For afternoon tea in Louth, the two places most people book are in the middle of town: The King's Head on Mercer Row serves it every day, and The Masons Arms on Cornmarket serves it at lunchtime from Monday to Saturday. Archies does a lunchtime afternoon tea too, and on weekday afternoons there's one at The Gardener's Retreat at Louth Garden Centre.
Almost everywhere asks you to book, one place wants two days' notice, and the bigger venues can do vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free versions if you ask when booking. If you'd rather have a pot of tea and a scone without the three-tier stand, the town's tea shops have you covered.
Afternoon Tea in the Town Centre
The King's Head, Mercer Row
The King's Head is the safe bet for a Sunday, because it serves afternoon tea every day of the week. Expect traditional sandwiches, pastries and cakes, with a glass of prosecco included. It's bookings only, so don't just turn up, and mention any dietary needs when you book: vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free versions are on offer. Mercer Row is right at the heart of Louth, a minute from the Market Place and a short stroll from St James' Church, so it's an easy way to round off a morning in town.
The Masons Arms, Cornmarket
If your idea of afternoon tea leans more towards lunch, The Masons Arms is the one to try. Alongside the sandwiches, fresh scones and sweet treats come homemade sausage rolls, ham and cheddar quiche, and haddock goujons with chips, with coffee or as much tea as you like. It's served Monday to Saturday from midday until 2pm, but not on Sundays.
Plan ahead here. The Masons Arms asks for bookings at least 48 hours in advance, made by phone or email rather than through its online table booking. There are vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options, a price for children, and you can have the whole thing boxed up to take away.
Archies, Pawnshop Passage
Tucked away on Pawnshop Passage, Archies Cafe Bar Bistro is a family-run café bar that serves afternoon tea between 12.30pm and 2pm. It's more relaxed than a hotel lounge, which suits a catch-up with friends, and the coffee comes from Alvingham Coffee Roasters, just outside town. Have a look at the Archies menu before you go.
Just Outside Town
The Gardener's Retreat, Louth Garden Centre
On Legbourne Road, the restaurant at Louth Garden Centre serves afternoon tea after 2pm on weekdays, with freshly made sandwiches and cakes and a pot of tea or a coffee. You can book it through the garden centre's website, and there's free parking, which makes it an easy treat for anyone who'd rather not tackle town centre parking. Browse the plants afterwards, or see what else is on Legbourne Road in Garden Centres and Nurseries.
Brackenborough Lakes Resort
At Cordeaux Corner, a couple of miles north of town, Brackenborough Lakes Resort runs themed afternoon teas for special occasions, such as Halloween, in its Lounge Bar and Bistro. Check its website for the next one, as they're booked for set dates rather than served every day.
Tea Shops for Scones and Cake
Not every afternoon needs sandwiches and a stand. Louth has plenty of places for a pot of tea and something homemade, and they're often the more memorable stop.
- Wonderland Gifts & Tea Shoppe, Queen Street: a tea shop and gift shop in one, so you can browse while the kettle boils.
- Babbits, Queen Street Place: a shop and café known for its homemade scones and cakes.
- Crowtree Café, Crowtree Lane: a woodland café between Hubbard's Hills and Westgate Fields, good for tea and cake after a walk.
- Little Village Tea Shop, Saltfleetby: a licensed country tea shop with homemade cakes and tables inside and out, about ten minutes from Louth.
For more, browse every café in and around Louth or the town's bakeries.
Tips for Booking Afternoon Tea in Louth
Book early for weekends and special days. Birthdays, Mother's Day and the weeks before Christmas fill up first, and The Masons Arms needs two days' notice whatever the date.
Say what you can't eat when you book. Gluten-free and vegan afternoon teas are made specially, so the kitchen needs to know in advance rather than on the day.
Check the day. The King's Head serves every day, The Masons Arms Monday to Saturday, and the garden centre on weekday afternoons, so Sunday afternoon tea in Louth means booking The King's Head.
Ask about prices when you book. They change from time to time, and some places add a deposit or offer a children's version.
Making a day of it? Start with breakfast in Louth, or come back at the weekend for Sunday lunch. Bringing the dog? See dog-friendly places to eat and drink. And if you're coming in by bus, the times are on bus times around Louth and East Lindsey.
Details checked 27th October 2026. Spotted something out of date, or know a place that belongs here? Let us know.
Afternoon Tea Questions, Answered
Where can I have afternoon tea in Louth?
Afternoon tea in Louth is served every day at The King's Head on Mercer Row, and from Monday to Saturday at The Masons Arms on Cornmarket. Archies on Pawnshop Passage serves it at lunchtime, and The Gardener's Retreat at Louth Garden Centre serves it on weekday afternoons.
Do I need to book afternoon tea in Louth?
Yes, you should book almost everywhere. The King's Head takes bookings only, and The Masons Arms asks for at least 48 hours' notice by phone or email.
Is there gluten-free or vegan afternoon tea in Louth?
Yes, The King's Head and The Masons Arms both offer vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free afternoon teas. Tell them about any allergy when you book, as changes on the day may not be possible.
Can I have afternoon tea in Louth on a Sunday?
Yes, The King's Head serves afternoon tea every day, including Sundays. The Masons Arms does not serve it on Sundays, and the garden centre's afternoon tea is a weekday offer.
Can I take afternoon tea away in Louth?
Yes, The Masons Arms offers its afternoon tea to take away as well as to eat in. It still needs the same 48 hours' notice, so book it in the usual way.