Best afternoon teas in Leeds: 12 places for a properly posh treat

Wherever you are in the country, everyone occasionally needs to treat themselves in some way, and as far as we’re concerned that nearly always has to include some form of food. While your first instinct might be to go for an indulgent dinner or perhaps even a bottomless brunch in Leeds, we think that afternoon tea can be just as fun, and in a lot of cases better value for money. Plus, how often have you gone for an afternoon tea in your life? It stands out as a treat because it's such an occasional affair. 

Now, Leeds is a city full of amazing things to see and do including many fantastic museums and galleries, and plenty of performance venues. It’s also home to some of the best restaurants in the whole of Yorkshire as well as numerous fantastic pubs, clubs and bars. However, what you might not realise is that when it comes to afternoon tea, Leeds has a whole host of different spots for you to go to and raise your pinky finger at. With everything ranging from cute little tearooms, to luxury hotel bars and even some far more unusual offerings, there’s no doubt that afternoon tea in Leeds is something you should be considering for your next treat. Let’s not forget that the North of England is also famous for its brew, so these places all take their tea offerings pretty seriously.

With so many different options on offer in Leeds, we know that it can be tricky to decide which afternoon tea you should try. So, to make things a little easier for you, we have put together a list below of the best afternoon teas in Leeds, with some information on each offering as well as the prices. One piece of advice: once you’ve decided on which of these spots you’re going to check out, don’t be tempted to snack beforehand - in our experience most afternoon teas fill you up for days!

Oulton Hall

What: Luxury hotel Oulton Hall, nestled just outside Leeds in Yorkshire’s beautiful countryside, serves afternoon tea daily in its charming Drawing Room. Plus, with traditional, prosecco, gin and Champagne menus to choose from, guests are able to choose an afternoon tea according to their favourite tipple. The affair is as classic as they come, with traditional sandwich fillings, freshly-made scones, and assorted sweet treats to tuck into. Why not make a weekend of it and book a room to retreat to once you’ve had your fill of tea and cake?
How much: From £35 per person
Where: Rothwell Lane, LS26 8HN
Book now: Oulton Hall

Iberica

What: Not all afternoon tea menus in Leeds are traditional, and Iberica is one such restaurant showcasing the true breadth of this age-old affair. The folks at Iberica’s Leeds restaurant have created a Spanish-inspired menu featuring a selection of classic tapas dishes, all washed down with a pot of tea for good measure. Dishes include serrano ham croquetas, asparagus toast with castellano cheese and truffle, and chorizo lollipops with pear allioli. While sweets include Spanish rice pudding, and churros with chocolate. You can add a glass of Cava for an extra fiver if you like.
How much: From £30 per person
Where: Hepper House, 17a East Parade, LS1 2BH
Book now: Iberica Leeds

Malmaison

What: Malmaison are a chain of hotels with properties across the UK’s major cities, and you can always count on them to put on a showstopping afternoon tea. Things are done a bit differently here, foregoing classic sarnies for mini brioche sliders and sticky Thai beef wraps. Scones, jam and cream are all present, while sweets span the likes of a calamansi citrus meringue tart to a raspberry ripple and white chocolate sundae. To help cater for everyone, there are three versions of afternoon tea service available, including vegan and gluten-free menus - because everyone deserves to take part in this indulgent tradition!
How much: From £29.50 per person
Where: New Sovereign Quay, LS1 4AG
Book now: Malmaison Leeds

The Ivy Asia

What: Stunning decor and fantastic fusion flavours aren't the only things The Ivy Asia does well. The maximalist restaurant serves its own unique twist on the British tradition with a Moon Festival afternoon tea, comprising two courses of Pan-Asian savouries and sweets. Indulge in a selection of spicy avocado maki rolls, sesame-crusted prawn dumplings, duck spring rolls and more, before finishing with tantalising sweet treats like plum and cinnamon doughnuts, golden brownie mooncakes and honeycomb and white chocolate cheesecake.
How much: From £33.95 per person
Where: 55-57 Vicar Lane, LS1 6BA
Book now: The Ivy Asia Leeds

Convive at The Weetwood Hall Estate

What: Just a short distance from the centre of Leeds sits the stunning Weetwood Hall. Managing to feel like a country escape despite being so accessible, this hotel is a wonderful spot to enjoy an indulgent afternoon tea in its restaurant Convive. Expect a beautiful spread of cakes and home-baked scones as well as playful savouries including mini shepherd’s pies and mac and cheese bon bons. For an extra touch of class, you also have the option to add a glass of Prosecco.
How much: From £29.50 per person
Where: Otley Road, LS16 5PS
Book now: Convive

