Five places in Hull and East Riding to indulge your sweet tooth
Tea and cake is a quintessentially British tradition, and here in Hull and the East Riding, we’re spoilt for choice; there are so many cafés and tea rooms to choose from! So, if you want to take your parents, grandma, or an elderly friend out for a special treat, then take a look at some of our favourite spots in the local area.
Located in central Beverley, Vanessa is the perfect place to take your elderly friend or relative for a spot of tea and cake. With a range of hot drinks and a selection of cakes and desserts that arrive in generous portions, you’re sure to find something that suits you.
There’s an extensive breakfast, lunch and brunch menu, but if you’re looking for something deliciously decadent, why not try the Afternoon Tea? Sweet and savoury options are available, and portions are very generous. There is a range of sandwiches to choose from in addition to quiche, scones, and sweet treats; we recommend a takeaway box as you won’t want to waste a crumb!
Booking is necessary for Afternoon Tea, so call ahead to avoid disappointment. Seating is on the first floor. However, there is also seating in Saturday Market next to Market Cross if you feel like dining al fresco. Why not stop at the delicatessen before heading home to see the large variety of local produce available?
On the shore of Risby Lake, Folly Lake Café puts the home into homemade cakes. With a wide range of food, drinks (including alcohol), and tasty cakes, you can enjoy your refreshments in stunning surroundings. With shabby chic interior decor and a balcony facing south across the woods and lake, the setting is marvellous and makes for a perfect chance to watch the world go by.
And if you’re the adventurous sort, why not take a stroll around one of the Risby Round walks? A rambler’s delight: parking, toilet facilities, peaceful countryside walking and the chance for a well-earned rest, and tea and cake afterwards! Situated between Beverley and Cottingham, west of the A164, Folly Lake Café is easily accessible by car and well worth the trip!
The Black Cat Tearoom is another excellent find to take your older friends and relatives, this time in the centre of Hessle. Here, you can sample the delights of locally sourced ingredients, with a range of fresh food available all day from breakfast to lunch. If you particularly want to indulge your sweet tooth, there’s an array of cakes, cheesecakes, scones and traditional puddings to choose from, and the ice cream sundaes are both stunning and indulgent.
If you’re fit and limber, The Black Cat is only a walk away from Hessle Foreshore and the start of the Yorkshire Wolds Way, so you can work up an appetite before making a pit stop. However, if you need to consider accessibility, Hessle itself is well worth a wander, including The Square, the quaint centre of the town and the variety of winding streets.
On the way into Hull centre down Beverley Road and not far from Hull University Campus, The Dancing Goat Coffee house has a very tempting menu at excellent prices. After a morning shopping or showing your grandparents the University Campus, why not treat them to cake at the Dancing Goat? It’s the perfect place to stop off.
Recognised for its “fantastic atmosphere” by the Hull Daily Mail Food and Drink Award (2018), you’ll find a wide selection of lunch options and some delicious homemade cakes to accompany your cup of tea or coffee. If you’d like to experience Afternoon Tea, you can choose between sweet and savoury options, but you’ll have to book your table 24 hours in advance.
There’s little more delightful than pausing for a cup of tea and a piece of cake, and if you’re visiting Skidby Mill, near Cottingham and Beverley, you have great options!
If you’re looking for casual dining, a quick bite after a stroll, or perhaps a spot of tea or coffee Sails Café is for you. Indoor and outdoor seating and a delectable array of fresh food and cakes mean it’s an enticing choice whatever the weather. Be aware that Afternoon Tea requires 48 hours advanced booking, but if you have grandchildren, there’s a wooden play area near the café that will keep them entertained!
However, if you’re looking for luxury and an exquisite dining experience, perhaps you have a big anniversary or birthday to celebrate, the Millhouse Restaurant is for you. In an impressive setting, you can treat your elderly relative or friend to an Afternoon Tea of sandwiches, sultana scones and delicious dessert in a refined atmosphere. There are various seating areas, and if it’s a big celebration, there’s even a rooftop lounge (a minimum of 10 people required). For Afternoon Tea, 24 hours advanced booking is required.
Tea and cake never fail to please, and here in Hull and the East Riding, we have a lot of choices in location, from casual to formal, convenient to scenic. So next time you’re looking for a place to take your older friends, parents or grandparents, try one of the above!