So, in 2016 I'm making it my mission to bring you a new little guide each month, sharing my favourite places to eat and play in Newcastle and beyond.
Of course, being the Queen of Afternoon Tea (this is a title I gave myself but I dare anyone else to challenge my crown!) I decided I'd start with the best afternoon teas in Newcastle.
Jesmond Dene House
No surprise here, I've lost count of the amount of times I've mentioned Jesmond Dene House on this blog. When we are having an afternoon tea to celebrate a special occasion it is the only place we'd ever consider going.
The hotel is gorgeous and the lovely staff never fail to make you feel special from the second you walk through the door. We love the relaxing atmosphere and, despite the elegant surroundings, Jesmond Dene House never feels pretentious.
You can take your afternoon tea in the Restaurant, Cocktail Bar, Billiard Room or even outside if the weather is kind.
Standard afternoon tea costs £20.00 per person and whilst it's not the cheapest afternoon tea in Newcastle, it's worth every penny. We are yet to find cakes as delicious!
Want to know more? Read my review of afternoon tea at Jesmond Dene House
Great British Cupcakery
If you love your afternoon tea huge and fancy a challenge then head down to the Great British Cupcakery for the biggest stand of cakes you'll ever see. The scone in particular is likely to make your jaw drop to the floor, it's huge and comes stuffed full of jam and cream.
The Cupcakery is very popular and often full at weekends so definitely make sure you book in advance for afternoon tea.
Afternoon tea costs £19.95 per person, and will keep you full for a week!
Garden Kitchen
We love Garden Kitchen, it's a wonderful little corner of the Eldon Square shopping centre that always feels so calming. Even if the mall is packed full of Saturday shoppers you are guaranteed some peace and quiet at Garden Kitchen.
The afternoon tea isn't a traditional one and comes served on a picnic bench! You'll find the Garden Picnic hidden at the bottom of the lunch menu and it's a great alternative to afternoon tea, with loads of delicious savoury treats (and not a sandwich in sight!), the all important scones and a selection of cakes.
The Garden Picnic costs £19.95 for two, and is an absolute bargain!
Want to know more? Read my review of the Garden Picnic at Garden Kitchen
Bonbar
Bonbar may not be the first place you think of to go for afternoon tea in Newcastle but we are forever raving about it to anyone that will listen.
If you're out to impress the decadent surroundings and plush booths will score you a lot of brownie points and the spread of food is equally as impressive. We especially love the pyramid tea infusers and the fantastic service.
Afternoon tea at Bonbar costs £14.50 per person but make sure you phone in advance to book, full payment is taken when booking.
Want to know more? Read my review of afternoon tea at Bonbar
Six
If you like your afternoon tea with a view there's nowhere quite like Six at the Baltic. Take the elevator up to the top floor to enjoy breath taking views across the Quayside and if you love it as much as we do you can ask to enjoy your afternoon tea on one of the sofas by the floor to ceiling windows overlooking the Tyne.
The food is always fantastic and it's my favourite afternoon tea to enjoy over a catch up with a friend.
Classic afternoon tea at Six is £16.95
Want to know more? Read my full review of afternoon tea at Six
I have tried many afternoon teas in Newcastle and these are, without doubt, the best you will find and the ones that I will always recommend.
If you can think of anywhere else I should try then please do let me know and if you have an idea of what you'd like to see in next month's North East Guide, leave a comment below!
