The Best Places to Book for Afternoon Tea this Mother's Day
What better way to treat your mum this Mother's Day (30th March) than with a spectacular afternoon tea for two?
The Running Fox
Slowly taking over Northumberland (with another new location in Powburn for 2025), to say The Running Fox is popular is an understatement. Afternoon tea here is rustic and homemade, served in generous portions with plenty of opportunity to pick and choose what you like best.
Felton, Kirkharle, Longframlington, Longhoughton and Powburn
runningfoxbakery.co.uk
High Force Hotel
Only a short distance from the magnificent falls it takes its name from, High Force Hotel offers a refined afternoon tea experience where three tiers of delightful treats are finished off with either tea or a glass of fizz.
Alston Road, Forest-in-Teesdale, County Durham DL12 0XH
01833 622336
raby.co.uk/high-force
The Sweet Petite
A tiny gem at Mackie’s Corner, The Sweet Petite may be small but its marvellous creations really pack a punch. The interior has a vintage Parisian quality we love, and afternoon tea portions are more than generous (and always made fresh).
103 High Street West, Sunderland SR1 1TX
0191 565 6553
thesweetpetite.co.uk
Blackfriars
Served in the King Suite, a Blackfriars afternoon tea certainly is fit for one. The fruit scones are home-baked and pastries are handmade, but we’d expect nothing less from this restaurant known for classic-yet-clever cooking.
Friars Street, Newcastle NE1 4XN
0191 261 5945
blackfriarsrestaurant.co.uk
Spanish City
Sitting pretty on the seafront at Whitley Bay, afternoon tea here can be enjoyed in The Gallery which sits under the building’s magnificent dome or inside 1910, Spanish City’s fine-dining jewel with a glass wall framing views of the coastline.
Spanish City Plaza, Whitley Bay NE26 1BG
0191 691 7090
spanishcity.co.uk
Jesmond Dene House
Elegant and refined, Jesmond Dene House is an oasis of calm within easy reach of Newcastle city centre. Tea is served in fine bone china, with three-tiered stands overflowing with treats and sumptuous surroundings – what could be better?
Jesmond Dene Road, Newcastle NE2 2EY
0191 212 3000
jesmonddenehouse.co.uk
Victors
Afternoon tea with added wow-factor. Enjoy a delicious afternoon tea under the wisteria canopy at Victors, complete with boozy cocktails, scrumptious sweet and savoury treats, and sparklers.
106 Quayside, Newcastle NE1 3DX
0191 359 2906
victors.co.uk
Bayberry Hollow
Cosy café and shop Bayberry Hollow make sandwiches for afternoon tea to order and the lemon-blueberry scones are absolutely delicious.
Tanfield Village DH9 9PX
01207 230580
bayberryhollow.co.uk
Blacks Corner
What makes the afternoon tea at Blacks Corner stand out from others is the addition of cheese. Alongside the usual fare, a selection of fine farmhouse cheeses is included to try. The menu also changes each month to focus on seasonal produce, so each visit is different.
1 St Bede’s, East Boldon NE36 0LE
0191 500 2233
blackscorner.co.uk
Café Floriana
A bright pop of colour in Sunderland, Café Floriana (formerly The Front Parlour) is all about the atmosphere. From its fabulous overhead disco ball and pink neon lights to its wonderfully vibrant afternoon teas, this is a thoroughly Instagrammable destination.
1–2 Burdon Road, Sunderland SR1 1QB
07889 941032
Instagram @cafeflorianasunderland
Mother Mercy
Whilst tea isn’t technically served here, Mother Mercy Fenwick’s unlimited cocktails are served in teapots, so it still counts. Pretty pink pastries and desserts accompany, and guests receive a glass of Prosecco on arrival – perfect for an OTT dessert or to start an evening of partying.
39 Northumberland Street, Newcastle NE1 7AS
mothermercy.co.uk
1842 Café & Bistro
This new contemporary café and bistro is tucked neatly away inside Roker Hotel, and offers an elegant afternoon of fresh sandwiches, scones (with jam and cream) and a medley of sweet cakes. Top it off with a glass of fizz and we’re sold!
