We’ve put together our own platter of choices for afternoon tea across the North, to make sure you don’t miss out.
Cream first, or jam? Where to celebrate National Cream Tea Day in style
Who knew that every last Friday in June is National Cream Tea Day? Thankfully, now you do. On the 25th June this year, the nation will gather in whatever way we can to celebrate this age-old tradition. We’ve put together our own platter of choices for afternoon tea across the North, to make sure you don’t miss out
The Midland Hotel, Manchester
16 Peter Street, M60 2DS
Starting with the traditional, Manchester’s Midland hotel has been a renowned venue for an afternoon tipple and treats since the hotel opened its doors in 1903. Overlooking St Peter’s Square, the hotel’s opulent tea room offers local, high quality ingredients on its menu, from poached salmon and crème fraiche sandwiches to a duck egg custard tart with Scottish raspberries. Starting at £22pp, The Midland also offers gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan platters, or level up with the Royal Afternoon Tea - including a glass of champagne.
The Baltic Social, Liverpool
27 Parliament Street, L8 5RN
In the heart of Liverpool’s Baltic Triangle, The Baltic Social brings together music, drinks and a casual atmosphere to offer a daily menu of small plates and burgers, bottomless brunch - and, believe it or not, afternoon tea. This isn’t any afternoon tea, and it’s not for the faint-hearted. The Baltic Social’s Punk Tea puts a twist on the nation’s favourite, with homemade lamb and feta Cornish pasties, taco chicken wings and Sriracha mayo corn dogs, all followed by jammie dodger cake and chocolate waffle lollies. The gut-busting afternoon tea is £25.95 a head and can be served with a pot of tea, a cocktail or mocktail.
Jameson’s Tearoom, Sheffield
332 Abbeydale Road, S7 1FN
A household name in Sheffield since 1883, Jameson’s began as an antiques store but is now the go-to city spot for cakes, tea and brunches and lunches. With a classic, friendly tearoom atmosphere, you can choose from an affordable Traditional Afternoon Tea at £16pp, up to the Magnificent Afternoon Tea for £26.50pp. As well as a mouth-watering menu of sandwiches and scones, if you’re dining from home you can order a box of baked treats for delivery or collection - with vegan and gluten-free options too!
Crafthouse, Leeds
Level 5 Trinity Leeds, 70 Boar Lane, LS1 6HW
Crafthouse is situated within the Trinity shopping centre in Leeds, but boasts a view across the city from within the restaurant, or their exclusive outdoor terrace. Championing quality British ingredients across their menus, their afternoon tea is no exception, with a menu featuring Brie and grape open sandwiches, scones with Devon clotted cream and homemade jam. Prices range from £24pp for a Traditional Tea, to £49pp for a Free Flow Prosecco Afternoon Tea.
1 Parliament Street, HG1 2QU
6-8 St. Helen’s Square, YO1 8QP
Established in 1919 by Swiss confectioner Frederick Belmont, Betty’s now proudly serves several locations across Harrogate, York and Bradford, with chocolates, cakes and of course, afternoon tea. Served all day, Betty’s Traditional Afternoon Tea features a selection of British favourite sandwiches and miniature cakes for £19.95. Upgrade to a Prosecco Afternoon Tea for £24.95, or Pink Champagne for £27.95. Thea tearooms also offer a “Little Rascal Menu†for younger diners, as well as vegetarian and vegan menus for any occasion. Reservations can be made online, but are not compulsory (for any last-minute celebrations).