In the words of fashionable types who are in the know, afternoon tea, dear reader, is the new black. The appetite team takes a tour of afternoon tea emporia regionwide
Let There Be Crumbs
Overlooking the North Sea, Sunderland’s newest Cakery and Tearooms, Let There Be Crumbs, at the Best Western Roker Hotel, is a perfect place to relax and indulge in afternoon tea. The hotel’s former Harbour function suite has been transformed into a contemporary and eclectic setting in which to enjoy something comforting and delicious.
Let There Be Crumbs, Best Western Roker Hotel, Roker Terrace, Sunderland, SR6 9ND, tel 0191 5671786, www.lettherebecrumbs.co.uk
Gareth James Chocolatier
Known for his artisan chocolate shop in Tynemouth, Gareth James Mellor has taken over a space in Morpeth’s Sanderson Arcade where he is now offering his luxury chocolates, brownies and ice cream. Upstairs in the Cafe lounge (opening end of May) will offer everything you expect from an afternoon tea.
Gareth James Chocolatier, Sanderson Arcade, Morpeth NE61 1NS, tel 0191 257 7799, ww.garethjameschocolatier.co.uk
Ramside Hall Hotel
Relax in one of the comfortable lounges at Ramside Hall Hotel and enjoy an English Afternoon Tea with homemade scones, cream cakes and sandwiches complemented by a wide selection of teas and coffee. There’s also a choice of champagne if you feel like a little bit of fizz. Available Mon–Sat, noon–6pm. The afternoon tea menu changes seasonally.
Ramside Hall Hotel, Carrville Durham, DH1 1TD, tel 0191 3865282, www.ramsidehallhotel.co.uk
Beaches and Cream
Overlooking picturesque Cullercoats Bay, Beaches and Cream is the perfect place to enjoy afternoon tea in the sunshine while you watch the world go by. Stylishly furnished, Beaches and Cream offers a warm welcome and a cosy atmosphere to enjoy the wonderful coastal views. The mouth-watering Ice Cream Sundae menu is a must.
Beaches and Cream, Victoria Crescent, Cullercoats, NE30 4PN, tel NE30 4PN
Shoreline Café
One of those hidden gems which everyone knows about through word of mouth, The Shoreline is a must-visit along with the fab Mick Oxley art gallery opposite and the Jolly Fisherman pub down the road. It’s cosy in winter and light and airy in summer, and open all year round for delicious breakfasts, lunches, and fresh cakes and scones made daily to be enjoyed for afternoon tea within sight of the coastline.
Church Street, Craster, NE66 3TH, tel 01665 571 251 www.shorelinebeachcafe.com
The Little Coffee House
A beautiful selection of homemade delights, from soups and sandwiches, toasties and wraps, to toast and potted salmon, scones and cakes. Afternoon tea is a beautifully traditional affair with scrummy finger sandwiches and delicious cakes, scones with clotted cream and jam, and a choice of tea or coffee. It’s served midday-5pm daily.
The Little Coffee House within Country Baskets, Princesway North, Team Valley, NE11 ONF, tel 0191 447 3304
Malmaison
Afternoon tea at Malmaison includes spectacular views of Newcastle Quayside and the bridges, which is ample excuse in itself to treat yourself. This is all about a little indulgence in gorgeous, sophisticated surroundings, perfect for a tower of delicate sandwiches and gorgeous homemade patisserie. A glass of fizz makes the whole experience altogether more indulgent!
Quayside, Newcastle, tel 0844 693 0658, www.malmaison.com
Brocksbushes
At Brocksbushes Farm near Corbridge, the popular tea room, conservatory and patio overlooking the fruit plantations makes for a lovely setting. The tea room menu suits every need from morning coffee to home cooked lunches and daily specials served with wine or beer, and the afternoon tea is a perfect excuse to stop for an indulgent treat after a mooch around the farm shop.
Brocksbushes Farm Corbridge, Northumberland NE43 7UB, tel 01434 633 100, www.brocksbushes.co.uk
Cafe Des Amis
Café Des Amis is a cosy, friendly coffee shop marked out by its lovely coffee garden and its great homemade soups, cakes, sandwiches and daily specials. The team here is now offering scrumptious cream teas and trios of cakes, which offers all the enticement we need to head their way. A Northumbrian gem!
62 Newgate Street, Morpeth, NE61 1BQ, tel 01670 512 875
Eshott Hall
Eshott Hall Hotel is an elegant boutique hotel which offers a taste of country house living in beautiful Northumbrian gardens and woodland. It has just been awarded its second AA Rosette and afternoon tea is served daily and includes a selection of sandwiches, scones, cakes, preserves and of course tea or coffee. Visiting Eshott Hall is an experience in fine dining and head chef Chris Wood and his team only use the freshest ingredients to create tempting seasonal menus not to be missed. Private dining and party reservations are also available.
Eshott Hall, Eshott, Morpeth Northumberland, NE65 9EN tel 01670 787 454, www.eshotthall.co.uk
Wallsend Hall
At Wallsend Hall’s vintage tea room, afternoon tea is a very North Eastern affair. Tea is served in classic vintage china and everything is home-made and locally sourced. Wallsend Hall occupies a beautiful location
in its own grounds facing the village green and features an ornamental garden with walks along the river and tree-lined pathways covering some nine acres of mature woodland.
Wallsend Hall, The Green Wallsend, NE28 7PA, tel 0191 263 7022, www.wallsendhall.co.uk
VIP Teas
VIP Teas is a beautiful, vintage-inspired tearoom where everything on the menu is homemade and delicious. The cakes, pies, quiches and biscuits are superb, and the gluten-free selection is very welcome. Decadent afternoon tea at VIP Teas is just that – all served on beautiful vintage china.
VIP Teas, Ramsay St, High Spen, Rowlands Gill, NE39 2EL, tel 01207 545 180, www.vipteas.co.uk
