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
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
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 £25 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
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
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
Crafthouse
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 smoked salmon and cream cheese toasties, wild mushroom and ricotta pasties, lemon cheesecake macaroons and Champagne strawberry tart. Choose from their Traditional, Nyetimber or free-flow prosecco afternoon tea.
Level 5 Trinity Leeds, 70 Boar Lane, Leeds, LS1 6HW – 0113 897 0444
Issho
Located on the top floor of the stunning Victoria Gate Shopping Centre, an inventive take on the classic English Afternoon Tea sits inside a Japanese-inspired restaurant. Expect to be served up a side of fresh sushi rolls and a selection of sweets including a Matcha scone with Yuzu clotted cream and strawberry jam, plus a miso orange chocolate tart. Swill this creative afternoon treat down with Japanese teas such as Sencha, Hojicha, and Konacha for just £33 pp. If you prefer a glass of fizz with your sushi, you can upgrade the experience and add free-flowing prosecco for £19.30 pp.
Issho, Victoria Gate, 3rd Floor Rooftop, Leeds, LS2 7AU – 0113 426 5000
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 Dream Afternoon Tea for £29.95 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 raspberry cake to cure the sweet tooth. Pay £39.95 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
Angelica
Another familiar favourite for afternoon tea in Leeds, Angelica’s dining experience above the city allows you to take in the beautiful views while tucking into your food and sipping on a glass of bubbly. Enjoy a traditional glass of English sparkling Nyetimber or free-flow prosecco afternoon tea with sweet and savoury treats. Including malt-glazed vanilla madeleine, egg mayonnaise and watercress sandwiches and the classic scone with clotted cream and raspberry jam.
Level 6, Trinity, 70 Boar Ln, Leeds LS1 6HW – 0113 897 0099
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 £29.95 pp. Make it a little bit more special by adding a glass of prosecco for £5 pp or 90 minutes of unlimited prosecco for £19.95 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
Out of Town – Afternoon Tea in the Leeds Area
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, home-made 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 is 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 £32 pp or Champagne Afternoon Tea from £35 and truly appreciate the magnificence of the Mansion’s many amenities.
Oulton Hall, Rothwell Lane, Leeds, LS26 8HN – 0113 282 1000
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Written by
24/06/2020