The Best Places for Afternoon Tea in the North East
Fruit scones, dainty cakes and enough tea to sink a ship - what's not to love?
The Sweet Petite
Mackie’s Corner, 103 High Street West, Sunderland SR1 1TX
0191 565 6553
thesweetpetite.co.uk
This delightfully Parisian bakery may be small but their afternoon tea pulls out all the stops. Decadent éclairs, dainty macarons and homemade scones are piled high on the three-tiered stand, as well as sandwiches and savoury treats. The high ceilings and large shopfront windows help the small space feel light and airy and afternoon tea is rightly very popular here so booking well in advance is a must.
Matfen Hall
Matfen, Northumberland NE20 0RH
01661 886 500
matfenhall.com
Step inside The Drawing Room of Northumberland’s only five-star hotel for an elegant afternoon tea experience. Designed by head pastry chef Laurèns Le Gal, afternoon tea at Matfen Hall comes complete with his signature French flair. From Tuesday to Saturday, enjoy your delicate finger sandwiches and delicious pastries accompanied by Champagne or a classic pot of English tea.
Baltic Kitchen
Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, Gateshead Quays, South Shore Road, Gateshead NE8 3BA
0191 478 1810
baltic.art
Make Mother’s Day extra special for the whole family with Baltic’s Mother’s Day Picnic Afternoon Tea (taking place on 15th March). This relaxed event is designed with families in mind, with activities including card-making for the kids. While they’re having fun, tuck into classic finger sandwiches, whipped hummus, sausage rolls, cheese and leek rolls, and scones served with lashings of jam and cream. Your tickets can also be upgraded to include Prosecco or beer.
Clarendon’s Café & Tearoom
29 Market Place, Barnard Castle DL12 8NE
01833 690110
clarendonsofbarnardcastle.co.uk
Found right in the heart of Barnard Castle, Clarendon’s is an institution in the market town. This is one of the oldest buildings in the town and inside you’ll find nods to its past including exposed brickwork, old fireplaces and a stone staircase. Afternoon tea is an elegant affair making the most of local produce – think Wensleydale and caramelised onion tartlets, ham sandwiches from the local butchery, and sticky toffee pudding.
1910
Spanish City, Spanish City Plaza, Whitley Bay NE26 1BG
0191 691 7090
spanishcity.co.uk
The long, elegant dining room in 1910 is bathed in natural light from the floor-to-ceiling windows which run the length of the room, offering breathtaking views across the North East coast. Expect classic afternoon tea options here, including sweet and savoury pastries, homemade scones and cakes, all created by talented head pastry chef Kristin Branch. Afternoon tea can also be enjoyed in The Gallery, beneath Spanish City’s iconic dome.
Tea on the Train
Woodburn Road, Bellingham NE48 2DG
01434 221151
teaonthetrain.com
Take advantage of the Bellingham Belle’s first class service at Tea on the Train. 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.
Bayberry Hollow
Tanfield, Stanley DH9 9PX
01207 230580
bayberryhollow.co.uk
This cheery, family-run café and gift shop serves up a very generously portioned afternoon tea. Expect thick wedges of homemade cake, scones, sandwiches and unlimited tea or coffee. The sandwiches and cake come with a range of fillings and flavours so you can enjoy your afternoon tea exactly how you like it.
Teesside Princess
Tees Bay Marine, Stockton TS18 1BZ
01642 608038
teessideprincess.co.uk
Experience something different this Mother’s Day with a fabulous afternoon tea onboard the Teesside Princess. Devour a selection of delicious treats as you slowly make your way along a stunning section of the River Tees.
Hotel du Vin & Bistro
Allan House, City Road, Byker, Newcastle NE1 2BE
0191 389 8628
hotelduvin.com
This stunning Edwardian building with views across the Tyne is a beautiful spot for afternoon tea. Smartly contemporary inside, afternoon tea here is the perfect blend of sweet and savoury. Champagne can be added to mark the occasion and the offering has subtle French influences throughout – think ratatouille pancakes, ham and gruyère croissants, and creme brûlée.
The View
Longsands Beach, Tynemouth NE30 4JA
0191 253 5459
theviewtynemouth.co.uk
Afternoon tea by the sea sounds divine to us, and at The View you’re practically dining on the sand. Their tea is tailored to your taste, and options include homemade scones and cakes and a selection of sandwiches. Tea and coffee is unlimited, or you can upgrade to a ‘tipsy tea’ and enjoy your experience accompanied by gin, Prosecco or cider.
Marco Pierre White Steakhouse, Bar & Grill
Old Shire Hall, 9 Old Elvet, Durham DH1 3HL
0191 329 3535
mpwrestaurants.co.uk
Most famously known for exceptional steaks, the afternoon tea here is just as delicious. Take your time over a range of sandwiches, scones and sweet treats, and we’d always recommend upgrading to include a glass of Champagne. The restaurant has also introduced a fully-vegan afternoon tea.
Marshall Meadows Manor House
Berwick TD15 1UT
01289 331133
marshallmeadowsmanor.co.uk
This stunning hotel and restaurant sits right on the border with Scotland, just to the north of Berwick, with breathtaking sea views. Surrounded by 12 acres of land, their afternoon tea is a blend of traditional charm and modern influences. Tuck into Eyemouth hot smoked salmon sandwiches, matcha and strawberry Battenberg, and mini fruit scones with clotted cream.
The Tempus
Charlton Hall Estate, Chathill NE67 5DZ
01665 579173
thetempus.co.uk
Served in the elegant, light-filled Orangery Thursday to Saturday, enjoy one of Northumberland’s most luxurious afternoon tea experiences with freshly prepared sandwiches, delicious homemade sweet and savoury scones and a selection of special, seasonal cakes and pastries. Upgrade your experience with Champagne or Prosecco, but be sure to book in advance (48 hours).
The Treehouse Tea Room
10 Silver Street, Stockton
TS18 1SX
01642 942042
thetreehousetearoom.co.uk
This quaint tearoom in Stockton has all the rustic wooden features you’d expect of a ‘treehouse’, and is a relaxed, light-filled space. Afternoon tea here is split across three tiers piled high with delicious finger sandwiches and homemade sweet and savoury treats. The tearoom also offers a children’s afternoon tea, and hosts seasonal afternoon tea events including an upcoming Queen Bee themed Mother’s Day afternoon tea.
Nelson’s at the Park
Pavillion, The Avenue, Swarland NE65 9BQ
01670 787600
nelsonsswarland.co.uk
This charming spot is surrounded by parkland near the village of Swarland. There’s plenty of space inside, or enjoy your afternoon from the decking outside in the sunshine. Portions here are very generous and alongside cream scones and cakes, choose from a classic selection of sandwiches.
Jesmond Dene House
Jesmond Dene Road, Newcastle NE2 2EY
0191 212 3000
jesmonddenehouse.co.uk
One of the city’s finest Arts and Crafts buildings, enjoy afternoon tea in an oasis of calm just beyond the hustle and bustle of the city. Indulge in tea served in fine bone China, dainty finger sandwiches, cakes, and still-warm scones. Served Wednesday to Sunday, they also offer a children’s afternoon tea for their youngest guests.
The Chantry Tea Rooms
9a Chantry Place, Morpeth NE61 1PJ
01670 514414
chantrytearooms.co.uk
We love the historic details of this award-winning tea room in the heart of Morpeth. The delicious, homemade goodies here keep the tea room busy, so we recommend booking well in advance. Afternoon tea is as classic as it comes, and can also be upgraded to include Prosecco, which is a must when you’re treating mum.
