Tea for one in Brighton: Afternoon Tea at the historic Old Ship Hotel

There is still something quietly radical about a woman choosing to travel alone, one who enjoys life’s small pleasures entirely on her own terms. As spring approaches and travellers begin to plan their escapes, Brighton feels like the perfect place to practise that freedom. Whilst Afternoon Tea is a year-round ritual, there is something especially enchanting about enjoying it in this seaside town in the south of England as winter loosens its grip.

Perhaps it is the salt in the air, the gentler light, or simply Brighton’s long-standing reputation for independence and individuality. Whatever the reason, spring suits it, and so does solo travel.

One of the main reasons I highly recommend Afternoon Tea at the Old Ship Hotel, a historic Georgian hotel that dates back to the 16th century, is its refreshingly inclusive approach: they offer Afternoon Tea for one. It may sound like a small thing, but it really isn’t. Single people, and particularly women travelling alone, should not have to justify their presence or wait for company in order to enjoy a beautifully laid table, a pot of tea, and a moment of indulgence. Afternoon Tea is not, and should never be, reserved for couples.

Welcoming solo travellers is still far less common than it ought to be. If you are travelling alone anywhere in the United Kingdom, not just Brighton, chances are you will want to experience a traditional Afternoon Tea. Yet, too many establishments insist on a minimum of two guests, as if time spent in one’s own company were somehow second-best.

Not everyone has a partner, friend, or relative readily available, and sometimes, quite simply, you don’t want one. Choosing to sit alone with a book, your thoughts, or the view should not feel like an exception. For this reason alone, the Old Ship Hotel has my lasting appreciation.

I once went for Afternoon Tea in London with two friends visiting from Sweden, and even a group of three proved inconvenient. After some back-and-forth, they reluctantly agreed to charge us for three instead of four. The explanation? Everything was prepared for even numbers. It was a reminder that hospitality is often designed around assumptions that leave little room for real life.

On another occasion, while following in the footsteps of Charles Dickens in Bury St Edmunds, I took Afternoon Tea alone at the hotel where I was staying. Instead of being welcomed, I was made to feel faintly uncomfortable, an experience many women travelling solo will recognise.

At the Old Ship Hotel in Brighton, however, Afternoon Tea is offered daily for one, two, or four guests from 1pm to 4pm (booking required). The menu includes both sweet and savoury treats: finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam, slices of Victoria sponge, and a complimentary glass of Prosecco.

The savoury selection features classic Coronation Chicken, a trio of cheese with caramelised onion, and egg mayonnaise with watercress. Sweet treats include mini Victoria sponge, chocolate brownie, mini raspberry Bakewell, and, of course, traditional scones. A good selection of teas is available, including English Breakfast and Earl Grey alongside a coffee option for those who prefer it.

Guests are encouraged to mention any dietary requirements when booking, including gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan options. Same-day bookings are accepted with a minimum of two hours’ notice, allowing for those moments when the urge for Afternoon Tea arrives spontaneously, something I do appreciate greatly.

Because sometimes solo travel is simply about pleasure in solitude: choosing where to sit, what to order, and how long to stay. Afternoon Tea at the Old Ship Hotel understands this beautifully.

In a world that still quietly questions women who take up space alone, there is something deeply affirming about being welcomed exactly as you are: one person, one table, one pot of tea, and no apologies required.