Best Afternoon Tea in Leeds

Extend your pinkies, pick up a steaming cup of Yorkshire Tea and dine in decadence with our guide to the Best Afternoon Tea in Leeds. Founded in the 1840s by Queen Victoria, a royal mid-day lunch that puts you on until dinner was created and took off globally.

We’ve picked the best to suit all occasions. There’ll be lots of tradition served with British decorum, a side order of the idyllic Yorkshire scenery and even the inclusion of gin, all served up on a pretty plate stand in possibly the best city for Afternoon Tea, Leeds.

Discover by – Afternoon Tea in Leeds City Centre | Afternoon Tea in the Leeds area

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Afternoon Tea in Leeds City Centre

Iberica

The team at Iberica have crafted an afternoon tea experience like no other. Inside their stunning city centre restaurant on East Parade, enjoy an unforgettable Spanish-style afternoon tea which includes a selection of ten sweet and savoury nibbles.

Small plates include jamón Ibérico, mouthwatering croquetas, asparagus toast with cheese and truffle oil, churros and more. Served alongside a pot of tea or why not add a crisp Vilarnau Brut Reserva, DO Cava. A vegetarian menu is also available. This is certainly one of the best afternoon teas in Leeds.

Hepper House, 17a East Parade, Leeds, LS1 2BH – 0113 403 7007

Malmaison

If you’re looking for an elegant afternoon tea in the heart of the city, look no further than Malmaison on Swinegate. This boutique hotel offers so much more than a comfortable place to stay. Designed with a twist or two from the traditional afternoon tea set-up, taste re-imagined savouries including Thai sticky tofu and sesame wraps, Mal sliders and a Caprese salad.  Seasonally themed and on-trend, this certainly one of the best afternoon teas in Leeds.

1 Swinegate, Leeds LS1 4AG – 0113 426 0047

Crafthouse & Angelica

Crafthouse prides itself on fine dining and what better way to showcase it than by an invitation to the 5th floor of the Trinity? This stunning sky-high location is one of the best spots to see the city with floor-to-ceiling windows that perfectly complement the contemporary interior.

Expect a twist on the famous finger food where guests can feast on classic savoury snacks and sweet desserts, including macarons and traditional scones with jam and cream. Choose from their Traditional, Champagne or Bottomless Prosecco afternoon tea.

Level 5 Trinity Leeds, 70 Boar Lane, Leeds, LS1 6HW – 0113 897 0444 

LIVIN’ Italy

One of Leeds’ best restaurants LIVIN’ Italy, brings a taste of la dolce vita with their brand new Italian afternoon tea. It’s all the excitement of the Traditional Afternoon Tea but with an Italian Twist because no one knows how to have fun like the Italians do! From delicious mini Margherita pizzas, slow-cooked rib of beef sliders, Italian chocolate cube cake, tiramisu and so much more. All are complemented with your choice of Prosecco or Aperol Spritz cocktails. Located in the city’s popular Granary Wharf area behind Leeds train station.

LIVIN’Italy, Granary Wharf, Leeds LS1 4BR – 0113 243 0090

Dakota Hotel

Surrounded by Leeds’ trendiest of bars and restaurants, Dakota’s set-up is sleek, fashionable and stylish, paired with their modern take on drinking and dining. From only £30 pp, enjoy a selection of delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones and homemade cakes, these minimalistic connoisseurs of cocktails also know how to serve one of the best afternoon teas in Leeds. Add an extra touch of decadence to the afternoon with a glass of sparkling wine or a cocktail. Dakota is a sumptuous boutique hotel, voted one of the best, not just in Yorkshire but in the whole of the UK.

Dakota Hotel, 8 Russel Street, Leeds, LS1 5RN – 0113 322 6261

The Ivy

One of the most popular spots for large groups due to its spacious and open décor and renowned title, The Ivy is the perfect place to find one of the Best Afternoon Tea in Leeds. Stylish, sophisticated and located in the spectacular Victoria Quarter. The Afternoon Tea for £32.95 pp includes a grilled chicken and truffle mayonnaise brioche roll, pickled cucumber, courgette and basil double decker for savouries, plus honeycomb and dark chocolate plant pot and red velvet cupcake to cure the sweet tooth. Pay £42.95 pp and you will receive a glass of Champagne alongside your delectable afternoon tea treats.

