Afternoon tea is a quintessentially British tradition which has increased in popularity in recent years. Originally introduced by the higher classes as an additional meal between lunch and dinner, it is now accessible to all. Restaurants, cafes and tearooms across the country have added this form of dining to their menus and there’s a huge varience in cost. It isn’t difficult to find somewhere locally that serves a great afternoon tea, comprising finger sandwiches, fresh scones and yummy homemade cakes. A casual afternoon tea at a local independent cafe will usually set you back around £10 – £15 per head so it won’t break the bank, but do you know where to go for a more luxurious offering?
West Yorkshire is home to some amazing eateries. Leeds, Bradford and Ilkley, to name just three places, all boast truly excellent establishments including Michelin-starred restaurants, award-winning gastropubs and tearooms with a global reputation for excellence. There are no shortage of options when it comes to eating out but do you know where to go of you want to experience a true taste of luxury? Afternoon tea is a popular choice for celebrations and vouchers for a luxury afternoon tea make a wonderful gift. We’ve put together this list of venues offering an afternoon tea in West Yorkshire that’s just that little bit more special than the rest…
Where to get a Luxury Afternoon Tea in West Yorkshire
Oulton Hall
Rothwell Ln, Oulton, Leeds LS26 8HN
Price: From £24 per person
Oulton Hall is a stunning 18th Century mansion, just 5 miles from Leeds. This elegant hotel and spa sits in 300 acres of beautiful landscaped gardens and even has its very own 27-hole golf course. Served in Oulton Hall’s luxurious Drawing Room, their Yorkshire Afternoon Tea starts at £24 midweek and £28 on weekends.
Sit back, enjoy the beautiful surroundings and tuck into a delicious array of dainty sandwiches with fillings including ‘Duck Egg & Chive Mayonnaise’, ‘Roast Beef Topside & Wholegrain Mustard’ before sampling their homemade scones and delicate sweet treats made by their super talented Pastry Chef. For an additional charge of £12.75, you can add a glass of Moet and Chandon to your afternoon tea. They also have a separate Afternoon Tea menu for children with sandwich fillings and cakes more suited to the younger palate. This is priced at just £12 per child and they get an activity pack too.
Wood Hall
Trip Ln, Wetherby LS22 4JA
Price: From £22.50 per person
Part of the Handpicked Hotels chain, Wood Hall Hotel is a beautiful country hotel near Wetherby. The building was completed in 1790 and now offers guests a tranquil stay in 100 acres of Yorkshire countryside. With its excellent spa facilities, health club, elegant interiors and stunning surroundings, it’s a popular Yorkshire wedding venue.
They have two different types of afternoon tea on offer here – a traditional with all the expected components and a savoury version for those who don’t have a particularly sweet tooth. For £22.50 per person (or £31.75 with a glass of champagne) you will get 3 tiers of mainly savoury treats like Homemade Pork and Apricot pie, Goats Cheese Rarebit, Cheese Scones and a selection of sandwiches. It isn’t entirely savoury though. They also throw on a couple of sweeter items so you won’t be completely without a sugar fix.
Dakota Leeds
8 Russell St, Leeds LS1 5RN
Price: £23.50 per person
This stylish, contemporary four-star hotel is one of the best hotels in Leeds. If you want luxury but you’re not a fan of florals, chandliers and silver service, then this place could be the ideal place for you to indulge in a luxury afternoon tea.
Served in their super trendy bar, afternoon tea at Dakota includes all the expected components like finger sandwiches, scones, pastries, cakes and macarons, but it is presented in a contemporary and artistic way. There’s also the option to add one of their special cocktails to it so you can enjoy their gin-based ‘Perfect Lady Gray’ with your Vanilla and White Chocolate Mille Feuille. Yum!
Manor House Lindley
1 Lidget St, Lindley, Huddersfield HD3 3JB
Price: From £25 per person
In the village of Lindley, near Huddersfield, you’ll find this glamorous hotel with an award-winning fine dining restaurant. Perfect for a romantic weekend break, all the bedrooms at Manor House Lindley are individually designed and decorated to a very high standard. Elegant, luxurious and with plenty of dining options in-house, you’re guaranteed a peaceful and enjoyable break.
There have a few different dining options at Manor House Lindley. There’s The Lantern Room for fine dining, the Kitchen Bistro for relaxed daytime dining, the intimate Lindley Cellars for sharing boards, and the Clock Tower Lounge for afternoon tea. Their afternoon tea is priced at £25 per head and includes a selection of cakes and pastries made by their Pastry Chef, who previously worked at The Ritz in London. Expect a tiered platter of perfectly presented sweet and savoury treats. For an additional charge, you can wash it down with prosecco, champagne or a Yorkshire G&T.
Holdsworth House
Holdsworth Rd, Holdsworth, Halifax HX2 9TG
Price: From £18.95 per person
With its beamed ceilings, original fireplaces and many other retained period featires, Holdsworth House near Halifax is a beautifully preserved Jacobean manor house, dating back to 1633. The history of the house is fascinating to say the least and it even has connections to the Brontes. Holdsworth House has changed hands many times since it was built but it has always been independently owned. It has been owned by the Pearson family since 1962 and is now one of Yorkshire’s leading four-star hotels.
Served in one of their historic rooms with wood panelling and large open fireplaces, afternoon tea at Holdsworth House has a truly traditional feel and costs from as little as £18.95 per person. Marvel at the impressive interiors of this stunning period hotel whilst tucking into freshly prepared sandwiches and sweet treats plus home baked scones with chantilly cream and Yorkshire preserves. Upgrade your afternoon tea for a more luxurious experience – £23.50 with Prosecco and £27.50 with Champagne.
