13 of the best afternoon teas in Newcastle

Whether you're a resident or just visiting, you won't find yourself short of things to do in Newcastle. After all, the jewel of the North East is packed with great activities and eateries. You can visit one of its cultural hubs, like Sage Gateshead (affectionately compared to a 'giant shiny slug - but in a good way'), for a concert or exhibition. For a boozier day out, there's always Ouseburn, which is packed with cosy pubs for an afternoon ale. If it's sunny, you can venture into the stunningly beautiful Jesmond Dene in search of kingfishers and red squirrels. For dinner, Newcastle's restaurants don't disappoint and afterwards, the nightlife has been called the UK's best. However, if you do manage to find time between lunch and dinner, a spot of afternoon tea could be the perfect way to fill the gap. 

Everyone likes their afternoon tea a different way, which isn't surprising for a country that can’t agree on how long to leave the bag in. After all, which item is the centrepiece: the tea, the scones, the sandwiches, the savouries or the cakes? Should it be a sober affair or do you think the only suitable way to consume finger sandwiches and dainty sweets is with a glass of fizz? Should it be a quick bite and hot drink or a decadent, three-hour feast of tiny treats? Does an authentic vegan or gluten-free afternoon tea even exist?

Thankfully, the birthplace of Greggs has a whole host of afternoon tea options, ranging from places for a casual cupcake and cuppa to the more decadent three-tiered extravaganza. Venues include family-owned cake shops and grand Georgian hotels. We’ve scoured all the options, weighing up the merits of each so that no matter what you're looking for, we've got you covered. Here is our ultimate shortlist for the best afternoon teas in Newcastle.

Leila Lily's

What: For an Instagrammable afternoon tea in the heart of Newcastle's bustling city centre, Leila Lily's is a gorgeous restaurant with glittering chandeliers hanging from the ceiling and draped floral garlands and greenery creating a picture perfect environment. Afternoon tea can be paired with a pot of tea, and alcoholic or non-alcoholic prosecco. The savoury tier of the tea is filled with homemade sandwiches, from cucumber and basil cream cheese to coronation chicken, and ham hock and pease croquettes. While sweet treats include traditional scones, clotted cream and jam. It also offers pink macarons and rhubarb and custard pavlovas. 
Where: Grey Street, NE1 6AE
Book now: Leila Lily's

The Running Fox

What: With five sites and counting around Northumberland, The Running Fox has become a easy, reliable option for those in search of freshly baked afternoon tea treats. Each of the sites does a range of afternoon teas, including gluten-free, vegan, savoury, sweet, and the original, where you can nab a slice of quiche, pie or a sandwich, as well as a piece of cake and a scone.
Where: 2-4 Riverside, Felton, Morpeth, NE65 9EA
Book now: The Running Fox Felton

Six at Baltic

What: Afternoon tea doesn’t have to be limited to indoors. At Six, you can sip and snack on the terrace bar overlooking the Newcastle skyline. Savouries aren’t limited to sandwiches here, so try the rocolla wrap which is filled with ham and a tangy pickle mayo. A chocolate and praline choux bun serves as the perfect accompaniment to tea or coffee, as does the lemon and pistachio trifle. 
Where: Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, NE8 3BA
Book now: Six at Baltic

Dreamworld Cakes

What: Before moving North in 2007, the founders of Dreamworld Cakes supplied the likes of Buckingham Palace garden parties, the Chelsea Flower Show and Ascot. In 2019, they made it to the final six in Bake Off - The Professionals. Now, they run a top-notch patisserie, offering light lunch, pastry-making lessons and afternoon tea. Expect freshly baked fruit scones, mini patisserie treats, sandwiches and hot drinks. Gluten-free and veggie options are also available, from Wednesday to Sunday, 11.30am-3pm.
Where: Arch 3 Stepney Bank, NE1 2NP
Book now: Dreamworld Cakes

Jesmond Dene House

What: This Grade II-listed Georgian venue was bought, sold and expanded before becoming Newcastle’s first independently-owned boutique hotel in 2005. Jesmond Dene House prides itself on its luxurious rooms, rich history and “quintessential” afternoon tea. As such, you can expect classic scones, sandwiches, savouries and sweet treats, with unlimited tea or coffee. The tea selection is extensive, including exciting blends like 'Cloud Catcher', which combines kiwi, sour cherry, coconut flakes and cranberry to create a fruity fusion. Jesmond Dene House afternoon tea runs Wednesday to Sunday from 1-4pm. Vegetarian options are also available. 
Where: Jesmond Dene Road, NE2 2EY
Book now: Jesmond Dene House

