The Northern Irish are among the biggest tea drinkers in the world and there’s nothing better than a nice cuppa after a day out in our region. We are still big fans of the age-old afternoon tea tradition around here and there are plenty of places that do it with style, fanfare and lots and lots of sweet and savoury treats.
Afternoon tea beside the canal
The Canal Court Hotel in Newry offers a sumptuous afternoon tea in the lap of luxury. It’s the perfect spot to settle down after a day out shopping. This is the real deal. The menu of teas has been selected to accompany the three tiers of food that come with the hotel’s wonderful offering. Enjoy a selection of finely cut sandwiches and miniature savouries, before working your way up to the freshly baked scones and delicate desserts. Such is the pride the hotel takes in its afternoon tea offering that it changes with the seasons, so you can expect something different on your next visit.
Killeavy Castle Estate’s offering is no less decadent; the Yuzu Tartlet is nothing short of a dream and you’ll be happy to know that every layer of what you eat comes from local producers and/or their very own walled garden.
A few minutes outside Warrenpoint, Sweet Pea Café is a lovely old stone cottage hidden among a beautiful display of flowers and delicate shrubs. Established in 2010, this café prides itself on giving its customers the best of home-made food using the best of local ingredients. Their coffee is exceptional, their tea is on the money and their cakes have gained such a reputation that people come from far and wide just to taste them. Their Afternoon Tea offering is a fuss-free taste fest and worth every penny.
Call into the The Millbrook Lodge for a sumptuouis combination of finger sandwiches, home-baked scones, pastries, seasonal cake and decadent sweet treats. Your afternoon tea can be accompanied by tea/coffee or a glass of Prosecco for a touch of added luxury.
Afternoon tea in the Burrendale Hotel is always a memorable experience. Relax and enjoy the breath taking views overlooking the Mourne Mountains. The attention to detail and personal serivce is always completemented with friendly staff faces.
Bridgerton inspired tea-time is full of temptations
The colourful display on show at the Slieve Donard Resort and Spa is nothing short of spectacular. Set out on perfectly white tablecloths and in the refined surroundings of the resort's dining room, you’ll be hard pressed to leave once you get started on their dainty sandwiches and delicate sweets. They offer a few different types of afternoon tea including the Bridgerton Inspired Afternoon Tea and the Sparkling Afternoon Tea which includes prosecco. It’s the perfect way to relax and maybe catch up with friends after a treatment in the resort spa or a paddle in the pool.
Similar indulgence can be enjoyed at the nearby Enniskeen House Hotel. On sunny days we’d recommend you sit outside, take in the views of the Mourne Mountains and enjoy their unique take on afternoon tea. The menu here is inspired by the nearby Mourne Honey - a local apiary located in the heart of the mountains. The sandwiches use Mourne Honey baked ham, while it also features in the light Victoria Sponge. A fabulous way to spend an afternoon in an old-world house that has seen generations of people enjoy afternoon tea.
Tea with the Georgians
Afternoon Tea at the Montalto Estate can include a private group tour that will allow you to explore the grandeur of the 18th Century Georgian mansion along with its wonderful collection of original art and antiques. You’ll conclude in The Chinese Room for traditional afternoon tea which includes a selection of delicate finger sandwiches accompanied by freshly baked scones and a variety of handcrafted miniature pastries and sweet treats. Afternoon Tea at Montalto Estate is tailored towards the seasons so you can expect refreshing iced tea in the summer and festive mince pies in winter. The top-class service? Well, that’s all year round of course!
We always have time for tea.
Montalto Estate in Ballynahinch is a mystical and enchanting estate, set in magnificent natural surroundings. Visitor experience includes access to the estate's beautiful gardens; historic walks and trails and an exciting play area where children can engage, explore and learn.
Enniskeen Country House hotel is a mountainside hideaway. A family run hotel rests in the lush Shimna Valley just outside Newcastle Co Down; Explore the hotels stunning 12 acre estate and winding woodland trail down to the Shimna river.
A beloved destination for families, golfers, and holiday travellers, Slieve Donard is a local landmark that’s equal parts homey and breath-taking. The resort sits at the foot of the Mourne Mountains, on the edge of Royal County Down Golf Club, ranked no. 1 in the world by Golf Digest.
Welcome to Killeavy Castle Estate, the perfect antidote to the modern fast paced world. Named winner of the Luxury Castle Hotel (Europe) Award at the prestigious World Luxury Awards 2021, it’s the ideal place to escape and unwind, and is located just 10 minutes outside Newry City.
The Canal Court Hotel & Spa is a fine four star property, with a total of 110 bedrooms & suites, extensive Health & Leisure Complex and stunning Spa, perfectly located in the heart of the City close to both Bus & Rail Stations.
