Blogs.

Spots for Afternoon Tea in Leeds

21st February 2024

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 – available everyday 3pm-5pm. 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. The Mother’s Day Special comes with a flower and card. 

High Tea at Grand Pacific

There are few things in life more agreeable than the hours dedicated to the ceremony known as high tea. Join Grand Pacific for High Tea with a plethora of bite size sweet delights and sandwiches, accompanied by aromatic beverages from faraway places. And when you’re not eating or drinking something delicious, feel free to feast your eyes on the opulent, high society-esque surroundings.

Grand Pacific High Tea

(Grand Pacific)

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. Have a look at the Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea here.

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. Like afternoon tea but can never mange it all? Fleur’s Mini Afternoon Tea is the perfect alternative. 

Fleur Afternoon Tea

(Fleur Mini Afternoon Tea)

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) varies seasonally, 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 look, where the chefs are masters of British food, plating up a creative and regularly changing menu. Take a break from all that shopping and swap the tea for Campari cocktails or free-flow prosecco for an extra treat.

Crafthouse Afternoon Tea

(Crafthouse Afternoon Tea)

Sky Lounge

Unrivalled city views make the Sky Lounge the afternoon tea venue of dreams. Enjoy three tiers of sweet and savoury delights while you sip on your choice of their signature cocktail.

Browns

Savour delicious Victoria Sponge cake, delectable savouries, warm scones with seasonal jams, and irresistible mini cakes and puddings at Browns. Enjoy with their selection of Good Earth teas, a chilled glass of Champagne, or one of their fabulously decadent seasonal cocktails.

The Lost & Found, Leeds Club

Housed in the iconic former Leeds Club, afternoon tea at The Lost & Found promises a delicious experience in an unforgettable setting.

OUTSIDE THE CITY CENTRE

The Mansion Tea Rooms at Roundhay Park

For a real taste of luxury, indulge with afternoon tea in gorgeous surroundings at The Mansion Tea Rooms found in the beautiful Roundhay Park. Or, for true decadence, try their Royal Afternoon Tea.

The Mansion Afternoon Tea

(The Mansion Afternoon Tea)

Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea at Temple Newsam

Treat someone special to a beautiful day out at Temple Newsam. Explore the stunning mansion followed by a scrumptious afternoon tea in the historic Dining Room.  Enjoy a selection of sandwiches and sweet treats with tea or coffee. Make it extra special by adding a glass of fizz.

Hit Coffee

Tucked away in Cross Gates Railway Station,  Hit Coffee serve up homemade treats made with fresh ingredients. Their Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea is sure to go down a treat.

And More…

Also worth adding to your list is Oulton Hall, Weetwood Hall and Wood Hall Hotel.

 

 

 

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

* Blog was originally posted March 2021 and has been updated.