Roker Terrace, Roker, Sunderland SR6 9ND
0191 567 1786
rokerhotel.co.uk
Cake Stories
On a sunny day, enjoy afternoon tea outside on Cake Stories’ fairy light-strung terrace. Renowned for unbeatable bakes, we recommend trying the rose, almond and pistachio square cake if you get the chance.
Clock Tower, Hoults Yard, Walker Road, Newcastle NE6 1AB
0191 816 2657
cakestories.com
The Glass Strawberry
This flower-strewn afternoon tea is as pretty as it is delicious – what makes it stand out is that it’s served with a taster portion of soup. Different packages allow you to indulge with, or without alcohol, and pots of tea and coffee are unlimited.
48–50 Printing Office Street, Doncaster SN1 1TR
01302 365027
theglassstrawberryafternoontea.com
Schoolrooms Café and Kitchen
Schoolrooms’ traditional afternoon tea is delicious, served with finger sandwiches, scones, Yorkshire veg crisps and a thick slice of cake from the daily counter. Why not upgrade with a glass of Prosecco or one of their bespoke gin and tonics for an extra touch of luxury?
Mill Lee Road, Low Bradfield, Sheffield S6 6LB
0114 2851 920
theschoolrooms.co.uk
Hide & Hoof
Yummy Yorkshire’s Hide & Hoof’s afternoon tea has many fun quirks that make it stand out from the traditional. Sandwich fillings include aromatic salt and pepper chicken, and coronation butternut squash and a mini portion of soup is served alongside a pork bon bon with garlic and truffle mayonnaise. It comes with a delicious selection of homemade cakes and sweet treats, and you can also enjoy a mini milkshake served inside a Wellington boot shot glass!
Delph House Farm, High Flatts, Denby Dale,
Huddersfield HD8 8XY
01226 762551
yummyyorkshire.co.uk
Livin’ Italy
An afternoon tea with an Italian twist, Livin’ Italy’s offering is truly unique. Instead of sandwiches, mini carbonara arancini, Margherita pizzas and beef sliders are served, alongside mini tiramisu, black cherry tart and chocolate cube cake. A sparkling glass of Italian Prosecco completes the vibes, or guests can choose to upgrade to Aperol spritz.
Granary Wharf, Leeds LS1 4BR
0113 243 0090
livinitaly.com
Dysh
Perfect for gluten-free guests, 95 percent of Dysh’s menu is customisable to suit dietary requirements. The offering is luxurious and locally-sourced, with comté cheese scones, Moss Valley sausage rolls and a trio of homemade cakes to finish.
778–780 Ecclesall Road, Sheffield S11 8TB
0114 266 8907
dyshcoffeeandkitchen.com
The Old Deanery Ripon
A fine-dining restaurant inside a Jacobean mansion, The Old Deanery Ripon has featured in the Michelin Guide. Taken either in the restaurant or on a cosy sofa in the chef’s lounge, afternoon tea features smoked salmon with crème fraiche and blinis (you have the option to add caviar), award-winning macarons by Florian Poirot and a rich chocolate mousse, as well as sandwiches, scones and cake.
Minster Road, Ripon HG4 1QS
01765 600003
theolddeanery.co.uk
The Patisserie Malton
Expect big things from this afternoon tea. A tiered cake stand holds all the classics, including sandwiches, scones and cakes with a freshly-brewed pot of Mad Hatter blend tea. Take tea either indoors in the colourful and cosy patisserie or outside in the newly-renovated courtyard.
14 Saville Street, Malton
YO17 7LL
01653 695392
thepatisseriemalton.co.uk
Keighley and Worth Valley Railway
Dine on a moving steam train journeying through beautiful Yorkshire on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway. There are vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free menus available alongside the regular offering, all of which come with a glass of Prosecco to toast the occasion.
The Railway Station, Haworth BD22 8NJ
01535 645214
kwvr.co.uk
