The Biscuit Factory
Afternoon tea at the Biscuit Factory’s Factory Kitchen offers a delightful, seasonal twist on the traditional experience. Surrounded by contemporary artwork inside, or outside on the roof terrace when the sun is shining, tea is served on the last Sunday of every month.
The menu changes with the seasons, and this summer’s Garden Tea brings together fresh and bright seasonal produce – with roast chicken, smoked bacon and tarragon mayo sandwiches, or St Ewe egg sandwiches with watercress and cucumber, served alongside courgette, pea and Northumberland cheddar quiche; garden vegetable, potato and cheese pocket pies; cherry scones with house compote and Chantilly crème; carrot and sultana loaf cake with cream cheese icing; blackberry and almond friand; and raspberry and white chocolate blondie. Afternoon tea is £30pp, with £5 from each booking going to St Oswald’s Hospice as the Biscuit Factory serves as a host venue for the Tales on the Tyne art trail with Peter Rabbit this summer. To book, visit www.thebiscuitfactory.com/whats-on/summer-garden-afternoon-tea
Stoddart Street, Newcastle, NE2 1AN, tel 0191 261 1103, www.thebiscuitfactory.com
Brocksbushes
Relax with afternoon tea in the stunning Northumberland countryside at the Courtyard Kitchen at Brocksbushes this summer. Choose a freshly made sandwich, pastry, scone, homemade sponge cake and tray bake, and allow the world to pass you by as you indulge in great food and unlimited tea or filter coffee. There’s the farm shop to explore while you’re here, plus the chance to pick your own seasonal fruit, and lots more to make a visit into a grand day out. Afternoon tea must be booked at least 24 hours in advance. It is priced at £21.95pp and is served daily 2-4pm – or can be ordered to take away (£11.95).
Stocksfield, NE43 7UB, tel 01434 633 100, www.brocksbushes.co.uk
Café Des Amis
Located in the heart of the market town of Morpeth, the wonderfully welcoming Café Des Amis is a favourite for tranquil afternoons in the garden and a fantastic homemade tea featuring delicate finger sandwiches, scones and irresistible cakes. A wonderful place to relax and allow the world to rush by, dogs are welcome here too – making this a great spot for a treat after a walk around town. Open Monday-Saturday 9.30am-4pm.
Newgate Street, Morpeth, NE61 1BE, tel 01670 505 483, www.facebook.com/amiscafe52
Café My Place
A neighbourhood café located in the White Swan Centre in Killingworth, Café My Place offers a delightful piece of vintage heaven and a wonderful tea. You can spend hours enjoying tea here in cosy surroundings, and you can expect freshly made sandwiches, lovely scones and sweet treats to please every taste.
White Swan Centre, Killingworth, NE12 6SS, tel 07733 895 579, www.facebook.com/pg/cafemyplace
Matfen Hall
Step into Matfen Hall and discover an elegant location perfectly matched with a decadent, traditional afternoon tea. Enjoy the views of the grounds in bloom this summer, or sit by the grand fireplace, and enjoy delicate finger sandwiches, handmade scones and beautiful pastries and patisserie served with a wide selection of tea or a glass of Champagne. Created by head pastry chef Laurèns Le Gal, who adds a French twist to this British tradition, and recognised with an Award of Excellence at the Afternoon Tea Awards, tea at Matfen Hall is served Tuesday-Saturday noon-4pm. Tea must be booked at least 24 hours in advance and it is priced from £45pp.
Matfen, NE20 0RH, tel 01661 886 500, www.matfenhall.com
Tynemouth 61 Guest House and Tea Room
Having explored the shops, historic places and stunning beaches of Tynemouth and the North Tyneside coast, afternoon tea in the beautiful walled garden at 61 Guest House and Tea Room is the perfect way to end the day. Occupying a stunning Georgian townhouse on Front Street and offering bed and breakfast accommodation as well as weekend breakfasts and lunches, this is a must-visit for fabulous scones as well as savoury and sweet treats.
61 Front Street, Tynemouth, NE30 4BT tel 0191 257 3687, www.no61.co.uk
