The Best Places Across the North East for Afternoon Tea
To celebrate Afternoon Tea Week (7th-13th August) we've rounded up the best places across the North East to indulge in this truly British tradition
Bradley Gardens
On the edge of the Tyne Valley, Bradley Gardens is a hidden gem and in the tranquil 18th century walled garden, you’ll find the Glasshouse Café serving delicious afternoon tea. Keep it traditional with classic afternoon tea where a selection of finger sandwiches, homemade scones (with Bradley’s own jam) and pastries are served with a choice of tea, or go all-out with a glass of sparkling Prosecco or a chilled Bellini. Looking for something a little lighter? The Glasshouse also offer a confectioner’s tea where loaded scones are served alongside a selection of pastries.
Sled Lane, Wylam NE41 8JH
01661 852176
bradley-gardens.co.uk
Let There be Crumbs
This lovely little tearoom has been serving scrumptious cake and exceptional coffee since 2015, but it’s their afternoon tea you need to try. Served alongside refillable tea and coffee enjoy a selection of freshly made sandwiches, crisps and fresh fruit. Fill up on cheese and fruit scones before finishing with a selection of cakes. Fancy a tipple with your tea? Order a glass of Prosecco, or try a local gin and tonic.
Roker Terrace, Sunderland SR6 9ND
0191 567 1786
lettherebecrumbs.co.uk
Treats Tea Room
In the heart of Durham sit back and enjoy a traditional afternoon tea inside this popular cosy tearoom. Choose from a selection of freshly-made dainty finger sandwiches, alongside traditional fruit, plain or cheese scones (served with clotted cream and strawberry preserve or butter) and a selection of sweet treats.
27–28 Silver Street, Durham DH1 3RD
treatstearoom.co.uk
SIX
With panoramic views over the River Tyne, SIX is a rooftop restaurant which serves sustainable locally-sourced food, and fabulous afternoon tea. Enjoy classic afternoon tea or upgrade to Prosecco or Laurent-Perrier Champagne to sip whilst you tuck into delicate cucumber and chive cream cheese sandwiches, ham and rainbow slaw wraps, cheese and fruit scones, and a selection of sweet treats. There are also vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available.
South Shore Road, Gateshead Quays NE8 3BA
07922 427019
sixbaltic.com
The Sweet Petite
At this small family bakery on Mackie’s Corner enjoy a quintessential afternoon tea served with specially selected artisan treats which are piled high on silver three-tier stands. Start with fresh baguettes filled with coronation chicken, egg and cress and cucumber cream cheese, before tucking into triple cheese, onion and tomato quiche, and cheese and red onion scones. Moving onto something sweet, try the giant fruit scone with clotted cream and jam, or indulge in a lemon meringue tart, cream choux bun or the macaron of the day.
103 High Street West, Sunderland SR1 1TX
0191 565 6553
thesweetpetite.co.uk
Langley Castle
Inside this magnificent 14th century castle hotel, enjoy afternoon tea with Northumbrian hospitality. There are number of options at Langley Castle including traditional afternoon tea, confectioner’s afternoon tea and one for the kids. If you’re after something more hearty, try the gentleman’s afternoon tea served with haggis bon bons, filo-wrapped prawns, sausage roll, quiche and scones. You also get a selection of cakes and sweet treats served alongside tea, coffee or Allendale ale.
Langley, Hexham NE47 5LU
01434 688888
langleycastle.co.uk
Nelson’s at the Park
Enjoy savoury pastries alongside your choice of sandwich (fillings include coronation chicken, ham salad, cheddar and onion chutney and brie, grape and walnut). Make sure you leave room for your freshly baked scones pilled high with cream and jam and a cake of your choice from the daily selection. Wash it all down with tea or coffee, or for an extra treat, a glass of Prosecco.
Percy Wood Park, Morpeth NE65 9BQ
01670 787600
nelsonsswarland.co.uk
The Running Fox
Famous for their Northumbrian afternoon tea, The Running Fox now have outposts across the county. We recommend visiting when you’re hungry as you’ll be served a doorstop sandwich of your choice, plus pie or quiche, clotted cream or cheese scones and a delicious cake from the counter. Upgrade to Prosecco or stick to free-flowing tea and coffee – they also have gluten-free and vegan options.
Felton, Longframlington, Shilbottle and Longhoughton
runningfoxbakery.co.uk
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Clarendon’s Café & Tearoom
Enjoy afternoon tea at Clarendon’s served the traditional way on a three-tier stand, with a selection of finger sandwiches filled with brie and grapes, smoked salmon and lemon mayonnaise and ham, before trying the mini fruit and cheese scones. Finish with your choice of homemade cake, plus chocolate brownie and mini fresh fruit pavlova washed down with tea or coffee.
29 Market Place, Barnard Castle DL12 8NE
01833 690110
clarendonsofbarnardcastle.co.uk
Matfen Hall
After undergoing a multi-million pound refurbishment, Matfen Hall is ready to welcome you back. Served in The Orangery, a dedicated afternoon tea lounge, enjoy finger sandwiches alongside scones with clotted cream and homemade jam, before savouring a selection of delicious pastries and desserts created by professional pastry chef Richard Winfield. Choose from classic afternoon tea, Champagne afternoon tea or go all-out with a tasting flight of Laurent-Perrier, all while overlooking Matfen’s 300 acres of beautiful parkland.
Matfen Village, Northumberland NE20 0RH
01661 886500
matfenhall.com
Tealicious
In the heart of Durham, this cute and cosy tearoom is a delightful spot for afternoon tea. Their famous afternoon tea features a selection of dainty finger sandwiches, a luxury sausage roll, cheese and buttery fruit scones and a range of mini cakes. Can’t stop for tea? Tealicious also offer afternoon tea to enjoy at home.
88 Elvet Bridge, Durham DH1 3AG
0191 340 1393
tealicioustearoom.co.uk
