We take a tour of the best places for afternoon tea in the region, and discover a selection of beautiful places for classic afternoons out…
Sharing seems to be all the rage at the moment, with everything from chopping boards and slate roof tiles to pots and pans being passed round tables across the North East.’
We here at appetite like to share too, but an afternoon of perfect pastries, scrumptious sandwiches, and of course tea is our idea of an afternoon together. This month we visited some of the region’s best afternoon tea spots. Enjoy…
Oak at Barker & Stonehouse
Midday meetings in Newcastle make us hungry, thirsty, and in need of something to cheer us up, and there’s nothing quite like popping into Oak at Barker & Stonehouse for a spot of afternoon tea.
Oak at Barker & Stonehouse Strawberry Buildings, Newcastle NE1 4PQ, tel 0191 232 3200
facebook.com/cafeoaknewcastle
Wallsend Hall
If you’re looking for tea with a view, pay a visit to Wallsend Hall. The stunning property overlooks the town green and is the perfect place to relax.
Wallsend Hall, The Green Wallsend, NE28 7PA, tel 0191 263 7022
www.wallsendhall.co.uk
The Sidegate Gallery
The Sidegate Gallery is a bit of a hidden gem with a reputation for lovely café fayre and afternoon teas. Plus, you can buy furniture, vintage accessories, jewellery, and inspired gift ideas. The Sidegate Gallery Gateshead Road, Newcastle NE16 5LG, tel 0191 488 3253
www.sidegategallery.com
Sweethart Coffee & Cakes
There’s a review on the Sweethart website which praises the afternoon tea here as better than The Ritz – high praise indeed. Such praise is absolutely deserved. A super place, everything here is homemade and much is crafted by expert baker Mark Hart.
Sweethart Coffee & Cakes Derwent Street, Consett DH8 8LU, tel 01207 501 100
www.sweethartcoffeeandcake.co.uk
High House Farm
Fancy a pint? Us too, perhaps with an afternoon tea chaser here at High House, home of fantastic beers and an extremely good afternoon tea in the heart of Hadrian’s Wall country.
High House Farm, High House Farm Brewery, Matfen NE20 0RG, tel 01661 886 192
www.highhousefarmbrewery.co.uk
Blenkinsopp Castle Inn and Tea Room
A visit to this tea room is a treat for lovers of homemade cake, homemade clotted cream teas and light snacks. The afternoon tea is justly renowned, and the setting is fittingly elegant.
Blenkinsopp Castle Home Park Greenhead, Brampton CA8 7JS, tel 01697 747 757
www.blenkinsoppcastleinn.co.uk
Café Des Amis
This is a lovely spot in the foodie town of Morpeth, and its fab coffee garden is the perfect spot for the gorgeous afternoon tea, homemade on the premises.
Café Des Amis, Newgate Street Morpeth, NE61 1BQ, tel 07585 614 156
www.facebook.com/pages/Café-Des-Amis
Shoreline Café & Shop
In the heart of pretty Craster, opposite Mick Oxley’s fab art gallery, the afternoon tea at the Shoreline is a particular treat, especially as a reward for a lovely coastal walk. A real gem.
Shoreline Café & Shop Church Street, Craster NE66 3TH, tel 01665 571 251
Café Royal
Renowned for its food and airy ambience, afternoon tea at Café Royal is a particular treat. Including chorizo, manchego and romesco on toasted focaccia, savoury tarts, homemade raspberry scone, and more – including tea!
Café Royal, Nelson Street Newcastle, NE1 5AW tel 0191 231 3000
www.caferoyalnewcastle.co.uk
Little Coffee House
This coffee house and cake boutique is hidden within the fab Country Baskets store. It’s a fab escape with homemade goodies and gifts to buy and take away.
Little Coffee House, within Country Baskets Princesway North, Team Valley Gateshead, NE11 0NF tel 0191 447 3404
www.facebook.com/thelittlecoffeehouse
The Perfect Blend
The Perfect Blend is home to home-cooked food, fresh bread, pastries, cakes, afternoon tea and more and you can enjoy the sunshine on the new decking area.
The Perfect Blend, Beech Grove Terrace, Crawcrook, Gateshead NE40 4LZ, tel 0191 413 1000
www.enjoytheperfectblend.co.uk
The Biscuit Factory
Afternoon tea at the gorgeous Factory Kitchen at the Biscuit Factory is a unique work of art, a fresh, contemporary take on the classic treat which is both delicious and memorable. A real treat.
The Biscuit Factory Stoddart Street, Newcastle NE2 1AN, tel 0191 261 1109
www.thebiscuitfactory.com
Massey’s Tea Room
Afternoon tea comes in three sizes at Massey’s, where you can have a micro version, a mini, or the maxi, which includes sandwiches, large scone with jam and cream, cake and coffee/tea. We know which one we’ll have…
Massey’s Tea Room Middle Street, Corbridge NE45 5AT, tel 01434 633 130
www.masseystearoom.co.uk
Bradley Gardens
Bradley Gardens’ afternoon tea is a classic affair, served in the elegant surroundings of the beautiful conservatory with views over the gardens. A must-visit!
Bradley Gardens, Sled Lane Wylam, NE41 8JH tel 01661 852 176
www.bradley-gardens.co.uk
