12 of the Best Places for Afternoon Tea in Yorkshire and the North East
Celebrate Afternoon Tea Week (7th-13th August) in style
No.1 by GuestHouse, York
A traditional treat served in The Marmalade Lounge at No.1 York, afternoon tea here includes dainty sandwiches, canapés, scones and cakes all made using the best British ingredients. From black truffle egg mayonnaise sandwiches and Gloucester Old Spot sausage rolls to freshly baked scones topped with seasonal jam and clotted cream, indulge at No.1 York and wash it all down with a pot of tea or glass of fizz.
1 Clifton, York YO30 6AA
01904 644744
guesthousehotels.co.uk
Pearls Tearoom
Where quality food meets elegant dining, family-run Pearls Tearoom offers a slice of luxury. Serving three types of afternoon tea, we love the sound of Pearls 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
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
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
Mama Doreen’s Emporium
In the heart of Harrogate, Mama Doreen’s Emporium serves a range of afternoon teas, from traditional and children’s afternoon tea to over 65s, vegan or dairy-free afternoon tea alternatives. The latest addition to the menu is the tipsy teapot where each guest is served cocktails or Prosecco alongside traditional sandwiches, smoked salmon and cream cheese bagels, a selection of sweet treats and freshly baked scones. Add a pre-appetiser soup with bruschetta topped with chicken and cognac pâté or caramelised onion chutney if you’re feeling extra hungry.
9–11 Station Square, Harrogate HG1 1TB
01423 504615
mamadoreensemporium.co.uk
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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
Bettys Tea Rooms
The first Bettys Tea Room opened in 1919 and now with six popular venues across Yorkshire, you’ll find classic afternoon teas that showcase the very best of traditional dining. Enjoy a selection of sandwiches and miniature cakes inspired by seasonal ingredients, alongside tea, pink Champagne or Prosecco.
Northallerton, Harrogate, York and Ilkley
bettys.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
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
Livin’Italy
Enjoy all the excitement and opulence of afternoon tea but with an Italian twist at Leeds’ Livin’Italy. Served with a glass of fizz, the three tier stands include mini arancini carbonara, mini margherita pizzas and short rib of beef sliders, as well as chocolate cake, homemade black cherry tarts and a mini tiramisu. Although the Italian Prosecco is right up our street, the upgrade to Aperol Spritz cocktails is a popular choice for summer.
Granary Wharf, Leeds LS1 4BR
0113 243 0090
livinitaly.com
Wynyard Hall
Don’t miss your chance to indulge in afternoon tea at Wynyard Hall. Taking place in the Hall on selected dates throughout August and October, start with fresh finger sandwiches followed by sausage rolls, before piling delicious scones high with cream and jam. Next you’ll want to try the tasty cakes and sweet treats, all washed down with pots of tea, or go all-out with a glass of Prosecco.
Stockton TS22 5NF
01740 644811
wynyardhall.co.uk
The Devonshire Arms Hotel
Afternoon tea here is all about English tradition with a Yorkshire touch. Served in The Cocktail Lounge or Conservatory, indulge in cakes made by the 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