THERE’S nothing better to spend your weekend than popping into a cafe and tucking into a number of sweet and savoury delights along with a catch up between friends and family.

Readers of the News & Star have provided their recommendations for the best places to get afternoon tea in north and west Cumbria.

And you didn’t disappoint, with hundreds of comments from people across the county.

Here are, in no particular order, the best places to go for afternoon tea, as voted for by you...

1: SALLY’S, WARWICK BRIDGE

The tea room, just off the A69 in Warwick Bridge, won an abundance of praise from many readers.

Sharron Strachan said: “Definitely Sally’s Warwick Bridge, you just can’t beat it.”

Billy Drysdale posted: “Has to be Sally’s Warwick Bridge, I’ve committed myself to some in-depth research over the years and Sally’s is definitely my favourite.”

2: THE POT PLACE, PENRITH

The eatery was at Plumpton, just north of Penrith, was described as ‘amazing’ by one reader.

Patricia Trotter said: “The pot place at Plumpton, Penrith, it is amazing and they don’t over overcharge and all home made....definitely worth a visit but book 24 hours before.”

Pat Rogers added: “Highly recommend it.

“Great for lunch, coffee or just a treat.”

3: BITE CAFE & GALLERY, BRAMPTON

The cafe at Trout Fishing Park in Brampton was suggested by Kelly Wilkinson.

She said: “Bite cafe and gallery in Brampton does the most amazing afternoon teas.

“Especially their themed ones.

“So much care and creation go into them, and they taste amazing as well.”

Liz Blythe added: “Bite Cafe at the Trout Farm in Brampton do the most amazing themed afternoon tea.”

4: BESSIESTOWN VINTAGE TEA, LONGTOWN

The tea room, just off the B6318 at Catlowdy, was recommended by several News & Star readers.

Caroline Graham posted: “100 per cent Bessiestown vintage tea, not just your average afternoon tea, it’s a lovely vintage inspired experience with amazing home cooked savoury and sweet treats.”

Lisa Johnston said: “Definitely Bessiestown at Catlowdy, everything is gorgeous and homemade.”

Jayne Peirs Wilson agreed: “Totally the best! Bessiestown is in a league of its own!”

5: ARMATHWAITE HALL, KESWICK

The hotel and spa near Bassenthwaite Lake in Keswick was dubbed as a ‘real treat’.

Linda Carruthers posted: “Armathwaite Hall is lovely.”

Emma Warren said: “Stunning venue, great food and they box up leftovers without you even having to ask so nothing goes to waste.

“Feels like a real treat and you can have a nice walk in the grounds after.”

6: INN ON THE LAKE, GLENRIDDING

The hotel, serves up afternoon tea with ‘spectacular’ views of Lake Ullswater. Karen Fairclough said: “The Inn on the Lake in Ullswater does a good one.”

7: GATEHOUSE CAFE, CARLISLE

The Richardson Street cafe in Denton Holme was ‘highly recommended’ by Barbara Nixon.