As we are new to the online world and as such we have been researching and exploring and in 'our opinion' some of the best value and luxury places to afternoon tea in York. It has been very challenging  to judge the various locations to enjoy afternoon tea in York as there are so many well known and hidden gems to have afternoon tea. To help the LGE ambassadors, we gave them a strict criteria and minimum rating checklist. We chose the best of the places that the LGE team visited for afternoon tea, all venues were unaware that they were being rated and this article is based on their feedback, some of the images used, are from the venue website, in this instance  we have credited the relevant afternoon tea venue.

The Grand Afternoon Tea From £25.50  

Picture from The Grand, York[/caption]

The Grand Hotel & Spa, five-star hotel inside the medieval walls of York, the Cedar Court Grand Hotel & Spa is set in the former head office to the North Eastern Railway company. With the history of the building and the reputation of the food and service we couldn't wait to have our afternoon tea. The Grand, didn't disappoint, the service was exemplary, nothing was too much trouble.  The scones were home made and warm, served with fresh sandwiches and a selection of other savouries. The sweet 'treats' were all too much and we had to box to go. All dietary requirements are catered for , we would add we had none.  We did not have any fizz as were driving, this was an option and selection of gin and cocktails. The extensive choice of teas, coffee was exhaustive and we finished with a hot chocolate. We highly recommend The Grand afternoon tea.

Middlethorpe Hall Afternoon Tea From £22

Middlethorpe Hall is set in the most stunning grounds and if the weather is good, it is worth going for a walk around the gardens and the lake. The afternoon tea if you are lucky with the weather, can be taken on the terrace, we enjoyed it in sitting room with views across the gardens. The staff  were polite and friendly and now to the afternoon tea, again due to driving we did not have alcohol, but we were presented with a selection of teas and coffees. Dietary requirements are catered for, but they would prefer advance notice, we had no dietaries so all good. The sandwiches came out along with the scones and sweet delicacies, this time we managed to eat everything so no box to go. We would recommend Middlethorpe Hall afternoon tea and a  it was a little reminiscent of 'Downton Abbey'.

Principal York Afternoon Tea From £22.95

The 5-star Principal York, formerly The Royal York Hotel, is set in quiet gardens, with views into the new Garden Room overlooking York Minster. The garden room is a stunning setting, if you get a window table, with sweeping views across to minster.  The afternoon tea really is decadent, we were presented with a starter of three delicate savouries, before the three tier traditional afternoon tea with sandwiches arrived. The cakes and scones were out of this world and need no endorsement. There was an extensive selection of teas and coffees and the services was exemplary, well worth a visit.

Countess of York - Afternoon Tea-  From £23.50

The Countess of York, has been classed as one of York's finest luxury afternoon tea experiences, as you dine in the comfort of the beautifully restored rail carriage—the Countess of York. The setting itself is worth a visit and to have the afternoon tea in what was formerly a carriage, is quite enchanting. The afternoon tea started with a few savoury delicacies and then onto the three tier afternoon tea, which we loved, nothing was left to go! They appear to cover dietary requirements especially gluten free, as there was a separate menu. Afternoon of going back in time, staff were very informative and full of charm. Great way to spend an afternoon in York.

Hotel Du Vin & Bistro York Afternoon Tea From £22.50

Hotel du Vin York, is in an excellent location, even though it is just outside the centre, it is only a 10-15 walk into the town centre and it is worth the effort. The hotel itself is beautiful and high standard of decor with good ambience both inside and outside the hotel areas.  Afternoon tea was served inside, but the outside seating looks great and weather permitting we would have gone outside.  There is a twist on traditional favourites, with tartlets, quiches and brioche sandwich. There are many sweet mini treats of which the Tutti Frutti macaron and rhubarb and custard tarts were our favourite, served along with warm scones, butter and jam. Worth a visit albeit a little out of town.