Like the majority of Yorkshire’s towns, Halifax is home to some superb eateries offering all kinds of cuisines and dining experiences. We’ll be looking at a number of these over the coming weeks but this week, we are looking at all the great places you can get an afternoon tea in Halifax.
Afternoon tea has been a popular British tradition since it was introduced in 1840 by Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford. During the 19th Century, it was fashionable for the higher classes to eat two main meals a day – breakfast in the morning and dinner at around 8 pm. Anna found herself getting hungry in the afternoon so would request a pot of tea and some light snacks to be enjoyed privately in her rooms. As time went on, Anna began inviting friends and acquaintances to join her for this additional meal and other social hostesses began to do the same. The concept soon became popular and upper-class ladies moved from their private rooms to their drawing rooms to enjoy tea and sandwiches with their peers.
For centuries, this form of dining was reserved for the upper classes and the wealthy. Luxury Hotels offered silver tiered platters of delicate treats in their most opulent dining rooms and only the privileged minority could afford to enjoy them. In recent years, however, this quintessentially British tradition has altered considerably and become accessible to all. With thousands of hotels, restaurants, pubs and cafes across the UK now offering their take on afternoon tea, it has become a treat which can be regularly enjoyed by all.
Here’s Where You Can Enjoy Afternoon Tea in Halifax….
Alibi
Somerset House, Rawson Street, Halifax HX1 1NH
Alibi is a boutique bar and restaurant, just a five minute walk away from Halifax’s iconic Piece Hall. It’s one of Halifax’s most popular food and drink venues and they offer a wide range of dining options. Located within a Grade II listed Georgian mansion, it boasts beautiful interiors which provide the perfect backdrop for a luxurious afternoon tea.
Afternoon Tea at Alibi is priced at £18.95 per person and there are options to upgrade your afternoon tea to include something bubbly: £22.95 with Prosecco and £27.95 with Champagne. There are two sittings available each day (12:30 pm and 2:30 pm) in their opulent Grand Salon, where diners can tuck into a selection of sandwiches, fresh scones with red berry preserves and Yorkshire clotted cream plus, an exclusive array of dainty desserts.
Holdsworth House
Holdsworth Road, Halifax HX2 9TG
This beautiful Jacobean manor house dates back to 1633 and is home to Halifax’s only 4-star hotel and an excellent 2 AA rosette restaurant. This stunning secluded venue is just a few minutes away from Halifax and boasts pretty walled gardens and interiors which are bursting with character and original features.
Afternoon Tea at Holdsworth House is served in one of their historic rooms with wood-panelled walls, large open fires and antique furniture. On warmer days, you have the option to take it outside to enjoy on their pretty terrace. Beautifully presented and served on vintage china, their afternoon tea includes the chef’s daily selection of homemade sandwiches, scones, cakes and other sweet treats. Afternoon Tea is priced at £18.95 per person and you can upgrade to include a glass of Prosecco (£23.50) or Champagne (£27.50).
The Gate Cafe Bar & Deli
5 Westgate, Halifax HX1 1DJ
The Gate is a licensed town centre cafe. Modern and relaxed, it’s the perfect option for those looking to refuel during a day’s sightseeing or shopping. They serve lots of delicious home-baked sweet and savoury treats plus there’s a wonderful range of great quality Yorkshire produce available to buy from their in-house deli.
Their Classic Afternoon Tea for 2 is priced at £9.99 per person and includes dainty finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones and a selection of homemade cakes. For a slightly higher price, they also offer a luxury version which includes all the expected components plus a few delicious extras!
Shibden Mill Inn
Shibden Mill Fold, Shibden, Halifax, HX3 7UL
This award-winning 17th Century Inn is situated just a stone’s throw away from Halifax in the scenic Shibden Valley. Passionate about fresh, locally-sourced produce, they serve seasonal dishes which showcase some of the amazing produce available in God’s Own Country. Elegantly presented and bursting with flavour, the food here is so much more than ‘pub grub’. This secluded country inn has an excellent reputation and has twice been named as Yorkshire’s favourite pub by Welcome to Yorkshire.
Afternoon tea at Shibden Mill Inn is priced at a very reasonable £15.00 (upgrades are £19.50 for Prosecco and £21.50 for Champagne) and is served in a delightful country setting. In addition to the traditional sandwiches and cream scones, you’ll get a delicious selection of desserts including Coffee Panna Cotta and Lemon Meringue.
We know we haven’t included ALL of the amazing places in Halifax offering afternoon tea so we’ll be adding to this article over time. If you would like to make a recommendation, feel free to get in touch and we’ll check them out!
