Struggling to Find Real English Scones Near You? 7 Insider Tips for U.S. Scone Lovers

If you've ever bitten into a dense, triangular, heavily glazed scone at your local coffee shop and thought, "This isn't quite right," you're not alone. Finding authentic English scones in the United States can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, a very crumbly, slightly disappointing haystack.

The truth is, American-style scones and British scones are practically different pastries altogether. And if you've had the pleasure of enjoying a proper cream tea in England (or even watched enough British Bake Off to know what you're missing), you understand why settling for anything less just won't do.

Good news, fellow scone enthusiast: we've put together seven insider tips to help you track down the real deal without booking a flight to London. Let's get into it.

Tip #1: Know What Makes a Real English Scone

Before you can find an authentic English scone, you need to know exactly what you're looking for. This is where many American scone lovers go wrong, they don't realise there's a significant difference between British and American versions.

Authentic English scones are:

• Round, not triangular
• Light, fluffy, and tender inside
• Slightly crumbly with a soft texture
• Mildly sweet (because they're meant to be topped with clotted cream and jam)
• Similar in appearance to American biscuits, but with a subtly sweeter flavour

American scones, on the other hand, tend to be:

• Triangular or wedge-shaped
• Dense and heavy
• Loaded with butter, sugar, and mix-ins like chocolate chips or fruit
• Often topped with heavy glazes or icings
• Designed to be eaten on their own

The key difference? British scones use less butter and sugar because they're not meant to be the star of the show. They're the perfect vehicle for clotted cream and jam, the true heroes of any proper cream tea.

Tip #2: Skip the Chain Coffee Shops

We hate to break it to you, but that "scone" sitting in the pastry case at your favourite coffee chain? It's almost certainly not what you're looking for. Most mainstream American bakeries and coffee shops serve the dense, triangular, American-style scone that bears little resemblance to its British cousin.

If you're serious about finding authentic English scones, you'll need to look beyond the usual suspects. Seek out specialty bakeries, British import shops, and tea rooms that specifically advertise traditional British baked goods. These establishments are far more likely to understand the difference and deliver the real thing.

Tip #3: Look for Bakeries That Specialise in British Goods

Here's where things get exciting. A growing number of bakeries across the United States specialise in authentic British baked goods, and they're shipping nationwide.

When evaluating a bakery, look for these promising signs:

• They specifically mention "British," "English," or "traditional" scones
• They offer accompaniments like clotted cream and jam
• They talk about using quality ingredients and traditional recipes
• They understand that scones should be light and fluffy, not dense

At Britalicious, we're a bit obsessed with getting our scones just right. We use premium ingredients and time-honoured recipes to create scones that taste like they came straight from a countryside tea room in Devon. And yes, we ship them right to your door.

Tip #4: Order Online for the Best Selection

Living in a small town without a British bakery nearby? No worries. One of the best-kept secrets for finding authentic English scones in the US is online ordering.

Several specialty companies ship traditional British scones and scone mixes directly to customers across the country. This means you can enjoy a proper cream tea in Kansas, Florida, or anywhere else: no passport required.

When ordering online, look for:

• Fresh-baked options that ship quickly
• Scone mixes if you prefer to bake at home
• Complete afternoon tea packages that include scones, clotted cream, and jam
• Positive reviews mentioning authentic taste and texture

Our afternoon tea collection is a fantastic place to start if you want everything you need for an authentic experience delivered in one go.

Tip #5: Check the Accompaniments

Here's a little insider knowledge: you can often judge the authenticity of a scone by what's served alongside it.

A place that truly understands English scones will offer:

• Clotted cream – This thick, rich cream is essential. If they're offering whipped cream or butter instead, that's a red flag.
• Quality jam or preserves – Strawberry is the classic choice, but raspberry works beautifully too.
• Loose leaf tea – A proper cream tea deserves proper tea, not a dusty tea bag.

If a bakery or tea room offers all three, you're probably in good hands. If they look at you blankly when you ask about clotted cream... keep searching.

Looking for authentic clotted cream to enjoy at home? Check out our sides collection for all the traditional accompaniments.

Tip #6: Seek Out Afternoon Tea Services and Caterers

One of the easiest ways to enjoy authentic English scones is to find a dedicated afternoon tea service or caterer in your area. These businesses specialise in recreating the traditional British afternoon tea experience, complete with tiered stands, finger sandwiches, and: of course: freshly baked scones.

Many afternoon tea caterers:

• Use traditional British recipes passed down through generations
• Source authentic ingredients like clotted cream from Devon
• Understand the cultural significance of each element
• Can bring the experience directly to your home for special occasions

Whether you're hosting a bridal shower, a birthday celebration, or simply treating yourself on a Saturday afternoon, an afternoon tea caterer can deliver an experience that's hard to replicate on your own.

Tip #7: When in Doubt, Make Your Own (With the Right Recipe)

Sometimes the best way to get what you want is to make it yourself. And here's the thing: authentic English scones are surprisingly simple to bake at home, as long as you have the right recipe.

The key principles to remember:

• Don't overwork the dough – This is the number one mistake home bakers make. Handle it gently to keep those scones light and tender.
• Use cold butter – Just like making biscuits, cold butter creates those lovely flaky layers.
• Keep sugar and butter moderate – Remember, the clotted cream and jam provide the sweetness.
• Cut into rounds – Resist the urge to make triangles. Use a round cutter for authenticity.
• Serve warm – Fresh from the oven (or gently reheated) is always best.

If you'd rather skip the measuring and mixing, quality scone mixes are available that take the guesswork out of the process while still delivering authentic results.

The Bottom Line

Finding real English scones in the United States takes a bit of effort, but it's absolutely worth it. Once you've experienced a warm, fluffy scone split in half and piled high with clotted cream and strawberry jam, there's simply no going back to those dense coffee shop imposters.

Remember these key tips:

1. Know what authentic English scones look and taste like
2. Skip the chain coffee shops
3. Seek out British specialty bakeries
4. Embrace online ordering for the best selection
5. Look for proper accompaniments like clotted cream
6. Find afternoon tea caterers for special occasions
7. Try baking at home with traditional recipes

Ready to experience a proper English scone? Browse our full collection and bring a taste of Britain to your table: no matter where you are in the States.

Happy scone hunting!