Afternoon tea – what’s not to love? A delicious dining experience packed with dainty pastries, finger sandwiches, cute cupcakes, speciality teas and perhaps even a glass of fizz or two if you’re in for the real deal.
The tinkle of teaspoons, the smell of homemade scones and the sounds of chit-chat over tea, at Luxe HQ we love nothing more than spending a lazy afternoon in some of the region’s finest foodie hangouts. Whether it’s traditional high tea, gentleman’s afternoon tea or something a little quirky for a big celebration, here are some of our favourite spots…
BONBAR, NEWCASTLE
Sipping speciality teas, scoffing sweet stuff and devouring scrummy scones – we can’t think of a better way to spend a leisurely afternoon with a loved one. Bonbar, Newcastle is the perfect city-centre spot to indulge in all things afternoon tea. Diners will find a fine selection of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones and sweet treats including brownies, macaroons, tarts, velvet cake and cake pops. What’s more? This place caters to all – for the sophisticated man-about-town and for those with a savoury preference. Try the Gentleman’s Afternoon Tea where you’ll find deliciously dainty dishes including rare roast beef, fish finger sandwiches, sausage rolls and scotch eggs and a refreshing pint of local ale. Treat someone special to an afternoon of high tea at Bonbar.
Traditional Afternoon Tea: £14.50 pp (add £9 for a glass of Veuve Cliquot Champagne or £6 for an Earl Grey Tea Cocktail)
Gentleman’s Afternoon Tea: £17.50 pp
SEAHAM HALL, SEAHAM
Is there anything better than checking in afternoon tea with a friend? How about afternoon tea by the ocean? Soak up the sea air and tuck in to some incredible edibles at Seaham Hall. The beautiful boutique hotel offers as Gentleman’s Afternoon Tea – so that everyone can enjoy the delicious treats on offer. The dainty finger sandwiches and cute cakes have been replaced with freshly prepared, hearty foods for men (or those with a savoury preference) to munch. Expect lemon thyme sausage roll with English mustard mayonnaise, roast beef and horseradish bloomer, crispy lamb scrumpet with pickled vegetables, free range pork terrine with rhubarb chutney, a selection of cakes and scones and a refreshing bottle of beer to seal the deal. We’ll cheers to that!
Gentleman’s Afternoon Tea: £24 pp (reservations must be made seven days in advance)
Upgrade your booking to include a pint of beer instead of a bottle for just £25.50
WALWICK HALL, HEXHAM
Walwick Hall is a beautiful, Northumberland venue serving a beautiful selection of sweet somethings and Northumbrian delights as part of the afternoon tea experience. Checking in for Afternoon Tea at Walwick Hall is an incredibly indulgent day out from start to finish. In terms of refreshments, diners can choose from a cup of fine infusions, a glass or prosecco or even a creative cocktail concoction. Why not celebrate the stunning surroundings of Hexham and book in for the Northumbrian Tea experience – a lovely tasting of local produce. You can munch through mini stotties and savouries before tucking in to warm scones topped with clotted cream and jam. And if things aren’t already sweet enough… finish things off with a scrumptious selection of sweet treats, homemade desserts and fruity infusions.
Afternoon Tea: £19.95 pp
Northumbrian Tea: £19.95 pp
Afternoon Tea requires 24hrs advance notice, and a £5 deposit pp is taken at time of booking
TYNESIDE CINEMA, NEWCASTLE
Taking cinema snacks like popcorn and pick ‘n’ mix to a whole new level… check in for a delicious Afternoon Tea at the Movies at the Tyneside Cinema this summer. Whether it’s a day date, a family get together or a catch up with friends, Tyneside Cinema is calling all diners and movie-lovers in to enjoy a bit of quirky film fun alongside an incredibly indulgent high tea. Choose from straight-up afternoon tea at Tyneside Bar Cafe or if tucking in to sweet treats while you catch a flick is more your thing, then join in on the first Sunday of each month for Afternoon Tea at the Movies. We can’t think of a better Sunday activity – splendid cinema scoffing!
