all while celebrating the achievements of women across campus and beyond.

What’s Included 🍵

• Assorted finger sandwiches, petite pastries and speciality tea blends infused with rose, lavender or citrus.

Schedule & Booking 🛍️

• Annual March event – RSVP via the DMU events portal when dates appear (usually by late January).

Location & Accessibility 🗺️

• Venue: Kimberlin Library Quad, De Montfort University (The Gateway, Leicester LE1 9BH)
• Step-free access: Level pathways from the main campus entrance into the Quad. There’s no steps or raised thresholds
• Parking: Blue Badge bays are available in the nearby Lansdowne Street DMU car park and additional pay-and-display spaces on Mill Lane
• Cycling: Covered bike racks are right outside The Gateway building, just a few metres from the Quad
• Public transport: Served by frequent bus routes 20, 21, 47 and 50, all stopping at Fellows Court (only a 2-minute walk). The campus shuttle also stops at The Gateway

Pro Tip 🔥

Arrive early to snag limited-edition rose-macarons and participate in mini-workshops run by student societies.

5. SU LGBTea Social – Weekly Free Tea and Snacks for LGBTQ+ Students

SU LGBTea began in 2015 as a small meetup in the Liberation Room and has since grown into one of Leicester’s most welcoming weekly socials. Hosted by the Students’ Union’s LGBTQ+ network, this free event offers a relaxed inclusive space, where all students, regardless of identity, can connect over tea, coffee and light bites.

Whether you’re new to campus or simply looking for midweek company, LGBTea combines casual conversation with a sense of community support. It really is a great event to go to.

What’s included 🍵

• English Breakfast and Earl Grey teas, freshly brewed coffee, and a rotating herbal infusion
• An assortment of freshly baked biscuits, seasonal fruit skewers and occasional themed treats (rainbow cupcakes for Pride month, hot cocoa in winter)
• Peer-support tables offering wellbeing resources, society sign-ups and info on upcoming events

Schedule & Booking 🛍️

• When: Every Thursday during term time
• Booking: Drop-in format, so no advance registration needed. Just arrive anytime between 16:00 and 18:00

Location & Accessibility 🗺️

• Venue: The Liberation room in the Percy Gee Building, Students’ Union Building, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH
• Step-free access: There’s a level entrance via the main SU entrance with wide corridors and level floors lead directly to the Liberation Room
• Seating: A mix of sofas, armchairs and high-top tables, all which are wheelchair-accessible
• Facilities: Gender-neutral, accessible toilets on the same floor. There’s a hearing-loop system available on request.
• Parking: Blue Badge bays are in the SU car park, and pay-and-display spaces nearby on University Road
• Cycling: Secure cycle racks situated outside the SU main doors
• Public transport: The campus shuttle bus and city routes 127/127A stop at the SU entrance; City Circle bus (route 2) stops on University Road

Pro Tip 🔥

Follow the Students’ Union’s Instagram for weekly themes, from quiz nights and karaoke to craft workshops, and arrive early if you want the best sofa spot or to snag limited-edition snacks!

6. Chamber Choir Concert with Afternoon Tea – Student Cultural Experience (£6)

Looking for an easy way to unwind? For just £6, you can spend the afternoon at the University of Leicester, enjoying live music, fresh cake and a proper cup of tea.

Once a term, the Percy Gee Building’s Concert Hall turns into a relaxed performance space for the Chamber Choir. They’ll sing everything from classic Bach to modern choral pieces, filling the room with rich, layered sound. It might not be genre of music you usually listen to, but give it a chance and you’ll find yourself enjoying the atmosphere and talent!

While they sing, you’ll be served a big slice of Victoria sponge and your choice of loose-leaf tea. The event is a calm, cosy way to enjoy music, cake and a bit of quiet in the middle of a busy week.

What’s Included 🍵

• A generous slice of Victoria sponge, a cup of tea and a 45-minute Chamber Choir performance.

Schedule & Booking 🛍️

• Tickets available termly via the University events calendar. Student tickets sell out quickly.

Location & Accessibility 🗺️

• Venue: Concert Hall, Percy Gee Building, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH
• Step-free access: Level entry at the main doors; internal lifts serve all floors
• Seating: Reserved level seating in the stalls, with designated spaces for wheelchair users and companions
• Facilities: Accessible, gender-neutral toilets on the same level; portable hearing-loop system available on request
• Parking: Blue Badge bays in the Percy Gee Building car park; drop-off point immediately outside the main entrance
• Cycling: Secure bike racks located just around the corner on University Road
• Public transport: Campus shuttle buses and city services 127/127A stop directly outside; City Circle (route 2) and other frequent buses on University Road

Pro Tip 🔥

Arrive early to explore the foyer’s student art exhibition and chat with choir members during interval tea.