Just Grand! Vintage Tearooms

What: Bursting with old-school charm, the Just Grand! Vintage Tearooms offers a more relaxed alternative to some of the smarter afternoon teas in Leeds. This Victorian-style tearoom is also one of the most reasonably priced afternoon teas on our list, coming in at under £25 for its traditional offering. For that, you also get unlimited Yorkshire tea, alongside classic sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and an assortment of signature cakes. If you’re wanting a truly classic afternoon tea experience, Just Grand! has got you covered.
How much: From £23.95 per person
Where: 8-9 Grand Arcade, LS1 6PG
Book now: Just Grand! Vintage Tea Room

Dakota

What: The ultra-luxurious Dakota hotel is home to a less traditional afternoon tea, served in the dimly lit, swanky bar area. Served on an elegant circular stand, the tea consists of a selection of finger sanwiches, scones and a number of delicate cakes and sweet fancies. Sandwiches such as egg mayo and cheddar and chutney, are served alongside dainty savouries like pork pies and a cheese and onion quiche. And for the sweet course, make sure to save room for miniature sticky toffee cake, dark chocolate and strawberry brownies, and a salted caramel muffin.
How much: From £30 per person
Where: 8 Russell Street, LS1 5RN
Book now: Dakota

Sky Lounge at DoubleTree

What: The Sky Lounge at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Leeds certainly has one of the best views of all of the afternoon teas on our list. Based on the 13th floor of the hotel, the bar is chic through and through, and is perfect for special occasions. The afternoon tea menu features elevated classics such as pickled cucumber with dill and shallot cream cheese sandwiches, a white chocolate and raspberry delice, and mini chocolate fudge cake. There’s also the choice to upgrade to bottomless Prosecco if you fancy turning this treat into a full-blown party. 
How much: From £24.50 per person
Where: 2 Wharf Approach, LS1 4BR
Book now: Sky Lounge at DoubleTree by Hilton

Woodlands Hotel

What: The stunning setting of the Woodlands Hotel and its grand interiors make it a brilliant place to enjoy an afternoon tea, and what’s more it feels like you’re completely escaping the city despite being in easy reach of the centre of Leeds. With the option to enjoy your afternoon tea both in front of the dining room’s wonderful fire or outside on the terrace, this is an afternoon tea for all seasons. Expect treats such as warm apple and sage sausage rolls and, of course, amazing warm scones.
How much: From £24.50 per person
Where: 79 Gelderd Road, LS27 7LY
Book now: Woodlands Hotel

Grand Pacific at Queens Hotel

What: This striking art deco-style hotel is perhaps one of the most recognisable buildings in the whole of Leeds, and it serves an equally impressive high tea to match. Expect an incredible traditional selection of classic finger sandwiches, fruit scones and small pastries. However, when each traditional element is done as well as it is here, there are no real complaints. There's also the option to include a special cocktail or glass of Champagne.
How much: From £29.50 per person
Where: City Square, LS1 1PJ
Book now: Grand Pacific at Queens Hotel

The Lost & Found, Leeds Club

What: Found right in the heart of Leeds city centre, it might surprise you to hear that this cocktail bar serves an afternoon tea, but its offering is in fact a fantastic mixture of the traditional with the less conventional. Begin with a selection of classic finger sandwiches such as smoked salmon and cream cheese, and chicken truffle brioche rolls, before moving onto sweet treats including an Espresso Martini tiramisu and a chocolate and praline torte. Of course, you can wash it all down with one of Lost & Found's refreshing cocktails.
How much: From £19.95 per person
Where: 3 Albion Place, LS1 6JL
Book now: The Lost & Found Leeds Club

Harewood House

What: If it’s a country house afternoon tea that you’re looking for, then Harewood House might be just the place for you. The property is steeped in history and has gardens designed by famous landscape gardener Capability Brown. While you enjoy your afternoon tea, which includes a selection of favourites such as homemade scones and finger sandwiches, you can gaze at its beautiful grounds. The price of the tea also includes entry to the property and gardens so you can make a whole day of it.
How much: From £29.95 per person
Where: Sandy Gate, LS17 9LG
Book now: Harewood House

Looking for more ways to treat yourself? Why not splash out on one of Leeds' best private dining rooms for your next birthday, anniversary or special occasion.