We’re always getting asked where the best afternoon teas in Newcastle are, but there are so many on offer, it really depends on what you’re looking for! Newcastle afternoon teas range from quirky to themed to luxury and they’re also spread all over the city from Jesmond to North Shields. Here’s Luxe Bible’s pick of the best.
Jesmond Dene House
Afternoon Tea at Jesmond Dene House is something really quite special. Located just a ten minute drive from Newcastle city centre, you’re definitely in for a luxury experience at this beautiful boutique hotel and Grade II listed Georgian building in the middle of Jesmond Dene.
One to get dressed up for, their latest afternoon tea offering celebrates 20 years of Jesmond Dene House. Sandwiches include cucumber cream cheese and dill on white bread, while you’ll also get savouries like caramelised onion sausage roll. Early grey and raisin scones as well as raspberry jam with Rodda’s clotted cream and whipped butter are followed by patisserie style desserts. We love the sound of the popcorn éclair with popcorn cremeux and toffee popcorn.
Priced at £31pp with refillable tea or a cafetiere, it’s £44.50 pp with a glass of Tattinger Brut Champagne and £44pp with a glass of Exton Park Rose English Sparkling. They can cater for dietary requirements with 48 hours notice. Book here.
3Sixty
This panoramic rooftop restaurant at the top of Hadrian’s Tower (Newcastle’s tallest building), is the perfect place to enjoy afternoon tea with incredible views over the whole of Newcastle. This sky lounge and champagne bar on the 26th floor often changes up their afternoon tea so expect a different theme every time you visit. The last time we were there, it was Bridgerton themed!
With a selection of four sandwiches, the current offering includes ham and mustard salad, and cheddar cheese and pickle amongst its selection, as well as fruit scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam and a range of delicious desserts like chocolate mousse with a pistachio soil and tiramisiu choux pastry. There’s a good selection of teas and coffees with extra syrups available for £1. Book here.
Six Baltic
If you’re looking for afternoon tea with the best views, you’ll find it at Six Baltic. One of our favourite afternoon teas in the city, you’ll take the glass lift up to the rooftop restaurant at the top of the historic Baltic Flour Mill to enjoy the panoramic experience across the Quayside.
SIX ARE CURRENTLY NOT RUNNING AN AFTERNOON TEA MENU. We’ll let you know when that changes.
Pleased To Meet You
Located on one of Newcastle coolest little cobbled streets connecting Grey Street with the infamous Bigg Market, Pleased To Meet You is a gin bar and restaurant with a little known about outdoor area.
Savouries include BBQ pulled pork or coronation chicken, Northumberland nettle cheese and chive savoury and pork and apple sausage roll, along with dried apricot and raisin fruit scone and sweet treats like mini sticky toffee bites and lemon Italian meringue tart.
Priced at £27pp with a pot of tea, you can upgrade to include a glass of Prosecco priced at £33. Vegan options are available but sadly not gluten free. They also do a gentleman’s afternoon tea priced (£32pp/£37pp) and a children’s afternoon tea also. Check them out here.
The Vermont Hotel
This luxurious and elegant 1930s hotel sitting pretty next to Newcastle’s Keep is a grand affair. Its rooftop bar ABOVE is located on the hotel’s top floor but afternoon tea here is served in the Lounge, Redwood Bar or Maven.
Fancy a cream tea but not the whole ritual? It’s just £9.95pp for a freshly baked fruit scone with tea or coffee. Traditional afternoon tea is priced at £22.95pp and includes a range of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, preserves, clotted cream and sweet treats as well as tea and coffee. The Vermont also serves children’s afternoon tea and gentleman’s afternoon tea. Click here to find out more.
Gino D’Campo Quayside
Gino D’Campo Quayside at the Meliã offers a beautiful open plan restaurant with plenty of natural light and floor to ceiling windows so you can admire the view across the Quayside and River Tyne. Afternoon tea at this Italian restaurant in Newcastle is priced at £32.50pp or you can upgrade to Prosecco for £37.50, Prosecco Rosé for £39pp or Champagne afternoon tea for £46.50pp with a glass of Laurent-Perrier Cuvee Brut NV.
Afternoon tea with an Italian twist includes bruschetta al prosciutto di parma with sicy ‘nduja, honey and pistachio as well as egg mayo, salmon and truffle cream cheese sandwiches. Plain and sultana scones are served with jam and cream and sweet treats like panna cotta and tiramisiu are also on the menu. Served Sunday to Friday from 12-5pm and Saturdays 12-3pm. Check out the details here.
ABOVE Rooftop
ABOVE is an absolutely beautiful setting for afternoon tea. This rooftop bar and restaurant located on the top of the Vermont Hotel is great for cocktails and small plates, but is also serving afternoon tea with some insane views of Newcastle and beyond. Served Sunday to Friday until 5pm, you’ll be treated to a selection of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, preserves, clotted cream, cakes and pastry delights and tea or coffee. Priced at £27.95pp, you can upgrade and enjoy Prosecco or a mocktail for £32.95pp, a classic cocktail for £37.95 or a glass of Laurent-Perrier Brut Champagne for £39.95pp. Book here.
Colonel Porter’s Emporium
Tipsy afternoon tea is a quirky affair at Colonel Porter’s Emporium. If you’ve never been to this bar before, it’s well worth a visit and you’ll find plenty of vintage furnishings, and weird and wonderful antiques and artefacts!
Available Friday, Saturday and Sunday before 4pm, you’ll receive a selection of finger sandwiches, cakes, macarons, scones, strawberries, cream and preserves as well as a range of fine teas. Priced at £19.95 for traditional afternoon tea, you can upgrade to Tipsy Tea which comes with a cocktail for £25pp and a glass of Prosecco for £29.95. Book here.
The Running Fox Bakery
Ok it’s not in Newcastle but it is worth the journey! Located in Morpeth, Alnwick and Northumberland, this is probably the most famous afternoon tea in the North East with five cafes all serving up a scrumptious and super filling afternoon tea offering.
Using local suppliers and the freshest ingredients, The Running Fox does things a little bit differently. Pick your sarnie (there’s a massive range of tasty fillings to choose from including chicken, bacon, mayo and Hawkshead chilli jam or chicken, smashed avo and spicy sriracha mayo), then choose a wedge of pie or quiche (the corned beef and potato is to die for…) a scone (cheese or cream) and finally a Foxy cake from the cake counter. Enjoy unlimited Bari tea and Café Vinci filter coffee, and the best bit? This ample afternoon tea is only £26.50pp. Unbelievable value. They also do a whopper of a family and friends afternoon tea for £95, while there’s children’s, vegan and gluten free options available. They even do a tea for one if you’re on your own! Check out the delicious menu and book here.