There’s no better way to spend an afternoon in between hitting the shops and touring the city, especially when you’re in the heart of Yorkshire. It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy some homemade scones and finger sandwiches with plenty of tea. From lavish hotels with breath-taking views of the city, to cosy cafes tucked away in our spectacular shopping arcades, your afternoon tea experience is sure to be a treat. The only question is… Which to try first?

The Ivy, Victoria

Sitting pretty under the spectacular rooves of the Victoria Quarter, The Ivy’s vibrantly patterned walls are a treat for the eyes while the food is a treat for the mind, body, and soul. Their afternoon tea has it all, from mouth-watering savouries to ever so tempting sweets. You can add some fizz to the fun with champagne for those special occasions and enjoy the seasonal menu year-round.

Just Grand! Vintage Tearoom

Step back in time at this Grand Arcade tearoom, decorated with an eclectic mix of vintage furniture and artefacts. There’s nothing more quintessentially British than tea drinking and home baking, and Just Grand! brings all that along with good old-fashioned service.

Le Chalet

Located conveniently near the train station on Park Row, Le Chalet offers a French spin on afternoon tea. You can indulge a wide range of sandwiches with delicious canapés, cakes, macarons, and of course, scones. Alternatively, opt for the hot food menu to enjoy the traditional French dishes on offer, from ratatouille to croque monsieur. The choice is yours. Bon appétit!

The Billing Tea Room

Head out towards Headlingley where you’ll find local favourite The Billing. Serving up traditional afternoon tea on beautiful floral china with freshly brewed tea or coffee. It’s simply one of the best.

Terrace Tearoom, Harewood House

Harewood is the obvious destination for afternoon tea in Leeds. Stare out at the rolling parkland from the south-facing Terrace Tearoom while grazing on freshly made sandwiches and scones, all part of their Quintessential Afternoon Tea. Afterwards, you can explore the house, gardens and grounds, and take in the beauty of one of our famously wonderful stately homes.

Fleur Café

This city centre favourite isn’t called Fleur for no reason. The flower wall serves as the perfect backdrop for the perfect Instagram picture. The menu, designed by Masterchef Bobby Creetha, is a work of art in itself that tastes just as good as it looks. Their afternoon tea is a three-part journey from savoury to sweet, as you make your way down from pink cheese samosas to all the chocolatey goodness you could ever want.

Kitty Café

Part cat rescue, part café, the Kitty Café offers afternoon tea for two where you can tuck into Devonshire scones and miniature desserts, all in the company of some of our favourite furry four-legged friends. Located amidst the hustle and bustle of Briggate, this is one you cannot miss.

Malmaison

The hotel venue has re-imagined classical afternoon tea with their very own Mal Afternoon Tea. The menu (with vegan alternatives available) is unlike any other, though the varied tea selection truly does take centre stage. If you’d like to switch it up a level, there’s cocktails, prosecco, and champagne on offer – whatever suits the occasion!

Crafthouse

In Trinity Leeds you will find Crafthouse, a stand-out restaurant with a sleek, industrial-look, where the chefs are masters of British food, plating up perfected sandwiches and brioche, macarons, and choux. Take a break from all that shopping and swap the tea for Campari cocktails or free-flow prosecco for an extra treat.

The Waiting Room

Tucked away in Cross Gates Railway Station, The Waiting Room serve up homemade treats made with fresh ingredients. And whether you’re veggie or gluten free, their menu can be altered to suit your dietary preferences. Go back to basics without making any sacrifices on taste and quality.

Sky Lounge

Unrivalled city views make the Sky Lounge the afternoon tea venue of dreams. The lounge gives the tradition ‘a modern twist with a boozy finish’. Enjoy baked salmon, roast beef, and braised lamb, followed by mousse, cake, torte, and tartlet. Sparkling wine, prosecco or champagne are a real must here to make this luxurious experience that bit more special.

 

Your visit to Leeds is bound to be a tasty one and we can’t wait to welcome you. Explore more and watch our foodie series of videos below:

Leeds: The Foodie Capital of the North

Leeds: The best indie food scene in the North

Leeds: The best food producing scene in the North