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  3. Connacht
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The Hardiman - Afternoon Tea, Galway, Galway

The Hardiman - Afternoon Tea

3.7
3.7
53 reviews
€31 to €50
Afternoon Tea
Top tags:
Traditional Afternoon Tea at The Hardiman
The Hardiman has long been recognised as the home of the perfect ‘Afternoon Tea” in Galway city.

Treat yourself to the ultimate indulgence and a little time out from the real world.

Make a booking

2 people
19:00

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Cuisines
    Afternoon Tea
  • Hours of Operation
    Afternoon Tea Daily 1:00 pm–4:30 pm
  • Phone number
    (091) 564 041
  • Website
    https://www.thehardiman.ie/
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress Code
    Business Casual
  • Executive Chef
    Jonathan Mannion

What 53 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

3.7
3.7 based on recent ratings
  • 3.7Food
  • 3.9Service
  • 4Ambience
  • 3.5Value

Noise • Moderate

53 Reviews

  1. DouglasM

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 31 August 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    First tea for us so hard to compare. We are glad we did.

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  2. AnnaA

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 19 August 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and service and the addition of the piano being played was beautiful, very romantic experience.

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  3. Mort

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 16 August 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    The food was lovely, particularly the small pastries. And the refills of coffee were delicious.

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  4. patm

    Connacht

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on 17 July 2023

    overall3food4service3ambience4
    Very disappointed, had booked a high tea to celebrate our grandaughters 18th . Service was slow ,coffee arrived 10 minutes before tea so consequently was cold ,there was no mention of our grandaughters birthday until the end when the waitress apologised for forgetting it.

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  5. LouiseG

    Connacht

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 5 June 2023

    overall3food4service2ambience1
    With this being an Afternoon Tea booking, I expected to hear about the selection of teas available. I had to ask the waitress twice about the tea options, at which point she went to the kitchen to find out for me. Perhaps they should be listed on the menu? No one came to ask if everything was alright, but another staff member was helpful when I called her over to ask for fresh cutlery. Altogether, I didn't think this was good value for money. The savoury options and the scones were nice, but the desserts were average at best and we didn't finish them. The lobby could have done with a bit of music for atmosphere. Disappointed and will choose a different hotel for Afternoon Tea in future.

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  6. KathiR

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 4 May 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great location. Excellent price. Very cool atmosphere.

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  7. MichelleK

    Connacht

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 30 April 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Beautiful setting, fabulous food and wonderful music! Highly recommend!

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  8. Karla

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on 29 April 2023

    overall1food2service1ambience2
    We had afternoon tea here recently. Firstly, when we arrived they had no record of our booking. Not only this, but we were standing in the lobby and being passed by a number of staff members without anyone asking if we were ok. I grabbed a waiters attention and asked him where we go for afternoon tea to which he said "I don't know". I then asked asked a waitress where we go, she asked us to wait and came back with an ipad in her hand. I gave her my name and she said they had no record of our booking. I told her it was booked for 3pm and I had confirmed it yesterday. She said there was an issue with the system and that none of the bookings had come through. She asked me to wait, then passed a short time later with cups and saucers. I had to correct her and tell her the booking was for 4 ppl and not just us 2. We told her we would wait in the bar. When we went to the bar there were 3 bar staff there, none of which offered a menu or asked if we wanted a drink. I got up and asked for the menu. We were then brought to our table for tea. The tea was brought down and spilled all over the table. They brought our drinks out from the bar, and then brought the afternoon tea, 45 minutes later. We weren't told what was in the sandwiches. The scones were stale, the cakes were only ok, again we hadn't a clue what was in them. We had to ask several times for more tea and milk. When the milk was brought this was spilled all over the carpet beside us, the entire experience was just a shambles and we found ourselves almost wanting to fend for ourselves (it would have been easier). All in all the experience was not a very enjoyable one from start to finish. The staff seemed inexperienced and the place lacked a manager or just someone taking control of everything on the day. The food was only ok, the sandwiches were the best part (even though we still don't know what some of them were). It was very disappointing for such a beautiful looking hotel!

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  9. AlisonB

    Dublin

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 21 April 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience4
    Everything was fine except the scones which appeared to have been defrosted in the microwave. They were ROCK hard in the centre and inedible. Wait staff attention was great.

    The Hardiman - Afternoon TeaResponded on 29 April 2023

    Dear AlisonB, Thank you for leaving a review and such lovely comments about our wait staff. I am sorry to hear there was an issue with the scones, I will ensure this is brought to our head chef. Kindest regards, Alanna Starnes

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  10. Stel

    Connacht

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 31 March 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience4
    staff were very helpful and polite. area for afternoon tea is a non window area behind reception - would be nice if it was in a bright area with a view.

