Enjoy being transported to a world of elegant cake stands and loose-leaf tea in china cups with our pick of the best afternoon tea in the region
Caboose
Treat yourself to a sweet or a savoury afternoon tea at this beautiful riverside bistro famed for superb local produce, expertly prepared and served in a light, contemporary space blessed with huge picture windows overlooking the river. In addition to its wonderful afternoon teas, Caboose is known for its breakfasts and brunches, lunches, dinners and Sunday roasts. Using wonderful regional produce, traditional afternoon tea served with an innovative twist is priced from £17.50 per person, including bottomless tea or filter coffee. Gift vouchers are also available.
Caboose at Blyth Boathouse, Quay Road, Blyth, NE24 3PA, tel 01670 359 851, www.caboose-group.co.uk/blyth
Jesmond Dene House
Afternoon tea at this elegant boutique hotel in leafy Jesmond Dene in Newcastle is quintessentially English, with finest quality loose-leaf tea served in fine bone china cups alongside triple-tiered stands with exquisite patisserie, dainty finger sandwiches and beautiful, freshly baked warm scones. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are available with 48 hours’ notice and prices start at £28.
Jesmond Dene House, Jesmond Dene Road, Newcastle, NE2 2EY, tel 0191 212 3000, www.jesmonddenehouse.co.uk
Lumley Castle
Magnificent Lumley Castle provides quite the setting for an elegant English afternoon tea served either in the hotel’s grand restaurant or in dry weather in the splendid Inner Courtyard or South East Terrace with breathtakng parkland views. There are several tempting options to choose from, including the traditional Grand Afternoon tea with finger sandwiches, patisserie and finest leaf tea, the Champagne afternoon tea, and options with Pimm’s or G&T. Prices start at £24.95.
Lumley Castle, Ropery Lane, Chester-le-Street, DH3 4NX, tel 0191 389 1111, www.lumleycastle.com
Matfen Hall Hotel
This 19th Century five-star hotel and spa experience is famed for its magnificent location in the stunning Tyne Valley countryside and the elegant interiors which might have been designed specifically for sophisticated afternoon teas. Options include a Classic Afternoon Tea with wonderful patisserie, scones and finger sandwiches, and the Country Afternoon Tea which is a rustic and hearty twist on the traditional favourite.
Matfen Hall Hotel, Matfen, NE20 0RH, tel 01661 886 500, www.matfenhall.com
St Mary’s Inn
Afternoon tea at St Mary’s Inn is a classy affair featuring such delights as scones, cakes, and other handmade treats. Served with Rington’s tea or coffee, or fizz if you fancy, this is afternoon tea the Northumbrian way.
St Mary’s Inn, St Mary’s Lane, St Mary’s Park Morpeth, NE61 6BL, tel 01670 641 111, www.stmarysinn.co.uk
Walwick Hall
Walwick Hall’s sophisticated afternoon tea served in the hotel’s beautiful Drawing Room comprises delicate sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, beautifully presented pastries and more, all carefully crafted by the venue’s expert pastry chef. Add some extra sparkle with a glass of champagne and enjoy the view over the Tyne Valley.
Walwick Hall, Humshaugh, Hexham NE46 4BJ, tel 0871 495 0013, www.walwickhall.com
