The tradition began as a Royal's request for an afternoon snack to ward off hunger pangs, but it's now a welcome excuse to indulge on a selection of finger sandwiches, scones topped with jam and cream and delicious cakes. There are plenty of bars and restaurants serving afternoon tea in Leeds, from traditional offerings and boozy deals to the more adventurous. Here, we've rounded up 10 of the best afternoon tea selections in the city:
7. Oulton Hall Hotel
The afternoon tea at Oulton Hall includes homemade cakes, finger-sized sandwiches, scones with jam and cream and a classic selection of tea. There’s also a vegan afternoon tea menu, full of plant-based recipes including sandwiches, scones, cakes and drinks. Indulge in a Hendricks gin and tonic or a glass of bubbly.
8. Issho
Try something new with a Japanese-inspired afternoon tea at Issho. Sushi bites and a selection of savouries, including prawn toast and veg gyoza, are followed by caramel purin, a miso and chocolate brownie, matcha cheesecake and a yuzu and raspberry tart. Go bottomless with free-flowing prosecco.
9. Browns
The traditional Browns afternoon tea is quintessentially British, utterly indulgent and best enjoyed with Champagne. Enjoy an assortment of savouries, warm scones with seasonal jams, and irresistible mini cakes and puddings. Pair it with Fairtrade teas, a chilled glass of Moët & Chandon Impérial, or a British G&T.
10. The Lost & Found
Enjoy a leisurely afternoon at Victorian hideaway The Lost & Found for Tea & Tipples. Indulge in a selection of sandwiches and savouries, scones with lashings of jam and cream, and mini treats of brownies, lemon posset and victoria sponge cake. Pair it with a tipple from the inventive cocktail menu, or a bottle of prosecco.