- Play Hard
- 16th Jul 2025
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Bailiffgate Hotel now serves the most scenic afternoon tea in Northumberland
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If you’re searching for the perfect spot for afternoon tea in Northumberland, Bailiffgate Hotel in Alnwick should be at the top of your list.
Tucked just a stone’s throw from the iconic Alnwick Castle, the hotel offers a unique afternoon tea experience served in the Motte & Bailey restaurant with stunning castle views that feel straight out of a period drama.
Whether you’re catching up with friends, celebrating a special occasion or just fancying a slow afternoon with great food and even better views, this new spot delivers a taste of Northumberland in the most elegant (yet relaxed) way possible.
A UNIQUE AFTERNOON TEA EXPERIENCE
Served Monday to Saturday from 12.30pm – 4.30pm and Sundays from 2pm – 4pm
Cost: £35 per person
Dine like a Lord and Lady as you work through the afternoon tea menu – a showcase of local produce and thoughtful detail. Each sandwich is a celebration of Northumbrian heritage, freshly made each day to ensure every bite bursts with flavour. Indulge in classics with a regional twist: home-baked ham with Dijon mustard and peppery rocket, tuna paired with red onion and dill, Northumbrian nettle cheese savoury and free-range egg mayonnaise with garden-fresh cress. Plus, the pork, thyme and sage sausage roll is to die for.
Then there are the scones — both fruit and savoury cheddar cheese — served warm with generous helpings of homemade Bailiffgate fruit jam and indulgent clotted cream. The warmth, the texture, the rich jam… It’s classic afternoon tea heaven.
On the sweet side, expect beautifully made patisserie-style bites. The Earl Grey opera cake is one of our faves, as was the raspberry and vanilla choux bun. There’s also a stunning double chocolate tart that’s delicious.
All of this is served on a whimsical tea set that’s Indian-inspired — colourful, bold and covered in quirky animal motifs. It’s the kind of detail that makes the whole experience feel extra special.
And the cherry on top? Unlimited tea and coffee. Settle in, sip slowly and make the most of a leisurely afternoon in one of Northumberland’s most luxurious new spots.
DON’T MISS THE FREE CHILDREN’S AFTERNOON TEA
Inspired by the magic of Alnwick Castle, Bailiffgate children’s afternoon tea is perfect for little lords and ladies. One child eats free with every full-paying adult or just £15 per child.
They’ll choose a sandwich – ham and cheese or cheese – and a milkshake in chocolate, strawberry or vanilla. To finish, a cupcake topped with a playful dragon from the Dragon’s Lair.
LAID-BACK LUXURY IN ALNWICK
The vibe at Bailiffgate Hotel is luxury without the pretentiousness. Think plush surroundings, friendly staff and absolutely no sense of being rushed. You could genuinely spend all afternoon here watching the world go by.
The hotel itself has a calm, welcoming feel with little design touches that bring character without overdoing it.
If the weather’s nice, make sure to visit Courtyard Garden for alfresco afternoon tea, cheeky cocktails or a cuppa and cake with a peaceful, floral backdrop. It’s the kind of place where you can press pause on life, even just for a little while.
SERVING MORE THAN JUST TEA – DINING AT BAILIFFGATE HOTEL
While afternoon tea is a good reason to visit Bailiffgate Hotel, there’s also breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner served here, making it a foodie destination in its own right.
Breakfast features everything from Turkish eggs to Craster kippers. The full Bailiffgate breakfast is a real feast of bacon, sausage, eggs, homemade baked beans and more, with vegetarian and vegan versions available too.
If you’re popping in for a lighter bite after exploring Alnwick, the day menu offers dishes like twice-baked goat’s cheese soufflé, Craster crab sandwiches and even a burger that’s stacked with pastrami, bacon jam and cheese.
Dinner is where Head Chef Paul Blakey’s culinary creativity shines through. The seasonal menus include fine-dining favourites like roast halibut, beef Wellington and a tasty vegan offering featuring wild mushrooms, truffle and enoki. Locally sourced, flavour-forward and beautifully presented, it’s a taste of Northumberland on a plate.
Oh, and their Sunday lunch is another must-try, with classic roast options like dry-aged sirloin of beef or confit belly pork, served alongside proper Yorkshire puddings and all the trimmings.
MAKE A WEEKEND OF IT
With so much to savour, sip and satisfy, why not turn your visit into a weekend getaway? Bailiffgate Hotel’s rooms are as thoughtfully styled as its menus – and waking up to castle views isn’t something you’ll forget anytime soon.
And when the sun sets? Head to the Commissioner’s Bar for a fireside drink from their curated list of local beers, fine wines and signature cocktails.
BOOK AHEAD TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT
Afternoon tea in Northumberland doesn’t get much better than this. At Bailiffgate Hotel, everything from the setting to the service to the scones is done with care, creativity and a sense of place.
Bailiffgate Hotel, 2-8 Bailiffgate, Alnwick NE66 1LX
Rachael Ellis
Head of Content
After gaining a first in her BA Media and Journalism degree at Northumbria University, Rachael worked at Newcastle’s leading regional newspaper with her stories being picked up in national and global newspapers. She spent two very successful years giving a voice to those communities across the North East who otherwise…
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