Festive Afternoon Tea In Newcastle & The North East For 2023
It wouldn’t be Christmas if cafes and restaurants weren’t revamping their afternoon tea offerings for the festive season. It’s a typically British tradition, and a fun thing to do if you’re after an indulgent or more luxurious take on coffee/tea and cake – so why not make a Christmas version. There are so many places across the North East bringing their version, so here’s just some of the places offering festive afternoon tea in Newcastle and the North East.
Each of these venues offers a unique location to enjoy the simple pleasures of afternoon tea. I’ve been to many of them myself but would also happily go to the ones I haven’t. While you might imagine many of the menus are very similar, it’s the setting you’re in that really makes an afternoon tea experience what it is. And they all deliver something different on that front for the festive season.
Rather than go through each menu I’ll add links to them and just summarise the basics you need to know.
This post was first shared in 2021 and has was updated in 2022 and now 2023. Just to mention, prices have increased at every place from last year, some as much as £10 per person. Costs have obviously really gone up so I totally understand why, but I don’t mind paying for things like this if they’re genuinely good and the service and quality matches.
I share this post early as places book up so quickly, so if there’s one you fancy don’t want or you will be disappointed. There’s also some new additions on the list which makes the total 19 places to enjoy festive afternoon tea across the North East this Christmas.
The Tempus
The Tempus is the beautiful new hotel that opened this year by Charlton Hall, and I’ve had the pleasure of dining in their restaurant on a couple of occasions and it’s beautiful. I was invited just last week for dinner and I can promise you it will be an absolutely beautiful setting for festive afternoon tea. Full menu details will be linked below but it includes one of the best dessert layers I’ve seen, including a Rudolph Red Noses macaron, a Christmas battenberg and a present treat.
When: Throughout December from Thursday to Saturdays
Price: £32.95
Find more details on The Tempus website here
Matfen Hall
I had the pleasure of visiting Matfen Hall for the first time this year when I was invited to a showcase evening after their extensive refurbishment. I was blown away by it and can’t believe I hadn’t been. The Orangery for afternoon tea is traditionally beautiful, and will offer a magical setting for festive afternoon tea this year. The menu is another one with some mouthwatering treats like chocolate orange Christmas pudding, sherry and spiced plum trifle, and blackcurrant and chestnut gateau – how seasonal.
When: From 1st December to Christmas Eve
Cost: From 35pp
More details and how to book on the Matfen Hall website here.
Biscuit Factory
Festive afternoon tea from the Biscuit Factory is served on their heated roof terrace, and the menu is all about the winter warmers.
When: Bookings from Available from now – 7 January 2024, Wednesdays – Sundays at either 2pm/2:30pm
Cost: £28pp or £33 if you’d like a prosecco or craft beer with it
Menu and booking details can be found here.
Tyneside Cinema, Newcastle
At Tyneside cinema you can enjoy afternoon tea before a Christmas showing of Its a Wonderful Life, on certain Sundays in December. It includes prosecco and is served in the Tyneside Coffee Rooms before the film.
When: Sundays in December
Cost: £45per person
Book your cinema and afternoon tea package with Tyneside Cinema here.
Meet Me On The Corner, Whitley Bay
Meet Me On the Corner are a very popular licensed cafe and bistro on Ilfracombe Gardens in Whitley Bay. They serve home made food and drinks, complete with a festive afternoon tea for Christmas this year. I really enjoyed it last year, and it came with savoury options, traditional scones and a whole layer of sweet choices including the best Bailey’s cheesecake you’ll ever have.
Cost: It’s great value at £20pp or £10pp for the kids one.
When: Wed – Sat between 2-4pm
Booking needed in advance, either call up or message them on Instagram. Read my full review of the Meet Me On The Corner festive afternoon tea here.
Spanish City, Whitley Bay
Venue: the iconic spot on Whitley Bay sea front, have afternoon tea under the dome or in 1910 with the glass front overlooking the sea and St Mary’s Lighthouse.
While I’d normally say go for 1910, the giant Christmas tree under the dome is probably where I’d choose for the festive afternoon tea.
Cost: £29 per adult, childrens version for £14.50 per child.
When: Every day they are open from 22nd November to 31st December, so not Mondays or Tuesdays.
South Causey Inn, County Durham
Venue: South Causey Inn, County Durham is an independent hotel known for its rustic style, good food and luxurious rooms. They do all sorts of unique packages, events and dining options in various settings including their private dining pods. They are hosting festive afternoon tea on Saturdays in the Durham Suite as part of a big festive program, with a glass of alcoholic or non alcoholic prosecco and a festive candle gift. Note that only 23rd December remains.
Cost: £39 per person
Menu and how to book: https://www.southcausey.co.uk/festive-afternoon-tea/
They do also serve afternoon tea through the week from Friday 24th November until Monday 7th January, in the restaurant or their dining pods which it looks from the website that you can book too by contacting them on 01207 235555.
Blackfriars, Newcastle
While I’m not sure if they’ll update their standard afternoon tea menu to give it a festive twist, I’m including Blackfriars because it’s a lovely venue and the food is excellent. They‘ve also released a Christmas cocktail menu so you could make an extended event of it. Their afternoon tea menu is currently available 2:45-4:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
Cost: £20pp, £26pp with fizz or £30pp with champagne
Find the afternoon tea menu here and the list of Christmas cocktails on their Christmas menu here.
The Grand Hotel, Tynemouth
Venue: Right on the Tynemouth sea front the Grand Hotel is a lovely traditional venue with views out to sea. They have a festive version of their famous afternoon tea available, and although there aren’t many details available yet, in past years the difference in their festive menu was you got mulled wine with it. They have two rooms to choose from the Brasserie or the Orchid Suite, the Drawing Room is usually walk in only.
