Afternoon tea in Yorkshire

Planning a celebration up north with some friends? Whether it’s for a hen party, baby shower, birthday or anniversary treat, there is a fabulous range of venues where you can enjoy a delicious afternoon tea in the Yorkshire area.

Whether you are catching the train from London to York, heading into Thirsk or stopping off at Halifax train station, we have the perfect afternoon spots covered nearby…

Bettys Café Tearoom, Harrogate, York, Ilkley, Northallerton

You can’t mention a trip to Yorkshire without suggesting a visit to Bettys – the afternoon tea institution of the north! With six locations to choose from, you can take your pick depending on whether you are arriving into Harrogate, York, Ilkley or Northallerton.

Feast on a selection of sandwiches, including cucumber, dill and cream cheese, coronation Yorkshire chicken and ham and wholegrain mustard. Followed by sultana scones with strawberry jam and thick clotted cream, and an array of picture-perfect cakes such as lemon tart, Engadine slices and rich chocolate cubes.

For those extra special moments, top off your afternoon tea with a glass of Moutard Rosé Prestige Champagne. Cheers!

Mamma Doreen’s, Harrogate

Ever popular with local residents and visitors, Mamma Doreen’s is a firm favourite in Harrogate. This delightful, quirky, family-run emporium will make you feel instantly happy the moment you walk in with its cute décor and friendly atmosphere.

All of the cakes are handmade in the onsite bakery and with over 45 flavours to choose from, you will be absolutely spoilt for choice! The afternoon tea features a mouth-watering selection of sandwiches, scones topped with fresh cream and jam, and of course a taster selection of the bakery’s most popular fluffy cupcakes decorated with colourful buttercream and edible glitter.

The Ivy, York

We were all delighted when The Ivy group expanded up north, with openings in Leeds, York and Harrogate. The York brasserie is located on St Helen’s Square and is a beautiful setting for special occasions and relaxed social events. Their afternoon tea is particularly exquisite, with an array of both savoury and sweet delicacies on offer.

Nibble on truffled chicken brioche rolls and marinated cucumber and dill fingers, followed by warm fruited scones, raspberry cheesecake and crème brûlée doughnuts! All washed down with a choice of teas, infusions or coffees. Champagne afternoon tea is also on offer for those wanting to add some fizz to the occasion.

The Pantry, Thirsk

Originally opened in 2013 by Dr Rosie Page (the daughter of the famous James Herriot), The Pantry is located in a pretty spot on Mill Gate in Thirsk. This is the ideal café to book if you are looking for something friendly, homely and relaxed.

Everything is freshly-baked on the Pantry’s premises each day, making the delicious breads, cakes and scones taste even better on their Afternoon Tea menu. There is also a children’s afternoon tea menu for under 12s, which features a fruit juice, selection of sandwiches and a sweet treat of the day!

Lewis and Cooper, Northallerton

Located on the first and second floors of Lewis and Cooper’s 17th-century store, the tearooms are a charming spot to sample mouth-watering food in lovely surroundings and enjoy fantastic views over the town. Traditional in décor, the tearooms feature Victorian furniture and fittings, and the afternoon tea is served on beautiful china stands for added effect.

Feast on fresh sandwiches made using local produce, sample the quiche of the day, and try the homemade scones served with Lewis and Cooper’s very own strawberry jam. The assiette of cakes features classics including Yorkshire parkin, tea loaf, plum bread and traditional traybakes. You can even take some away for your train journey home in case you get peckish again on route!