
Clarence Brasserie & Tea Room
Quick info
About Clarence Brasserie & Tea Room
Clarence Brasserie & Tea Room is a cafe at 8-9 Church St in Windsor, where the window seats look across to the gates of Windsor Castle, so guests can watch the castle entrance from their table. Tables are walk-in. The tea menu includes a cream tea of one scone and a pot of tea, with the scone served with clotted cream and jam. The Duchess of Bedford afternoon tea is also on the menu, and afternoon tea comes with finger sandwiches, including egg mayo and cucumber. Tea arrives as a teabag with hot water in a teapot.
Good to know
“Historic, indoor-outdoor setting for classic Italian fare with wines & traditional tea service.”
- ReservationsWalk-in only
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention warm scones with clotted cream, afternoon tea, finger sandwiches and cream tea pricing.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention warm scones with clotted cream, afternoon tea, finger sandwiches and cream tea pricing.
Customer Review Summary
Price is the recurring complaint. Several reviewers say one scone and a pot of tea for around twelve pounds is too much, and one wants at least two scones at that level. Some say the tea is just a teabag with hot water in a separate pot. One reviewer found the afternoon tea to be four thin sandwiches with no cakes or pastries, and another objected to an added service charge. Both of those reviewers say they would rather go to The Ivy.
Customer Review Summary
Price is the recurring complaint. Several reviewers say one scone and a pot of tea for around twelve pounds is too much, and one wants at least two scones at that level. Some say the tea is just a teabag with hot water in a separate pot. One reviewer found the afternoon tea to be four thin sandwiches with no cakes or pastries, and another objected to an added service charge. Both of those reviewers say they would rather go to The Ivy.
Featured reviews
- Google user
“I stopped by for a cream tea during a day trip to Windsor from the nearby area, but honestly, I have no idea why this place is rated so highly. I absolutely do not recommend this place — it was crap. Here are the reasons: 1. The scone had no aroma or warmth, and to be honest, it wasn’t tasty at all. It felt more like a mediocre, dry muffin, and tbh, tastes bad. (-2) 2. The tea was just a teabag, and the hot water came separately in a teapot, which you then pour into your teacup. It felt like a very cheap and nonsensical way to serve tea. (-1) 3. It was just a simple café visit with no special service whatsoever, yet they quietly added a 10% service charge. It felt rather disrespectful to customers. (-1) 4. The menu calls it “afternoon tea,” even though it’s just one scone and a cup of tea. When I asked whether it was basically a cream tea, they said yes — in that case, they really shouldn’t label it as “afternoon tea.” If a visitor who has never been to the UK were to assume that this is what afternoon tea is supposed to be, it would be misleading. Even considering tourist‑area pricing, this is nowhere near worth the £13‑plus they charge. You can get a far better cream tea for around £9 or less at cafés nearby — I can easily name several. And if you actually want to experience afternoon tea, there are far more proper places in Windsor you should go to instead (e.g., The Ivy). This is the worst cream tea I have ever had in the UK. PLEASE DO NOT GO”
- Google user
“★★★★★ | Absolute Royalty. Best Scones in Windsor! If you want the exact opposite of a tragic, gloopy meal, do yourself a favor and walk up the cobbled path to Clarence Brasserie & Tea Room right by Windsor Castle. This place completely saved my day. The Vibe: Brilliant. Unlike other spots around here where you feel like a total outsider, the atmosphere here is incredibly warm and welcoming. The owner, Albert, and his team treat you like family the second you walk through the door. It’s quintessential British charm mixed with fantastic hospitality. No language barrier, no weird glares—just pure good energy. The Food: Phenomenal afternoon tea. The scones are out of this world—served perfectly warm, insanely fluffy, and piled high with rich clotted cream and jam. The finger sandwiches were crisp, fresh, and actually tasted like they were made to order, not sweating under a lamp for hours. The Hygiene: Spotless. The place looks historic and gorgeous, but everything is pristine, clean, and properly taken care of. Sitting by the window with a great pot of tea and a view of the castle gates is easily the best way to spend an afternoon in Windsor. Absolute class act. 10/10.”
- Google user
“Nice and quiet place for Afternoon Tea, perfect for Summer because you can be outside and enjoy being solo or with a small party, however it's a bit pricey for what it is. The staff was friendly but the tea was just a teabag and nothing special. The sandwiches were nice but that's it. If the other places around are full, it's a nice option after a dar walking around Windsor Castle.”
- Google user
“Beautiful place to enjoy a nice meal or tea. Great ambiance and lovely staff”
- Google user
“It is a nice place. We have been there to try scone. The taste was good, however it is too pricey. Just one scone and tea is £11.95. No need. There should be at least 2 scones for this price.”
Location
Cafes near Clarence Brasserie & Tea Room
- Crossroads Café4.3143.7 mi
mocha, fish pond view, alternative milk options
- Chaiiwala4.71,1808.2 mi away£10–20
karak chai, full english breakfast, aloo paratha
- Pausa Cafe3.4179.1 mi away£1–10
toasties, coffee, dirty tea cups and teapots
| Place | Rating | Distance | Price | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clarence Brasserie & Tea Room | 4.2461 | — | — | warm scones with clotted cream, afternoon tea, finger sandwiches |
| Crossroads Café | 4.314 | 3.7 mi | — | mocha, fish pond view, alternative milk options |
| Chaiiwala | 4.71,180 | 8.2 mi away | £10–20 | karak chai, full english breakfast, aloo paratha |
| Pausa Cafe | 3.417 | 9.1 mi away | £1–10 | toasties, coffee, dirty tea cups and teapots |
The 3 nearest cafes by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
More to explore in Windsor
Places in Windsor
See all places in Windsor