You may have woken up thinking today was just like any other Friday during the Great British summertime: overcast, muggy, and ruined by intermittent rain showers.

However, on this occasion, you’re wrong, for today, Friday June 26th, is the very first National Cream Tea Day!

We’ve written before about our love of afternoon tea, and scones, clotted cream, and strawberry jam in particular, and have been lucky enough to sample the delights of afternoon tea in some top locations, including Edinburgh, London, the Lake District, and even Cape Town. So, it’s fantastic news that we now have a whole day set aside for celebrating this special institution!

If you’re looking to celebrate National Cream Tea Day in Leeds today, or perhaps over the weekend, here are some afternoon tea recommendations in Leeds and the surrounding area:

• Harvey Nichols – a demure setting for afternoon tea, with outdoor dining options available for nice weather
• Malmaison – a good option for anyone in Leeds city centre wanting a slightly cosier atmosphere
• Patisserie Valerie – keep things simple with a decent value pot of tea and some scones at Patisserie Valerie and, while you’re there, stock up on some of their amazing vanilla slices for your weekend treats!
• Rudding Park – located near Harrogate, the afternoon tea menu at Rudding Park features mouthwatering sandwiches, scones with strawberry jam, and cute little cakes
• Betty’s – with locations spread across Yorkshire and within easy driving distance of Leeds city centre, Betty’s afternoon teas, served by impeccably dressed waitresses, are designed to take you back in time to an era of teatime elegance

Even if you decide to celebrate National Cream Tea Day by buying a few scones and some jam and cream from the local supermarket, have a great time acknowledging the importance of this British teatime institution!