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?
Matfen Hall
Available Tuesday to Saturday, enjoy an elegant afternoon tea in The Drawing Room, with views across the stunning gardens and acres of parkland. Enjoy a range of savouries as well as delicate sweet options from their new head pastry chef Lauréns Le Gal, who brings a French twist to the British tradition. For an extra indulgent experience, enjoy a tasting flight of Laurent-Perrier Harmony, Brut and Rosé with your food.
Matfen Village, Northumberland NE20 0RH
matfenhall.com
Madame Rouge
A great hidden gem in the centre of Middlesbrough, this moody pub and tea room serves good breakfast and lunch options and classic cocktails in the evening – but most importantly they do an excellent afternoon tea. Available daily until 4pm, there are three options, whether you choose Prosecco, a cocktail or keep it classic with tea to accompany your food.
218 Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough TS1 3QW
madamerouge.co.uk
Cake Stories
Set up in 2021, this is a welcoming and relaxed spot in Hoult’s Yard where you’ll find plenty of outdoor seating, as well as their shipping container lounge area. Cake is the specialty here, and the treats served always come with an inviting pop of colour. Cake Stories’ in-house bakers always go above and beyond to make their afternoon teas a real treat.
Hoults Estate, Walker Road, Byker Newcastle NE6 1AB
cakestories.com
The Running Fox
A staple for afternoon tea, The Running Fox now have five separate locations across Northumberland. The original one, in Felton, sits right next to the River Coquet and serves afternoon tea in generous portions. There is a savoury version for those without a sweet tooth, as well as a sweet one for those who can’t get enough. The team also cater to gluten free and vegan diets so everyone is taken care of.
Felton, Longframlington, Shilbottle, Longhoughton and Kirkharle
runningfoxbakery.co.uk
The Chantry Tea Rooms
A sweet little spot in Morpeth, enjoy afternoon tea in a traditional tea room which prides itself on its homebaked goods. The selection of sweets and savouries is wonderfully rustic and their afternoon tea is available to take away too.
9a Chantry Place, Morpeth NE61 1PJ
chantrytearooms.co.uk
Jesmond Dene House
At this independent hotel (a stone’s throw from the city centre), enjoy afternoon tea in either their dining room (Fern) or in one of their cosy lounges. If you’re on the go, they also offer their delicious afternoon teas to take home – perfect for a picnic.
Jesmond Dene Road, Newcastle NE2 2EY
jesmonddenehouse.co.uk
Old School House Kitchen
Based in a quaint former school building dating back to the 1800s, it was converted into the Old School House Kitchen in 2021 and now serves traditional, rustic food as well as truly indulgent afternoon teas. Included is a classic selection of finger sandwiches, sweet and savoury scones, and quiche.
Coxgreen, Sunderland SR4 9JP
coxgreenoldschoolhousekitchen.com
Middleton Lodge
Served Monday to Saturday, afternoon tea here is taken in the Coach House or the pretty courtyard outside. Inspired by produce from the estate, enjoy delicate sandwiches, buttery scones, fresh fruit tart, chocolatey choux and cheesecake, all washed down with a choice of speciality estate teas, sparkling wine or a cocktail.
Middleton Tyas, Richmond DL10 6NJ
middletonlodge.co.uk
Dr.inks
A quirky, colourful cocktail bar in Darlington that is also known for serving delicious afternoon teas. They don’t skimp on the booze here and you can enjoy your classic treats with anything from cocktails and wine to Prosecco or champagne (or keep it traditional with a pot of tea).
3 Coniscliffe Road, Darlington DL3 7EE
instagram.com/dr.inksdton
Gladys’s Vintage Tearoom
Enjoy a blast from the past at this nostalgic tea room in Seaton Carew. Everything from the decor to the food here has a retro twist, from the vintage Lyon’s Tea advert outside to the vintage crockery, street signs and cake stands inside. Afternoon tea is no different and is served in generous portions, enjoyed either inside or to take away.
35 The Front, Seaton Carew, Hartlepool TS25 1BS
facebook.com/gladysvintagetearoom
Spanish City
At Spanish City afternoon tea is served in The Gallery from Monday to Sunday, and in their fine-dining restaurant 1910 from Monday to Saturday. Tea and coffee is of course included in their classic offering, or you can upgrade to a glass of Prosecco or Champagne for an extra special touch.
Spanish City Plaza, Whitley Bay NE26 1BG
spanishcity.co.uk
