Tea Rooms typically provide traditional afternoon tea or cream teas including freshly made sandwiches, scones, cakes, biscuits and sweet pastries. Some are also licensed to serve alcohol such as Pimms, Prosecco and champagne as part of luxury afternoon tea menus.

Tea rooms feature a seating area and an at-table waiting service. Many tea rooms are located in tourist destinations and some stock locally made products and gifts such as afternoon tea accessories, chutneys and preserves.

This profile provides information about starting up and running a tea room. It describes the skills required, the training available, the current market trends and the key trading issues. It also explains the main legislation that must be complied with and provides sources of further information and support.