Less than two weeks on from Yorkshire Day (1st August), the largest historical county in England offers the perfect setting to enjoy an elegant Afternoon Tea experience. Yorkshire is almost synonymous with tea and has been for quite some time. Since 1977, Taylors of Harrogate have been encouraging customers to “have a proper brew” thanks to their renowned Yorkshire Tea brand and nowadays offers a tempting range of 8 unique blends. However, CE Taylor & Co. was founded in 1886 and first brought their “Tea Kiosks” to the North and West Yorkshire towns of Harrogate and Ilkley, respectively. Ever since then, the area has been renowned for its tea and in 2019, Yorkshire Tea was named the top selling tea brand in the United Kingdom. This picturesque area in the heart of Northern England prides itself on exceptional tea and is renowned for its friendly people. So where better to treat yourself to a proper brew, sarnie, and sweet local delicacy all at once than God’s Own Country?
Aside from the stunning coastal towns and impressive sights that Yorkshire has to offer, the area is also known for its range of culinary offerings. From the iconic, savoury Yorkshire pudding and flavourful Wensleydale cheese to signature sweet cakes and bakes, such as Parkin gingerbread cake and curd tart, there is no shortage of gastronomy to delight any palate. Now is the perfect time to explore and sample some of the best tea rooms in the whole of Yorkshire:
Bettys
Perhaps the crown jewel of Yorkshire Tea Rooms with a more-than-100-year history and five delightful locations, Bettys is known for its exceptional afternoon tea experiences. The teas are held in lavish, historical settings in Harrogate and York with a pianist on hand to soothe your senses while you indulge in a selection of miniature delicacies and expertly selected teas. There truly is something for everyone thanks to the vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and children’s menu options
www.bettys.co.uk
Graze on the Green, Rosedale Abbey
Graze on the Green is a welcoming, dog-friendly tearoom in Rosedale Abbey, nestled in the North York Moors National Park, and ready to offer a hot drink and a freshly made, daily selection of cake to anyone who walks through their doors. Featured on both the breakfast and lunch menus, Cream Tea comes with a fruit scone, – and accompaniments include homemade jam – coffee or tea, including the option to try one of their socially-conscious, speciality loose leaf teas.
www.grazeonthegreen.co.uk
Mannion’s, Helmsley & Easingwold
With the first location opening its doors over 30 years ago in York with the intention of being a traditional greengrocer, Mannion & Co Kitchen transformed over time into what it is today and branched out to open locations in Helmsley and Easingwold. Today Mannion’s offers a sensational array of freshly baked cakes and limited-time-only pastries and freshly brewed teas and coffees.
www.mannionandco.co.uk
Tea, Toast & Post, Robin Hood’s Bay
The spectacular coastal village of Robin Hood’s Bay offers its idyllic shoreline as the perfect setting to enjoy a traditional Yorkshire tea from Tea, Toast & Post. There are also coffees and loose-leaf teas on offer from this cosy, music-orientated café.
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Falling Foss Tea Garden, near Whitby
Falling Foss Tea Garden offers a unique, rustic location to enjoy a sweet treat or hot beverage alfresco in the heart of an ancient forest. The seasonal tea garden is located beside a picturesque waterfall near Whitby and is open from April-September. Those fortunate enough to enjoy its charm can expect to find homemade scones and cakes, baked daily on site.
www.fallingfossteagarden.co.uk
Mama Doreen’s Emporium, Harrogate
Afternoon tea is a real feature of Mama Doreen’s Emporium. The traditional afternoon tea is comprised of a range of delectable finger sandwiches, freshly bakes cakes and scones, accompanied by a hot drink of your choice. Special menus are also available for senior citizens, children and those with dietary requirements. Seasonal afternoon tea events and a tempting prosecco option is offered to those who wish to fully indulge.
www.mamadoreensemporium.co.uk
The Black Swan Tea Room, Helmsley
The Black Swan Tea Room in the market town of Helmsley features an award-winning afternoon tea experience. The tearoom is open daily from 10am and offers all of the traditional elements of afternoon tea including traditional loose-leaf tea.
www.inncollectiongroup.com
Mill Race Teashop, Wensleydale
A family-run tea shop with award-winning specialists is tucked away by the Upper Aysgarth Falls, overlooking the River Ure, and offers a splendid afternoon tea spread for a cosy sit-in experience with the option of an unbeatable takeaway. Mill Race teashop can be found in Yore Mill and is best known for traditional family recipes made from local ingredients.
www.millraceteashop.com
Botham’s, Whitby
Botham’s has been in Whitby for over 150 years and over time evolved to be able to serve their famous cakes, biscuits, and lemon buns from all over Yorkshire. The original Botham’s of Upstairs Tea Room still stands proudly on Skinner Street in Whitby, while you can also indulge in a sensational afternoon tea experience from the quaint Pickering Tea Room. Take-away options are now available to savour the family recipes from wherever you choose.
www.botham.co.uk