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  11. KatieK

    Minneapolis

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 29 March 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    The service was wonderful, and we enjoyed all of the sandwiches, desserts, and tea.

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  12. ColleenM

    Connacht

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 26 March 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    The tea and food were great, a bit small but was fresh and tasted good. A bit pricy so maybe save it for a special occasion. But the atmosphere and decor was beautiful and the pianist was very talented so overall I’d say the cost is more for the experience.

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  13. KMR1

    Connacht

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on 21 February 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience4
    The Hardiman is a stunning hotel and I had high hopes for the Afternoon Tea. Unfortunately, it did not live up to expectations or the price. We had Afternoon Tea for 2, the food provided was all miniature in size which is also not reflected in their advertising photos of the same offering. The coffee pot provided for 2 people was only a 2 cup pot so we only had one small cup of coffee each. We were left alone so we had to find our server to ask for more. Another thing I found odd was that a menu was not provided so we were not informed what we were eating. I just think the Hardiman can do better, and with the total being €56 for 2 people, you can have an AMAZING meal in their Oyster Bar for the same price, if not less.

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  14. SelimeD

    Connacht

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 26 December 2022

    overall4food4service2ambience3
    Service was a bit slow, the was not early grey, could be more savory in the menu, the amount was enough

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  15. WandaC

    Connacht

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 20 December 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    The hightea snacks were a combination of sweet and savoury - well balanced. Some of the snacks were made just before serving, while some did stand a while without covering. The server was frazzled and rushed. I did enjoy the experience and the food was ample.

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  16. LauraI

    Dublin

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on 8 December 2022

    overall3food3service2ambience3
    Disappointed that we had mentioned when booking that we were celebrating our sons First Birthday but no candle could be found when it came to eating the cake layer ? I find that very strange in a hotel that you would be used to similar requests. Particularly when on booking the staff member made sure to note his name..gave me the impression that a small gesture was to be made for his birthday..also on booking I was told it was 25 euro for two children's teas . However we were charged 30! Little things like this sour the experience. Halfways through our tea the bill was dropped down as the waitress explained she was in her own words "heading out the door" when I expressed that we would like more tea or coffee she said we could contact her colleagues..but this meant twice leaving our seats and going into the bar to find a staff member. There was no one in the afternoon tea area to check were we doing ok, did we need anything else . The afternoon tea was placed on our table and we felt forgotten about. Even when it came to paying, we had to twice look for the attention of staff. Overall, we wouldn't be back which is so disappointing considering the prime location you are in for a festive afternoon tea

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  17. MichelleB

    London

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 3 December 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Lovely afternoon tea, Mary our Maitre”d was superb. Despite the hectic nature of the venues various bars and eating areas, she served our every need. An absolute professional and assert to the hotel. Thank you Mary!

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  18. ChristineM

    London

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 27 November 2022

    overall2food1service2ambience3
    Lovely setting, but the afternoon tea itself was quite dissapointing. We also had a kids afternoon tea which was wholly unsuited to a child, essentially the exact same as the adult tea, just a smaller portion.

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  19. IreneI

    Connacht

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 14 November 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    friendly staff, nice but not outstanding afternoon tea

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  20. FoodieDarling

    Dublin

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 4 November 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent Afternoon Tea Experience , the best in Galway for sure

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  21. CarolineD

    Connacht

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on 23 October 2022

    overall2food1service2ambience2
    First they seated us without taking our booking into account, so when they asked for dietary specifications we had to say AGAIN we are vegetarians. 2 days before we went to the hotel in person to ask if vegetarians was ok but apparently we just lost our time. The tea room is dark with aggressive lights, the staff is not smiling our welcoming. The tea : we expect different kinds of tea or a menu but they just said they donc have many teas, hopefully we knew we wanted earl grey but for others it might be disappointing. The tea was not warm enough and they didn't tell us when to remove the bag. The food : sandwiches were ok, scones were too sweat and sugary, and the cakes felt like just out of the freezer from a food company, not homemade. It was too expensive for this. The only good think was the pianist who was amazing.

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  22. AnnMarieG

    Connacht

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 22 October 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Good value. Very accommodating to my dietary needs. Lots of attention from staff. Food was tasty. Pourover coffee was very weak. Noisy hen party in the foyer for a long time. Live piano was beautiful but a little loud as it’s so close to the tables. Would go again.

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  23. AilisC

    Dublin

    4 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 22 October 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    My main motivation for leaving a review was to praise our fabulous server, she was fantastic & a credit to the Hardiman. She was so polite, efficient & very friendly. I sadly don’t know her name though!

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  24. Claire

    Exclusive

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on 8 October 2022

    overall2food2service4ambience4
    Lovely setting, service was good and the piano playing was really nice. The food was disappointing, seemed a bit stale.