Cost: £32 per person
When: you can book most days but some are already filling up for certain party sizes.
Menu and how to book: the Grand hotel menu is here, call up to book on 0191 293 666
Signature Lounge, Whitley Bay
Find Signature Lounge on Park View, it’s a lovely setting for a relaxed cocktail or two afterwards as well. From Monday 20th November you can enjoy their Festive Afternoon tea.
Cost: currently their normal afternoon tea is £22.95 with a prosecco upgrade for £27.95. Available Mon – Sat booking only.
Rockliffe Hall, Darlington
Venue: Rockliffe Hall 5 star hotel is fabulous, both to stay for a luxurious spa break or just to visit. Afternoon tea here this year is served in the Old Hall lounges and is accompanied by Hurworth choir singing Christmas carols. The menu is as you’d expect but I really like the sound of the cranberry scones. It comes with a festive mulled wine too.
Cost: £50 per person, £25 for kids.
When: bookings are daily at either 12:30 or 2:30pm.
Menu and how to book: you can find the full menu online and can book by calling 01325 729999
Vermont, Newcastle
Venue: Right in the centre of Newcastle the Vermont is a lovely hotel and it does a cracking afternoon tea. They also do a gentleman’s afternoon tea too with pork pie and a pint. They’re doing a Family Festive afternoon tea with Santa. Served in either the Gold Room, kids also get to visit Santa’s Grotto as part of the experience.
Cost: £29.95 for adults and £17.95 for kids.
When: Every Saturday in December with table availability between 1-5pm
Menu and how to book: the Vermont menu is here and call 0191 233 1010 to book
Hotel Du Vin, Newcastle
On the quayside in a lovely old building Hotel Du Vin are offering a festive twist on their classic afternoon tea. A nice treat before or after a walk along the river, it’s a classic menu with seasonal sandwiches and mince pies.
Cost: £37.50 with a glass of champagne.
When: Available between 5th November to 24th December.
Menu and how to book: all information is on their website here.
Malmaison, Newcastle
I love the Mal in Newcastle it’s just in the best spot on the quayside with unbelievable views of the river. Their festive afternoon tea includes a glass of Prosecco, but you can upgrade to a champagne or cocktail afternoon tea.
Cost: £34.50 for the Prosecco version, £37.50 for with a cocktail or glass of champagne.
When: from 23rd November – 29th December so you could do this one between Christmas and New Year.
Menu and how to book: details online and you can book online too or call up.
It’s the most wonderful time of year… for indulging! Sit back, chill and tuck into delish afternoon tea classics with a Mal twist, spruced up with a bit of festive sparkle. To top things off, we’ll include a glass of Prosecco – well it is Christmas!
Alnwick Garden, Alnwick Northumberland
The Alnwick Garden have their usual fabulous light trail again this year, and all sorts of other festive events, they have a festive afternoon tea available from now right through to the start of January. Afternoon tea will be served in the Potting Shed which is on the deck of the Treehouse. They will also have a bar to serve drinks if you fancied a cocktail or fizz to go with it.
Cost: £22.95 for adults or £10.95 for kids.
When: Dates available from now
Menu and how to book: Details on the Alnwick Garden website here.
Slaley Hall, Northumberland
I love Slaley Hall at Christmas, for such a big mansion it always feels really cosy with the fires on. I’ve attended a few events here over the years, but haven’t had their afternoon tea. Other food is good though so I’d have high hopes.
Cost: £35 per person, you can add half a bottle of wine per person for an additional £10
When: Daily through December except Christmas Day, between 12:30-3:30pm.
Menu and how to book: Find the details here including the menu and how to book.
Leila Lily’s, Newcastle
One of Newcastle’s prettiest bars on Grey Street, Leila Lily’s is always very festive. They have a big range of Christmas dining options available throughout December, including a festive afternoon tea.
Cost: The standard option is £27 per head, with a glass of Prosecco it’s an additional £4pp, or mulled wine an extra £6pp.
When: It doesn’t specify so I would assume it’s available to book all afternoons in December.
Details and booking online here.
Raby Castle, Teesdale
Afternoon tea at Raby Castle sounds fab as it’s served in the castles grand entrance hall, which is all decked out with huge real Christmas trees and a roaring fire. All the festive vibes. It’s on banquet tables in true castle style so you will be sharing with others, and it’s available on the 1st, 7th, 8th, 14th and 15th December.
You’ll also get to see the deer and reindeer that roam freely in the grounds.
Cost: Standard £29.50, with prosecco £34.50 and child afternoon tea £15.
See full details of Christmas Afternoon tea at Raby Castle here.
Jesmond Dene House, Jesmond
I’ve had afternoon tea takeaway from Jesmond Dene House, and I’ve ate at the restaurant multiple times, but I’ve never had afternoon tea at Jesmond Dene House before. This year they’re hosting dedicated festive afternoon teas on two dates in December, and a special NYE afternoon tea. There will be live music, sparkling wine and refillable tea and coffee.
When: Sunday 17th December and Saturday 23rd December, for £46pp or £16.50 per child.
NYE Afternoon tea is obviously New Year’s Eve from 12pm-4pm, and is £35pp or £48 with a glass of champagne, and £16.50 per child.
Like I mentioned previously the menus are all very similar and most have options to upgrade with alcohol of some sort included, everything from mulled wine to gingerbread lattes, prosecco and champagne. If you try any let me know!
Other posts you might like:
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Meet Me On The Corner For Festive Afternoon Tea | Stephanie Fox
29th November 2022 at 6:00 am[…] Festive Afternoon Tea in Newcastle and the North East […]
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