Malmaison Newcastle

What: Towards the edge of the city centre, you'll find Newcastle’s branch of Malmaison, which sits by the banks of the Tyne. This airy former warehouse boasts a restaurant, spa, bar and, best of all, afternoon tea. Its selection includes classic egg mayo and cress sandwiches, scones and cakes along with some more unconventional tastes, like a Thai sticky beef and sesame wrap. The Mal don’t leave vegans out of the fun with plenty of plant-based alternatives. You can also ramp up the decadence with the prosecco, champagne or cocktail version. 
Where: Quayside, NE1 3DX
Book now: Malmaison Newcastle

Cafe 21 at Fenwick

What: Cafe 21 at Fenwick is a stylish French restaurant in the heart of Newcastle. From coffee and a croissant in the morning to an Aperol Spritz in the evening (with lunch in between), this all-day eatery has thought of everything. Pastries, however, remain its speciality and what better way to sample them than with afternoon tea? Explore raspberry and rose macaroons, a cherry and almond tart and Gateau Esterhazy alongside savoury sandwiches such as chicken and tarragon or cheese and chutney. Sweet treats are so much the star of the show that it only offers three choices of tea. Available from 2pm daily.
Where: 39 Northumberland Street, NE1 7AF
Book now: Cafe 21 at Fenwick

Hotel du Vin

What: If you choose to stay in the stylish, pub-filled area of Ouseburn, Hotel du Vin is a popular choice. The Edwardian building was once home to the Tyne Tees Steam Shipping Company and has kept its industrial feel and quayside view. Inside, you’ll find modern suites, private dining rooms and an intimate French bistro. Afternoon tea here includes the classics, as well as good vegan alternatives, including a vegan cheddar and pickle sandwich. The sweet treats include mango and white chocolate ice cake pops and an orange marmalade tea loaf. The tea selection is fun and unique, with names such as Nearly Nirvana, Mojitea and Dozy Girl. For special occasions or boozy days out, Hotel du Vin offers a selection of Champagnes and cocktails.
Where: City Road, Byker, NE1 2BE
Book now: Hotel du Vin

The Grand Hotel

What: The Grand Hotel in Tynemouth was originally a place where the Duchess of Northumberland could while away her summers. The sweeping staircase has survived almost 150 years and so has the hotel’s opulent offerings. If you aren’t looking for a lavish suite or an extravagant wedding venue, sneak a peek of the opulence over afternoon tea in the drawing room. Afternoon tea at the Grand is available daily from 12pm.
Where: 14 Grand Parade, NE30 4ER
Book now: The Grand Hotel

The Vermont Hotel

What: Another luxurious hotel is the Vermont, which combines modern elegance with Gatsby-era grandeur. You can choose from cream tea, traditional afternoon tea or the heartier 'Gentleman’s' menu, which includes a Scotch egg, Vermont burger, cheese and fries. For the kids, the Vermont also do a children's afternoon tea on Saturdays, Sundays and during the school holidays.
Where: Castle Garth, NE1 1RQ
Book now: The Vermont Hotel

Blackfriars

What: In keeping with the theme of historic venues, the award-winning Blackfriars is believed to be the oldest purpose-built restaurant in the UK, and it really goes the whole hog. It hosts hundreds of events every year in its cookery school, tasting room and banquet hall and offers an afternoon tea to match. Dine inside, or venture outdoors in the cloister garden for a handmade port and truffle sausage roll, jasmine and vanilla macaron, homemade scones and, of course, tea or a glass of fizz. Gluten-free and vegetarian options are also available. 
Where: Friars Street, NE1 4XN
Book now: Blackfriars

Colonel Porter's Emporium 

What: Colonel Porter's Emporium's traditional afternoon tea includes a selection of cakes, macaroons, sandwiches and scones, which are served with a vast array of teas. However, if you're looking for something a bit more special, you may like the idea of its 'Tipsy Tea'. To drink, you can choose between a Cheeky Tea-ki, a combination of rums, maraschino and almond syrup, or a More Gin Vicar, which is a combination of gin, Elderflower liqueur and Prosecco. 
Where: Dean Street, NE1 1LF 
Book now: Colonel Porter's Emporium

Claremont Teahouse

What: Claremont Teahouse offers a traditional afternoon tea, serving a range of sandwiches, fresh scones and cakes. It also has a serious selection of teas, whether you fancy a classic English Breakfast, or something more exciting such as pineapple and coconut, bergamot and rose or rhubarb spritzer.
Where: Eldon Place, NE1 7RD
Book now: Claremont Teahouse

Hungry for more? If you're looking to explore more of the city, then take a look at our edit of the best brunches in Newcastle.