Afternoon Tea at the Movies: £18 pp or £22 pp with prosecco
Afternoon Tea at Tyneside Bar Cafe: £12.50 pp
MATFEN HALL, NORTHUMBERLAND
Matfen Hall is a tranquil haven of lush greenery and stunning scenery – the perfect place for a bit of midday downtime and a spot of afternoon tea. With homemade cakes made from the heart and executive pastry chefs on hand, this place certainly doesn’t miss a trick when it comes to serving tea alongside scones, savouries and sweet snacks. Afternoon tea-goers can expect a classic combination of finger sandwiches, sweet pasties, homemade scones and lashings of fresh fruit. Celebrating the very best of local, Northumbrian produce as they always do here, it’s honest, it’s hearty and you’ll be able to scoff to your heart’s content. You’ll also get the chance to sample lovely loose leaf teas provided by local company, Ringtons. Matfen Hall cater to all flavours and preference, offering a Gluten Free Afternoon Tea offering as well as Children’s Afternoon Tea, Gentleman’s Afternoon Tea and Cocktail Afternoon Tea for something a little glam.
Classic Afternoon Tea: £18.50 (£28.50 with a glass of house Champagne or £25.95 with a glass of prosecco)
Children’s Afternoon Tea: £8.95
Cocktail Afternoon Tea: £23.95
Gentleman’s Afternoon Tea: £19.50
BETTYS TEA ROOMS, HARROGATE & NORTHALLERTON
This fabulously famous bolthole is one of our favourite spots for afternoon tea in North Yorkshire and beyond. Bettys Tea Rooms really are the home of afternoon tea – it’s something everyone should experience. Served all day every day in all six tea rooms dotted across Yorkshire, tea-lovers can lounge in the luxurious surroundings while enjoying delicious sweet treats, scones and savoury bites. The Traditional Afternoon Tea dates back to the 1920s and comes packed with everything you’d imagine and more, while the Luxury Lady Betty Afternoon Tea is something a little unique. There’s a specially devised menu, an immaculate table setting and the perfect sounds of pianist playing away. It’s a real luxe treat, in the opulent splendour of the Belmont and Imperial Rooms. A truly unforgettable experience – perfect for a special occasion with a loved one.
Luxury Lady Betty Afternoon Tea: £32.95 pp with a choice of Bettys finest teas or £39.95 with Champagne
Traditional Afternoon Tea: £18.95 pp with a Tea Room blend teapot for one or £26.85 for Moutard Rosé Prestige Champagne
WYNYARD HALL, WYNYARD
Fine china, a blissful vibe and seriously tasty treats – what’s not to love about afternoon tea? Particularly when it’s served u pin the stunning surroundings of Wynyard Hall. This traditional afternoon tea experience comes complete with the finest English tea, an assortment of scrummy desserts and light, fluffy scones. Expect an elegant setting, deliciously dainty cakes and premium British ingredients that top off the whole experience. You know you’re getting the real deal here. With several delightful afternoon tea experiences to choose from, there’s sure to be something for everyone at Wynyard Hall – so round up the troops or your trusty partner and check in for a terrific, tasty afternoon for two (or more of course, if you fancy making a celebration of it – after all, it’s definitely worth celebrating)!
Afternoon Tea: £22.50 pp
Gentleman’s Afternoon Tea: £26.50 pp
Children’s Afternoon Tea: £15 pp
Cream Tea: £9.50 pp
AVEIKA, NEWCASTLE
For afternoon tea with a distinct difference, look no further than the Quayside’s coolest venue, Aveika. This stunning spot is serving up Japanese Afternoon Tea and Bottomless Prosecco where fizz-fuelled diners can choose from the chefs selection of meaty and vegetarian specials including the freshly grilled robata, chicken katsu curry, smoked duck temaki, salmon teriyaki robata, cucumber maki and green chilli squid, to name but a few. All tasty treats are served with a bottomless side of prosecco or traditional loose leaf tea for the non-drinkers. It’s an incredibly edible and unique experience – as authentic as it gets. Book up for the most exotic afternoon tea in town!
Japanese Afternoon Tea & Bottomless Prosecco: £29.95
CRAFTHOUSE, LEEDS
Elegantly placed atop Trinity Leeds – high up above the city, Crafthouse is seriously sleek roof-top oasis. It’s classy, it’s sophisticated and it’s the perfect spot to sip champagne and devour a delicious afternoon tea. Combining local, Yorkshire produce with suppliers from the Scottish Highlands and beyond, eating seasonal is important at Crafthouse. Serving a colourful tower of tasty treats, the classic chinaware is filled with: egg and cress finger sandwiches, Yorkshire ham, tomato chutney, classic cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches, smoked salmon scones, scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam, raspberry tarts, fruit macaroons and a milk chocolate praline torte. Truly delicious tea atop the city – it’s definitely worth the trip!
Classic Afternoon Tea: £18 pp
Prosecco Afternoon Tea: £23 pp
Champagne Afternoon Tea: £28 pp
