In the fast-paced and hectic day of your average Cambridge student, afternoon tea is probably the last thing on your mind. I, however, have a very sweet tooth, so sugary snacks and cakes are a round-the-clock commodity in my life, particularly in the afternoon when you’re feeling lazy and tired and all you want to do is take a nap. Cambridge has a great selection of places to grab some afternoon tea and cakes to get a quick sugar hit with friends during the working day.

 

Fitzbillies

Located right next to Pembroke, Fitzbillies is a classic, a Cambridge institution. It’s one of those places you’ve probably walked past many times, felt tempted by its display of cakes and tarts but never actually eaten at – it took me until halfway through my second year to actually try it out. The cafe has an extensive range of sweet and savoury treats, including the famous sticky Chelsea buns, which have been sold there since 1921. We decided to share the classic afternoon tea, which also comes with the option of champagne for an extra six pounds.

The food arrived, impeccably presented, on a tiered stand that boasted different types of savoury sandwiches, fruit scones, an éclair, a fruit tart and a muffin. An extensive range of teas and coffees are available, with the coffee supplied by an East London roastery called Climpson & Sons.

Shared between two, the afternoon tea set was just the right amount of food; the portions are so large that one set each would have been very overfilling! With a relaxed and buzzing atmosphere, Fitzbillies is great for catching up with friends or is even a nice spot to do some work if you feel like a change of scene. One of the cafe’s main drawbacks is that because it’s so popular, the service tends to be quite slow.

 

Harriet’s Cafe Tearooms

If you’re a bit bored of the ever-popular Bill’s, then Harriet’s is just down the street.
The menu is geared towards a traditional-style afternoon tea, although my friends and I decided to test its full range, ordering an odd mix of breakfast (Eggs Benedict), ice-cream and scones.

The cafe itself was quite empty, so if you’re looking for a more lively vibe, Fitzbillies might be the place for you. However, the staff at Harriet’s are very friendly and the service is excellent. There’s also the added bonus of a small take-away counter with an assortment of macaroons, meringues and tarts – just in case you need some more sugary snacks for later.