The Ivy, Victoria Quarter, Vicar Lane, Leeds, LS1 6BA – 0113 388 6222

The Queens Hotel

The Grand Pacific Restaurant at The Queens Hotel just next to the train station has its own take on afternoon tea in Leeds, High Tea. Starting off with gourmet savouries such as a Smoked Salmon and Wasabi Creme Fraiche finger sandwich or a warm Lobster Brioche Roll, you’re then swiftly served their sweet selection. This includes White Chocolate and Strawberry Profiteroles, Chocolate Delice with Coconut Trifle and freshly baked Strawberry Scones. Their loose-leaf tea range is also as impressive, with classic blends on offer as well as Moroccan Mint or Passion Fruit, Guava and Mango.

New Station Street City Square, Leeds LS1 1PJ – 0113 243 1323

The Sky Lounge, DoubleTree by Hilton

If you’re looking for a modern twist on a timeless classic, The Sky Lounge is the place you need to be. Take in the stunning views from the skies of Leeds and make the most of their indulgent selection of sweet treats and savouries. With everything from the classic scones with clotted cream, to the onion bhaji wrap and grilled Mediterranean vegetables for only £24.50 pp. Make it a little bit more special by adding 90 minutes of unlimited prosecco for £24.95 pp. And if cocktails are more your thing, their Cocktail Afternoon Tea is the one for you.

Sky Lounge by DoubleTree Hilton, Granary Wharf, 2 Wharf Approach, Leeds, LS1 4BR – 0113 241 1043

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Out of Town – Afternoon Tea in the Leeds Area

Nesso

Another one of our favourite spots for afternoon tea just outside of Leeds is Nesso located in the town of Morley. Known for their Italian-inspired brunches, they also serve up their signature Nesso Premio Afternoon Tea. Feast on all the classics from scones and cupcakes to dishes with an Italian twist such as Pistachio Cannolis and pizzettes. To finish off your experience you also receive some soft-serve ice cream served in a cone, to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Plus, Yorkshire Food Guide readers get £5 off for any gift card purchase with code YFGNESSO from the Nesso website.

Harewood House

Situated just out of Leeds, Harewood House is a lovely location for the family to spend an afternoon together. It’s oozing with heritage, history, and character so finish a morning of exploring the stately home and its surrounding land, with tea and scones in the Terrace Tearoom, overlooking Yorkshire’s celebrated scenery. For pre-bookings, Harewood House offers delicate finger sandwiches, homemade scones and a pot of tea or coffee in the newly opened Billiard Room, a quintessentially British location to fit the mood.

Harewood House Trust, Harewood House, Leeds, LS17 9LG – 0113 218 1010

Oulton Hall

In the sleepy suburbs of the city lies one of the best afternoon teas in Leeds and Yorkshire at this 4-star Hotel and Spa. Oulton Hall prides themselves on tradition, making their own iconic scones from scratch and even having their own Oulton blend of tea. Their fresh sandwiches consist of Duck Egg and Chive and their scones, Rhubarb and Cherry, served from their delightful Butlers in the Drawing Room. Also serving a Children’s Menu for the little ones, a perfect place for a tea party for your own Mad Hatters. But, alternatively, if you are looking for the ultimate afternoon of tranquillity, upgrade to Gin Afternoon Tea from just £35 pp or Moet Afternoon Tea from £44.50 and truly appreciate the magnificence of the Mansion’s many amenities.

Oulton Hall, Rothwell Lane, Leeds, LS26 8HN – 0113 282 1000

Wood Hall Hotel & Spa

The final addition to our list of the best afternoon teas in Leeds is Wood Hall Hotel, situated just outside of Leeds. This award-winning country house is the perfect spot for an afternoon tea accompanied by stunning views of the River Wharfe Valley and beyond. Afternoon Tea is served in their Georgian restaurant however if the sun is shining why not take it al fresco?

The afternoon tea features delights such as a Lemon Chicken finger sandwich or Black Pudding Sausage Roll for savouries. Their cake and pastry selection is also superb such as a Passionfruit and Mascrapone Choux. Their pastries on offer are mini versions of desserts featured on their dinner menu, so you can get a taste of what to expect.

Trip Ln, Linton, Wetherby LS22 4JA – 01937 587271

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