Afternoon tea is of the upmost importance here in North Yorkshire (almost as important as Sunday lunch!) The following cafes are well worth a visit, these include: Bettys Cafe Tea Rooms, Realitea, Mamma Doreens, Grantley Hall and Swinton Park.
Bettys cafe Tea rooms
Harrogate - 20 mins
Northallerton - 30 mins
York - 45 mins
The quintessentially British - Bettys Tea Rooms is an essential visit. A Victorian tea room where staff wear high neck blouses and tea is served in silver pots. People queue for hours to eat here, but if you have afternoon tea you can book a table. You can also order afternoon tea to collect and take home – but you must be organised and book in advance. They also have a take-out shop for: cakes, tea, macaroons lot’s of other goodies.
Realitea, RIPON
Distance - 5 minutes drive
An Indian tea house offering Indian home cooked lunches (grandmas recipes), with Raj high tea and all home made cakes from Indian Grannies recipes (mango and cardamon cake is to die for) to English classics like Victoria sponge.
It’s 100% worth a trip – pre book afternoon tea or arrive at 11/12 noon before they sell out.
Only open for hot Indian food at brunch / lunch time but the Indian food is delicious!
Mamma Doreens
Harrogate - 20 mins
The most ‘Instagramable’ tea room ever. Booking essential. The cupcake display alone is worth a visit, delicious and beautiful all in one! They have a savory menu too.
GRANTLEY HALL
A 5 Star experience only normally to be found in London’s finest hotels. Grantley Hall have a dedicated pastry team just for their afternoon tea, it’s exquisite 5 star luxury, the service and setting is as you would expect from a hotel of this caliber. A treat and afternoon tea fora special occasions.
SWINTON PARK
With views of the cathedral and a super friendly owner, home made cakes and sandwiches made to order. We haven’t been yet but have been recommended this café by several people.
LOCAL TRADITIONAL CREAM TEAS
The Yorkshire Room
The Wakemans Cafe