Funfair Afternoon Tea: Harbour House Hotel, Brighton

While visiting Brighton for the weekend, we were on the lookout for an afternoon tea with a bit of a twist—and this funfair-inspired experience at the Harbour House Hotel ticked all the boxes. Nostalgic, playful and a little different from the standard classic finger sandwiches and scones, it felt like the perfect match for the Brighton vibe on the seafront.

From the moment we arrived, the space had a playful, fun energy whilst still feeling cosy and welcoming. It was packed with groups of friends, couples on dates and celebrations, which really added to the atmosphere. I loved how the décor leaned fully into the theme—carousel horses, funfair-style signage and pops of brightness—balanced with neutral tones so it never felt over the top.

The Funfair Afternoon Tea

The presentation immediately set the tone, with the sweet treats served on their own ferris wheel-style stand—fun, eye-catching and perfectly on theme!

Hot drinks are included, with a good selection of teas and coffees. I opted for a caffeine-free mango and raspberry tea, which was fruity and refreshing and a nice lighter contrast. Cold drinks are available as an extra, and there’s also the option to upgrade with prosecco if you’re after something a little more celebratory.

The savoury selection was full of flavour and cleverly tied into that seaside feel. We were served mini fish & chips with tartare sauce, a pastrami and Reuben brioche roll with pretzel, sauerkraut and emmental cheese, and a British corn dog with ketchup and mustard. The corn dog was a real surprise standout—packed with flavour and that perfectly satisfying sausage centre.

The scones were anything but traditional, in the best way—cookie dough scones loaded with chocolate chunks, still warm and deliciously gooey. Served with clotted cream, jam and peanut butter, they felt indulgent and a little bit different, which worked so well with the overall theme.

The sweet selection is where this afternoon tea really leans into its funfair inspiration. A chocolate ganache-filled doughnut with Chantilly cream was rich and delicious, while the salted caramel popcorn was perfect to take home once we were full. The sour candy meringue lollipop was such a fun twist—great if you love that sharp, tangy hit, though maybe not one for everyone. Of course, there was candy floss, and a “99 Flake” ice cream mallow, complete with chocolate cake hidden in the cone, a marshmallow topping and the classic flake.

It’s definitely a sweet-leaning experience, as you’d expect from the theme, but the portion sizes keep it from becoming overly sickly, with a really nice balance overall.

From start to finish, the experience felt fun, relaxed and thoughtfully put together. Service was friendly, and everything flowed at an easy pace, making it ideal for a long, leisurely catch-up or celebration.

Overall, this is an afternoon tea that fully embraces its theme, and does it well. Inspired by the charm of Brighton Pier, it delivers a nostalgic, playful experience that feels perfectly suited to its seafront location.

I’d say it’s ideal for celebrations, catch-ups or anyone looking for something a little different from the traditional afternoon tea—and I’d happily recommend it for a fun, memorable treat.

Visited: March 2026
Location: Harbour House Hotel, Brighton
Website: Harbour House Hotel, Brighton
Parking: Nearby town parking
Price Range: ££
Booking Recommended? Yes