The Best Places for Afternoon Tea in the North East and Yorkshire
Celebrate Afternoon Tea Week (11th-17th August) in style
Matfen Hall
Head to The Drawing Room for a truly decadent afternoon tea at this stunning five-star hotel. Created by award-winning chef Laurèns Le Gal, afternoon tea here comes with a distinctive French flair. Graze on seasonal treats, sip on your choice of tea or bubbly and take in the rolling parkland of the estate.
Matfen, Northumberland NE20 0RH
01661 886500
matfenhall.com
Jesmond Dene House
An award-winning hotel tucked away in a green oasis, Jesmond Dene House is deceptively easy to reach, only a short distance from Newcastle’s busy centre. They take afternoon tea seriously here, with a classic selection of expertly-made sweet and savoury options. And because their little guests are just as important, there’s even a children’s afternoon tea.
Jesmond Dene Road, Newcastle NE2 2EY
0191 212 3000
jesmonddenehouse.co.uk
Spanish City
A jewel on the North East coast with stunning sea views, choose between dining under the magnificent dome in Spanish City’s Gallery, or in their glass-fronted fine dining restaurant 1910. Head pastry chef Kristian Branch creates exquisite delicate treats to tuck into, from finger sandwiches and scones, to intricate cakes that are guaranteed to impress.
Spanish City Plaza, Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear
NE26 1BG
0191 691 7090
spanishcity.co.uk
The Sweet Petite
As compact and adorable as the name would suggest, this gem at Mackie’s Corner is decked out with vintage Parisian touches and has a glass-fronted cake counter piled high with fresh confections. Afternoon tea is an elegant affair – think macarons, éclairs and cucumber sandwiches.
Mackie’s Corner, 103 High Street West, Sunderland SR1 1TX
0191 565 6553
thesweetpetite.co.uk
Roker Hotel
Pretty, pink and totally Instagrammable, afternoon tea at 1842 inside Roker Hotel is a treat. There are three options to choose from; classic, kid’s and (our
personal favourite) sparkling. Right by the coast, opt
for a seat by the window for the best views.
Roker Terrace, Roker, Sunderland SR6 9ND
0191 567 1786
rokerhotel.co.uk
High Force Hotel
Sitting in pride of place beside the magnificent falls from which it takes its name, this hotel has oodles of country charm. Tuck into three tiers of dainty sandwiches, delicate bakes and lashings of jam and cream. For something extra special, the hotel also offers a combined Fireside Afternoon Tea and Waterfall Walk experience.
High Force Hotel, Alston Road, Forest-in-Teesdale
DL12 0XH
01833 622336
raby.co.uk
Gino D’Acampo
Enjoy afternoon tea with an Italian twist on your favourites. From deli meats and bruschetta to tiramisu and panna cotta, with such a beautiful position beside the Tyne, you could close your eyes and imagine yourself on the Italian Riviera.
Innside by Meliã, River View,
Newcastle NE1 3BE
0191 933 6994
ginorestaurants.com
Tea on the Train
Enjoy first class comfort in Northumberland aboard the Bellingham Belle. A Mark 3 carriage which ran the East Midlands Line and now sits beside The Heritage Centre Bellingham, the afternoon tea here is wonderfully traditional, with homemade cakes, sandwiches, traybakes and scones.
Woodburn Road, Bellingham NE48 2DG
01434 221151
teaonthetrain.com
Mama Doreen’s Emporium
In the heart of Harrogate, and also in York, Mama Doreen’s Emporium is all about the cakes and bakes. They serve a range of afternoon teas, from traditional and deluxe themed afternoon tea, to their tipsy teapot afternoon tea where each guest is served cocktails or prosecco alongside sandwiches, smoked salmon and cream cheese bagels, a selection of sweet treats and freshly baked scones.
9–11 Station Square, Harrogate HG1 1TB
01423 504615
mamadoreensemporium.co.uk
Pearls Tearoom & Patisserie
Family-run Pearls Tearoom offers a slice of luxury. Serving three types of afternoon tea, we love the sound of their Indian take on this British tradition. Accompanied by your choice of speciality tea, enjoy chicken samosas and vegetable rolls, roast chicken kebab tortillas, home-baked sultana scones with clotted cream, and a selection of sweet treats.
46 Rooley Avenue, Bradford BD6 1DA
01274 306567
pearlscp.com
Bettys Tea Rooms
It wouldn’t really be a list of where to go for afternoon tea in Yorkshire if it didn’t include Bettys. A Yorkshire institution, the first Bettys Tea Room opened in 1919 and now there are popular venues across Yorkshire where you’ll find the perfect afternoon tea. Enjoy a selection of their famous sandwiches and miniature cakes, all inspired by seasonal ingredients, alongside tea, pink Champagne or prosecco.
Northallerton, Harrogate, York and Ilkley
bettys.co.uk
Beverley Arms
Traditional savouries, scones and delicious fancies are all freshly made by the chefs every morning at the Beverley Arms. Afternoon tea savoury treats include a chicken caesar wrap and mini prawn cocktail with Marie Rose brandy sauce, served alongside macarons, choux buns and a chocolate and cherry delice, and plenty of tea or coffee – or why not celebrate with a glass of Champagne?
25 North Bar Within, Beverley HU17 8DD
01482 296999
beverleyarms.co.uk
The Devonshire Arms Hotel
Afternoon tea here is all about tradition with a Yorkshire touch. Served in The Cocktail Lounge or Garden Room Restaurant, enjoy cakes made by their award-winning pastry chefs, as well as a selection of delicate finger sandwiches, and buttermilk scones with clotted cream and homemade preserves – not forgetting freshly-brewed tea, speciality infusions, or handcrafted coffee.
Skipton BD23 6AJ
01756 718100
devonshirehotels.co.uk
The Clevedon
Serving quintessentially British afternoon tea in elegant surroundings, you can enjoy a range of sumptuous sweet and savoury treats all whilst taking in the stunning views from the terrace here. With a delicious selection of seasonal sandwiches, cake and homemade scones, why not upgrade your tea with a glass of prosecco, Pimms or even a G+T? Head here in August, and in celebration of Afternoon Tea Week, you can enjoy a special Free-Flowing Prosecco Afternoon Tea served with 90 minutes of unlimited prosecco.
Ben Rhydding, Ilkley LS29 8AQ
01943 968398
audleyrestauarnts.co.uk
Wrea Head Hall
This independent luxury country house hotel is a Living North favourite. Relax in one of Wrea Head’s elegant spaces (like its conservatory) with a traditional and expertly crafted afternoon tea – think dainty sandwiches, miniature cakes and a pot of your choice of tea or coffee. Surrounded by lush greenery and breathtaking views, there’s no better way to spend an afternoon.
Barmoor Lane, Scalby, Scarborough YO13 0PB
01723 371190
wreaheadhall.co.uk
Crab & Lobster
Afternoon tea here is more than just simple scones and sandwiches. The carefully-curated menu showcases a range of local flavours and textures, from speciality sandwich fillings, pastries and flaky sausage rolls, through to delicate cakes, macarons and seasonal fruit tartlets. Tea enthusiasts will love their range of teas and coffee to accompany.
Dishforth Road, Asenby, Thirsk YO7 3QL
01845 577286
crabandlobster.co.uk