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  25. HeatherP

    Connacht

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 26 September 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    A delightful treat for the afternoon. Tasty bites, warm, friendly service, ideal for a group of friends spending some time together for a catch up chat.

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  26. Marta

    Connacht

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 8 September 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Esperienza molto carina e positiva. Peccato che venga servito solo una varietà di tè, il classico tè nero. Per il resto molta varietà di cibo, qualità e il servizio fantastico. La signora con i capelli corti è stata gentilissima!

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  27. KathyR

    Detroit

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 22 July 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We were visiting from the US and absolutely loved our tea!! Our server Margaret was so lovely, making us feel very welcomed. Would recommend to anyone - great experience!

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  28. CarolineW

    Dallas

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on 19 July 2022

    overall3food2service1ambience2
    Service was awful slow and at one point the waitress was gone for 30 minutes at least. She was not waiting on others and I could not find her. Long smoke break? The front desk was helpful! The food was good enough but nothing special. The ambiance was not afternoon tea because we were sitting in the hotel lobby, not inside when of the restaurants. Overall I found it disappointing.

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  29. MichaelD

    San Francisco

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on 3 July 2022

    overall1food2service2ambience1
    Overpriced and very disappointing experience. Tea is served in the lobby steps away from the reception area, which was fairly dismal. Service is exceedingly slow. The tea itself was mediocre. We've experienced many wonderful afternoon teas around the world, but sadly this wasn't one of them.

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  30. ABeneyton

    Birmingham

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 2 July 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Perfect service ! Great place, staff very lovely and the afternoon tea was amazing scone very good and also pastries and sandwitch, i don’t eat meat and cheese and the staff was very understanding !

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  31. AnJo110

    Jacksonville

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 17 June 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Loved the afternoon tea experience at The Hardiman. Great value!

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  32. local

    Brighton

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 1 May 2022

    overall3food3service3ambience4
    Nice atmosphere and food but disappointed only one tea or coffee offered along with an option for prosecco which was extra cost.

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  33. RuthM

    Dublin

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 3 April 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    music in the background was gorgeous and the service was amazing! will definitely be recommending to friends!

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  34. Lana

    Connacht

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 2 April 2022

    overall5food3service5ambience5
    Fantastic service and overall experience. Sandwiches and scones were delicious, desserts weren't great and not what was on the menu when we had booked. Would definitely go again though.

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  35. MaryK

    Dublin

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 30 March 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A very enjoyable experience and beautiful Afternoon Tea service.

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  36. Maria

    Connacht

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 6 February 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    The setting was beautiful and quiet. We had our own little area, decor was gorgeous. Staff were so friendly and helpful, each and every one. Food was delicious, could just have been a better selection of desserts with afternnon tea. Same bases, different toppings. Overall it was a really lovely experience and we will definitely be back. Thankyou to all at The Hardiman.

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  37. DSEN

    Connacht

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 6 February 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Fantastic time. Staff were extremely kind & food was very tasty.

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  38. Sinead

    Connacht

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 4 February 2022

    overall3food2service3ambience3
    Some of the food was stale or prepared earlier that day as the end of sandwiches were stale. A menu would have been great as we werent exactly told what we were eating, Maragret was lovely but her product knowledge wasnt great as she told us one sandwich was prawn when it was actually cajun chicken and another was ‘cheese and prune’ when it was actually goats cheese and beetroot, we werent aware what was going to be served so when asked ‘any allergies’ had I known one of the sandwiches were Salmon we would have asked for no salmon as none of us ate Salmon so found that a waste then when asked what the desserts were we were just told ‘a selection’ - The venue was lovely.

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  39. mary

    Dublin

    5 reviews

    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on 22 January 2022

    overall3food2service5ambience5
    Nice ambience, lovely girl serving. Hot chocolate nice but the sandwiches and pastries lacked finesse. Taste of everything was a bit lacking and maybe a new idea from the pastry chef would be nice. Very ‘hotely’ and not boutique enough for my liking.

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  40. AnneS

    Connacht

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 16 January 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a wonderful experience at the hardiman from start to finish

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitising

    • Surfaces sanitised between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitised menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitiser or wipes provided for customers
    • Contactless payment available

  • Physical distancing

    • Distancing maintained in common areas

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

The Hardiman - Afternoon Tea is rated 3.7 stars by 53 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Google Map for The Hardiman - Afternoon Tea

The Hardiman 14/15 Eyre Square, Galway, Galway H91 NFD2

Additional information

  • Area
    Galway City Centre
  • Hours of Operation
    Afternoon Tea Daily 1:00 pm–4:30 pm
  • Cuisines
    Afternoon Tea
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress Code
    Business Casual
  • Parking Details
    None
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive Chef
    Jonathan Mannion
  • Additional
    Indoor Fireplace
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