Yorkshire is synonymous with afternoon tea. The quintessentially English tradition is embraced greatly in the region and we have selected some of our absolute favourite locations to enjoy a sandwich, slice of cake and cup of tea in.
Betty’s Tea Room, Harrogate
©bettys.co.uk
Undoubtedly one of the most renowned tea rooms in the country, Betty’s first opened its doors in Harrogate back in 1919. Almost a century later, Betty’s remains one of the most popular destinations with afternoon tea drinkers, who flock from all over the world to sample their delicious fare.
Boasting some of the best views of the town, a window table at Betty’s is a great spot to enjoy watching the world go by. You’ll be spoilt for choice with their menu, which offers over 300 breads, cakes and chocolates, as well as 50 different teas and coffees. Betty’s is the perfect fusion of traditional English tea and delectable Swiss confectionery. Booking in advance is strongly recommended as this venue gets extremely busy.
Location – 1 Parliament St, Harrogate
Contact – 01423 814070
Price – £18.95 per person, with Champagne it’s £26.85 per person
Lavenders, Thornton Le Dale
Situated in the heart of Thornton Le Dale village, Lavenders can be found on the doorstep of Dalby Forest, which boasts over fifty miles of mountain bike trails and an outdoor activities centre. What better way to round off an afternoon of adventure than with a delightful afternoon tea?
The majority of produce on the menu is locally sourced and the building itself is a charming 14th century property. Relax indoors in a cosy atmosphere, or enjoy the outdoors on the lovely courtyard terrace, which is also dog-friendly. You can also pick up picnic hampers if you wish to indulge and treat yourself to plenty of mouth-watering food and drink. Gluten free options are also available.
Location – The Forge, Thornton Le Dale, Pickering
Contact – 01751 475013
Price – £11.55 per person
The Black Swan, Helmsley
Opened in December 2007 by Marco Pierre White, the tearoom has been growing in popularity ever since and attracts visitors from all over the world. The Black Swan has achieved plenty of critical acclaim, holding a membership of the prestigious Tea Guild for the quality of their tea choice and knowledge. They were also awarded Top Tea Place in 2010 by the Tea Guild, the equivalent to a Michelin Star in the tea world.
The tearoom boasts a fine selection of over 20 different teas, plus dainty finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones smothered in homemade strawberry jam and clotted cream, and a fantastic selection of delicious cakes, all served on the finest bone china.
Location – Market Pl, Helmsley, York
Contact – 01439 770466
Price – £21.95 per person, with Champagne it’s £31.90 per person
Cedar Court Grand, York
©thegrandyork.co.uk
Expect nothing short of luxury at Yorkshire’s only 5 star hotel. The Grand Hotel & Spa is situated in the iconic former headquarters of the North Eastern Railway Company and combines history and heritage perfectly.
Boasting picturesque views of York’s historic City Wall, you can relax in a wonderful atmosphere rest assured that you will receive attentive and high quality service. There is a menu perfect for children, so you can bring the whole family along to enjoy the experience, plus vegetarian and gluten free options are available.
Location – Station Rise, York
Contact – 01904 380038
Price – £24.50 per person, with Champagne it’s £38.00 per person
The Talbot, Malton
©talbotmalton.co.uk
The Talbot Hotel Malton is a grand and historic Grade II listed building. Known for its fantastic food, celebrity chef James Martin helped launch the kitchen back in 2012 and remained the Executive Chef of the venue until 2015.
Their luxurious and elegant afternoon tea is served daily between 3-5pm. Expect delicious and decadent food including scrumptious sandwiches, beautiful cakes and traditional scones with jam and clotted cream. Upgrade to a glass of Taittinger champagne for a small fee.
Location – Yorkersgate, Malton
Contact – 01653 639096
Price – £19.50 per person, with Champagne it’s £29.00 per person
Bullivant of York
©bullivant-of-york.co.uk
This authentic York tea room has a vintage feel and is a welcoming venue with a delightfully homely atmosphere, making it the perfect place to relax and unwind amidst York’s busy streets. Offering Vintage Afternoon Tea served on delicate English china, Bullivant has a fantastic selection of delicious food and drink to choose from. Try one of their fantastic homemade cakes and even add a glass of Prosecco to proceedings if you feel like an extra treat. Please note it is worthwhile ringing ahead for a booking as it gets pretty busy.
Location – Blake St, York
Contact – 01904 671311
Price – Vintage Afternoon Tea from just £17.50 per person
Middleton Post Office Tea Parlour
©middletonteaparlour.com
A truly unique location for afternoon tea, step back in time and dine at Middleton Post Office and enjoy its authentic 1940s feel. This family run business is a popular venue in the quaint and beautiful village of Middleton and won the Yorkshire Life award for Afternoon Tea of the year back in 2014.
Enjoy their selection of homemade cakes, bread from the local bakery, plus teas and coffees. They also offer a packed lunch for walkers so you can take a slice of cake away and enjoy it against a backdrop of beautiful scenery.
Location – Main Street, Middleton, Pickering
Contact – 01751 475932
Price – A bargain at £10.50 per person
If we’ve inspired you to take a trip to Yorkshire for their delicious Afternoon Tea, please visit our Yorkshire cottages page on our website and let us help you find the perfect accommodation for your visit.