Although restaurants are reopening their doors again, the dining at home concept is still very much available in most places, including the 21 Hospitality Group who have reopened some of their restaurants, and have a 21 At Home Offering which is going strong. One of the options is traditional afternoon tea, a highlight of the British summer and one you don’t have to miss out on this year, with the afternoon tea takeaway from 21 Newcastle, available every Saturday.

Disclaimer: I received an afternoon tea for 2 complimentary from 21 Newcastle, as always opinions are my own.

On Saturday I made my way to 21 Newcastle located on the quayside, pulled up out the front of the restaurant and called the number to let them know I was there. They bring it outside for you, and put it in either your boot or on a spare seat, so it’s a totally contactless experience.

I couldn’t believe the packaging for it, it’s so beautiful in a grey box tied with a ribbon, and inside the food is presented neatly with sandwiches in boxes covered in a damp cloth to keep them fresh, the cakes on little gold plates to keep them stuck down, and the jam, cream and tea bags in little pots with labels for each type of tea. It’s very well thought out and it goes the extra mile compared to some other takeaway options I’ve had the last couple of months.

I had originally asked my mum to share it with me, and arriving back at my parents house she had her old proper tea set out ready. As much as it was for me and Viv, my dad on hearing it was from 21 thought he might join us as well. It’s one of his favourite restaurants in Newcastle and he is partial to an afternoon tea from certain places.

So we set everything out on the plates and cake stand, and made a pot of tea using English breakfast tea. There were more than enough of each course for three of us, despite being a two person box and it really felt like a treat on a sunny Saturday afternoon in the garden. We decided to make it last a couple of hours instead of just wolfing everything down – although it was very tempting.

What’s on the Afternoon Tea Takeaway Menu?

We began with the traditional finger sandwiches, which would serve four each for two people and there are a variety of flavours including Craster smoked salmon and cream cheese – my absolute favourite, chicken with tarragon mayonnaise, country ham and grain mustard, cheddar cheese and chutney and egg mayonnaise. The flavours were so strong, not bland at all especially the ham and mustard, the cheese and chutney and the salmon.

The scones came next and we had the usual discussion of what comes first – the jam or the cream? Both jam and cream are home made on site in the 21 Kitchen and you could really tell, it was thick and delicious. If you prefer more savoury then you could go for the raisin scone with butter instead.

And finally a bit later in the afternoon as we were feeling a bit full, we opened the rose wine and had a glass with one of the fancy cakes and home made pastries. There was everything to suit all tastes, including a big chunk of Battenberg, a vanilla macaroon, an almond and summer fruit tartlet, an Esterhazy Torte and Sacher Torte.

They were honestly made to perfection, so light and easy to eat, and beautifully presented. I’m usually more of a savoury person but these were just delightful. We couldn’t eat them all so I brought what was left home with me and I had one on Sunday afternoon with a cuppa and they were still so fresh and delicious.

With so many places offering afternoon tea these days I think it’s easy to forget the tradition itself, and how the experience is meant to be. For a takeaway option I really think the 21 experience is as close to an in dining setting as you could get, it feels that bit extra special with the beautiful packaging, and thought out details.

My mum and dad loved it as well, and made the very good point that it would make a lovely gift for someone, or for an occasion if you wanted to turn it into a Prosecco or Champagne afternoon tea at home too. I think they’ll be getting one for themselves soon, and I would genuinely pay for it myself for an occasion sometime too.

How to Order

So if you’re looking to try the 21 Newcastle Afternoon Tea yourself here’s how you can order. You do it online here, by firstly selecting a collection time – Saturdays only between 12pm-3pm, then choosing how many you would like it to serve and your choice of tea before going through to pay. Remember you need to order at least 24 hours in advance, and you will receive a confirmation email.

It costs £20 per person which I honestly am shocked at, I think it’s incredibly reasonable for the quality of the food mainly, but also the amount you get.

On the day of collection you make your way to 21 Newcastle, located on Pandon on the Quayside. It’s usually a quiet road so you should have no problem pulling up outside to ring and let them know you are there. The number you need is 0191 232 1331.

They will bring it out for you and put it in your car, for you to take home and enjoy. I’d really suggest making a bit of a thing of it, as it’s so lovely. Get your best china out, put the Prosecco on ice, and enjoy a lovely Saturday afternoon tea takeaway in the comfort of your own home or garden.

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