7. Leicester Seasonal Pop-Up Afternoon Teas for Students (£10-£15)

Leicester’s seasonal pop-up afternoon teas bring the city’s café culture to life. Experience festival-themed menus that capture each season’s spirit, priced between £10-£15 per person. These limited-time events run throughout the academic year, offering students fresh flavours, festive décor and interactive experiences like card making. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day, Easter, Halloween or Christmas, these pop-ups transform the local tearooms, parks and campus quads into immersive experiences designed to make the most of the holidays.

What’s included 🍵

• Rotating themed menus, for example:
  • Valentine’s: Heart-shaped cucumber & cream cheese sandwiches, rose-infused macarons, pink lemonade fizz
  • Easter: Pastel egg cakes, hot-cross-bun scones with lavender-lemon clotted cream, “Spring Bloom” herbal tea
  • Halloween: Pumpkin-spice tartlets, charcoal “ghost” meringues, spiced apple chai
  • Christmas: Mince-pie shortbreads, gingerbread-spiced scones, mulled-spice tea or hot cocoa
  • Festive extras: Seasonal décor (bunting, fairy lights), craft stalls (card-making, wreath workshops) and occasional live music or DJ sets
  • Takeaway kits: Many hosts offer DIY boxes with all treats and minimal assembly instructions

Schedule & Booking 🛍️

• Timing:
  • Valentine’s teas in mid-February
  • Easter teas in early to mid-April
  • Halloween teas in late October
  • Christmas teas from late November to mid-December
• Booking window: Opens 1-2 weeks before each event. Check the Leicester’s events page, Students’ Union calendar or the host venue’s website for info
• Cost: £10-£15 per person; watch for group-booking discounts when you reserve for four or more

Location & Accessibility 🗺️

• Venues: Seasonal pop-ups rotate between Buttercups Tearoom (13 St Martin’s, LE1 6AF), Abbey Park Rose Garden (Abbey Park Drive, LE4 6BG), the Students’ Union Courtyard (University Road, LE1 7RH) and Kimberlin Library Quad (DMU, LE1 9BH)
• Step-free access: All locations feature level or ramped entrances; Buttercups and SU Courtyard have ground-floor setups, while Abbey Park and Kimberlin Quad use wide, paved pathways
• Parking:
  • Buttercups: On-street bays on St Martin’s; nearest Blue Badge spaces on Church Gate (200 m)
  • Abbey Park: Abbey Park car park offers standard and Blue Badge bays (free for badge holders)
  • SU Courtyard: Students’ Union car park with Blue Badge bays; pay-and-display on University Road
  • Kimberlin Quad: Lansdowne Street DMU car park with designated accessible bays
• Cycling: Secure racks at each venue—outside Buttercups, by Abbey Park Visitor Centre, adjacent to SU entrance and beside The Gateway at DMU
• Public transport: Regular city buses (127/127A, City Circle, 20, 21, 47) serve all sites; campus shuttle stops at SU and DMU locations

Pro Tip 🔥

Follow Visit Leicester and your Students’ Union on social media for flash promotions and early-bird booking codes. If you’re organising a flat-share outing, ask about group rates or “seasonal passes” that bundle multiple pop-up events at a discounted price – these are perfect for sampling every festive flavour across the year!

Budget Tips for Student Afternoon Teas in Leicester 💵

• Group discounts: Secure £1-£2 off per person when booking four or more.
• Off-peak perks: Weekday afternoons (Mon-Thurs, 14:00-16:00) often include freebies like extra cakes or tea refills.
• Student deals: Check Student Beans and UNiDAYS for promo codes on afternoon-tea venues.
• Share platters: Split sandwich boxes or scone sets to sample more flavours at lower cost.
• Host your own: Use Mrs Bridges’ DIY kits for a budget-friendly in-flat tea party.

Student FAQs – Cheap Afternoon Tea in Leicester Explained❓

Can I really enjoy a full afternoon tea for under £15?
Yes, options range from free campus socials to takeaway boxes starting at £13.50, all tailored to student budgets.

Are vegan or gluten-free options available?
Most venues (especially Beardsley’s and Mrs Bridges) can accommodate dietary needs with 24-48 hours’ notice.

How far in advance should I book?
Aim for 24-48 hours’ notice for kits and takeaway teas. Free campus events typically only require an RSVP.

Are these locations wheelchair-accessible?
Yes, university venues and the majority of tearooms offer step-free access. Always check individual venue websites for detailed accessibility information.

Wrap-Up: Find Your Perfect Student Afternoon Tea in Leicester

Don’t let budget constraints spoil your next tea break. Explore our 7 favourite student-friendly afternoon teas in Leicester under £15.

Bookmark your favourites, gather your friends for a well-deserved study pause and let us know what you think!

Share your best moments on Instagram with #LeicesterStudentTea and tag us @prestigestudentliving – Happy sipping!