The Best Afternoon Teas in the North East and Yorkshire

Eat and Drink

August 2021

Reading time 8 minutes

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Here are our top picks of where to go to indulge in the epitome of English tradition

It would be rude not to have a slice of cake, a scone – or both.

The Running Fox

2-4 Riverside, Felton NE65 9EA
Rothbury Road, Longframlington NE65 8AE
Farne Road, Shilbottle NE66 2XX
01665 660721
runningfoxbakery.co.uk
With outposts in Shilbottle, Longframlington and Felton, as well as a Longhoughton coffee shop-cum-bakery coming soon, The Running Fox offers plenty of options – both in location, and in terms of their extensive menu. Their afternoon tea is deservedly legendary – think sandwiches, pies, quiche, fresh scones and hefty slices of cake, served with endless tea and coffee. Gluten-free and vegan afternoon tea options mean everyone can enjoy it here.

SIX BALTIC

South Shore Road, Gateshead NE8 3BA
0191 440 4948
sixbaltic.com
Enjoy an afternoon tea with a view at this rooftop restaurant on the top floor of Newcastle’s BALTIC. Available only on Sundays, their luxurious afternoon tea includes a selection of savouries such as a ham and pease pudding finger sandwich or a cheese and chive scone, along with sweet treats including fruit scones, a chocolate and coffee choux bun and pineapple and coconut pavlova – a wide selection of Ringtons tea is the cherry on the cake.

Walwick Hall

Humshaugh, Hexham NE46 4BJ
01434 620156
walwickhall.com
Set in 100 acres of stunning Northumberland countryside on Hadrian’s Wall, Walwick Hall is a unique setting in which to indulge in a luxury afternoon tea. Choose from a list of classic tea blends and fruit infusions, a glass of prosecco or a refreshing cocktail alongside their traditional afternoon tea, or make like a local and choose their Northumbrian afternoon tea – think mini stotties, Northern savouries, warm scones and a selection of jams.

Spanish City

Spanish City Plaza, Whitley Bay NE26 1BG
0191 691 7090
www.spanishcity.co.uk
Head Pastry Chef Kristian Branch is at the helm of the talented team here, so you know you’re in safe hands. Take a seat underneath the spectacular dome in the Gallery, or dine in 1910 steak and seafood restaurant with views over the sea. Savour traditional finger sandwiches, sausage rolls, quiche, scones, and wow-factor cakes such as lemon meringue pie, lime and raspberry macarons, and white chocolate gateaux.

Wynyard Hall

Tees Valley TS22 5NF
01740 644811
www.wynyardhall.co.uk
Expect fine china and scrumptious treats at Wynyard Hall. Choose the traditional afternoon tea for dainty cakes and pastries, the gentleman’s afternoon tea for a range of savoury options paired with a glass of Glenfiddich whisky, or let your little ones join in on the fun with the children’s afternoon tea. Working alongside Newby tea experts their extensive menu includes a selection of traditional, herbal and loose leaf blends, or if you prefer, enjoy freshly ground coffee or a spot of fizz.

The Pheasant

Harome, Yorkshire YO62 5JG
01439 771241
thepheasanthotel.com
Afternoon Tea at The Pheasant is the perfect occasion to catch up over glasses of bubbly and cups of tea. The tradition begins with savoury finger sandwiches – crusts are removed and the delicate slices are filled with smoked salmon, egg, ham and cucumber – followed by delicious homemade scones, made from a secret recipe, served with damson jam and clotted cream. The final course is the pièce de resistance, the platter of mouthwatering homemade dainty cakes.

Bettys

Across Yorkshire
0800 456 1919
bettys.co.uk
Arguably the home of afternoon tea, how could we miss Bettys off our list? With outposts in Harrogate, York, Ilkley and Northallerton, Bettys is renowned for serving classic afternoon teas. At Bettys Harrogate and York, the reservation-only afternoon tea is served in the Imperial and Belmont Rooms – beautiful, historic suites dating back to the early 1900s. With a menu brimming with patisserie treats and tea room specialities, including a classic sandwich selection, scones and miniature cakes, why not add sparkle to the occasion with a glass (or two) of champagne?

Swinton Park

Masham, Ripon HG4 4JH
01765 680900
swintonestate.com
Head to the impressive Swinton Park and choose from a range of dining spaces; take your tea in the bar, drawing room or on the lawn when the summer weather allows. Try Yorkshire duck egg and cress sandwiches, trout pâté and estate venison sausage rolls, followed by freshly-baked cakes and scones with clotted cream and artisan preserves. Little ones can join in the fun too with their very own picnic featuring a strawberry milkshake, a selection of sandwiches and a chocolate brownie.

Tickton Grange

Beverley HU17 9SH
01964 543666
ticktongrange.co.uk
Afternoon tea at Tickton Grange is a celebration of tradition. Indulge in the traditional homemade treats presented on bespoke fine china, accompanied by loose leaf teas. Featuring freshly-baked scones and dainty cakes and sandwiches, it’s the classic afternoon tea you’d expect – but why not add a glass of champagne, prosecco or a G&T for an extra treat?

Issho

Victoria Gate, Leeds LS2 7AU
0113 426 5000
issho-restaurant.com
Issho – meaning ‘together’ in Japanese – is the perfect place to enjoy afternoon tea with a twist. The Japanese take on this tradition includes a range of sushi, edamame, gyoza and chicken katsu sando, as well as sweet purin, matcha green tea brownies and yuzu meringue pie. Choose between a traditional English Breakfast or Earl Grey, or try something new with Sencha, a loose leaf Japanese green tea, or Konacha, a sushi drinking tea – we recommend ‘free-flowing’ prosecco for a real treat.