You may be surprised at the sheer selection of afternoon teas you can get your hands on in Manchester, what with our reputation being decidedly beer and kebab oriented, but we really do have some great ones. In fact, many Manchester institutions have turned the traditional afternoon tea on its head − inventing more fun, boozy and carb-injected tiers of grub for us to nibble on. So, without further ado… Check out our guide to the very best afternoon tea offerings in Manchester.
1. The Midland
As Manchester’s only setting dedicated to afternoon tea, The Tea Room at The Midland is one of a kind and it’s been serving it for over 120 years! Served in opulent surroundings overlooking St Peter’s Square, The Tea Room has its own knowledgeable team to guide you through this quintessentially British pastime.
From £35pp you can indulge in sundried tomato and feta quiche, a selection of sandwiches, scones, cakes and a range of loose leaf tea. Upgrade to a glass of champagne for an extra £10pp, and peruse the the dedicated vegetarian menu for the same price.
📍 The Midland Hotel, 16 Peter St, Manchester, M60 2DS.
2. King Street Townhouse
King Street Townhouse delivers a traditional afternoon tea, apparently the ‘best afternoon tea in Manchester’, for those who like the novelty of it, albeit served with a glass of champagne instead if you’d prefer a bit of booze over a pot of tea. The traditional option is served with an array of sandwiches, scones, cakes and pastries, but for those looking for something a little different – there’s a High Tea to choose from, too.
With this one, guests will have the choice of more savoury options – expect lamb kofta sausage rolls, crispy truffle mac ‘n’ cheese and duck and hoisin spring rolls. This one is served alongside the extensive tea selection, with cheese and chutney instead of scones and cream. Both the Afternoon Tea and High Tea options come in at £32.50pp, with the option to upgrade to champagne or cocktail for £45pp.
📍 King Street Townhouse, 10 Booth St, M2 4AW.
3. American Pies
American Pies might be well known for its parent company’s humongous sharing platters, but the Manchester restaurant-turned-Chicago-pizza-joint actually also serves an afternoon tea specifically designed for people who hate afternoon tea.
On the tiers you can opt for a seven-inch pizza of your choice , chicken tenders, deep fried potato dauphinois wrapped in prosciutto, hot honey duck lasagne bites, mozzarella wedges, smoked cheese lollipops, or pepperoni garlic knots with vodka sauce. This version completely ditches everything traditional about the afternoon meal for the better, replacing actual tea with a bit of booze and giving us the carbs we really deserve. Afternoon tea costs £55 all in, with drinks available to purchase as extras.
📍 American Pies, 58 W Mosley St, M2 3HZ.
4. Grand Pacific
A great spot if you’re looking for something special, Grand Pacific‘s Afternoon Tea is as opulent as the venue itself. Served on a lavish stand with a huge golden pineapple in the middle, guests can treat themselves to a selection of cakes and sweet treats, with evolving themes throughout the year (including Pride, Halloween and Christmas!).
Savoury options are available – packed with so many delicious treats such as warm lobster brioche roll and arancini – or for those with a sweet tooth, opt for macarons, trifles and tarts. Prices start at £29.50pp − upgrade to sparkling high tea with a bottle of prosecco for an extra £10pp.
📍 Grand Pacific, 50 Spring Gardens, M2 1EN.
5. Sunset by Australasia
Inspired by the flavours of Australasia (just like their main menu), Sunset’s Afternoon Tea is packed full of goodies and is best suited to those with a bit of a sweet tooth. Scoff macarons, honey cake, ice cream and more – with drink options including cocktails, rosé, and mocktails and even a frosé afternoon tea menu. For those who prefer something savoury, there’s a bento box to start with which is packed with sushi, edamame beans and other favourites, and can be finished off with Sunset’s very own frozen Pornstar Martini. Prices start at £29.50pp.
📍 Sunset by Australasia, 1 The Avenue, M3 3AP.
6. Menagerie
Menagerie is one of Manchester’s most Instagrammed venues, and for good reason, too. Every corner is a spectacle – with floral installations, neon lights, angel wings and so much more draped from the ceiling, and marble tables with gold finishings that just scream ‘lavish’. But anyway, onto their equally fabulous afternoon tea.
Arriving at the table on its very own Ferris wheel, the traditional afternoon tea includes a selection of classic sandwiches and cakes, with their Menagerie Afternoon Tea including more varied treats such as Bao buns, sliders, Caulipops and
7. 20 Stories
An afternoon tea high up in the sky, 20 Stories offers a number of different options suited to different tastes – including a classic sandwich selection, an afternoon tea packed out with tiers of tasty sweet treats (that look as good as they taste), and a scone selection – again, replicating the traditional afternoon tea. Each offering can be enjoyed with tea, or paired with cocktails for a boozier affair. Prices start at £35pp.
📍 20 Stories, NO. 1, 1 Hardman Square, M3 3EB.
8. Malmaison
Part traditional, part suitable for those who aren’t totally mad on sandwiches, Malmaison‘s afternoon tea includes the choice of the ‘Classic Cream Tea’ which is full of scones, tarts and brownies, the ‘Mal Afternoon Tea’, which includes burger sliders, wraps, cakes and more, and a number of alcoholic versions including cocktails, prosecco and champagne. Fancy! For those who prefer a warm cuppa, there’s a huge list of teas to choose from. Prices start from £29.50pp up to £39.50pp – depending on whether you opt for fizz, a cocktail or tea.
📍 Malmaison, 1-3 Piccadilly, M1 3AQ.
9. Richmond Tea Rooms
Bringing that ‘rabbit hole’ feeling to Manchester every single day with their curious Wonderland-themed venue – Richmond Tea Rooms provides a place where guests can escape from the world while indulging in delicious cocktails and afternoon tea.
Hosting an array of events every single month, Richmond Tea Rooms turns up the debauchery for their Mad Hatter’s Tea Party – dialling up their delightful afternoon tea experience with booze, drag queens, live entertainment and, of course, the Mad Hatter himself, alongside friends such as Alice, the white rabbit, and other bonkers characters. Prices start from £11pp for a cream tea.
📍 Richmond Tea Rooms, 46 Sackville St, M1 3WF.
10. Cocoa Cabana
The afternoon tea at Cocoa Cabana cuts straight to the chase with all the good stuff you could possibly think of- finger sandwiches, brownies, mousses, chocolate tarts, bonbons, scones, macarons, and hot drinks – all topped off with a pot of salted caramel.
The menu features sweet options such as a chocolate espresso martini and a dark chocolate and chilli daiquiri, with other twists on classic cocktails including their matcha and avocado Pina Colada. Chocolate afternoon tea starts from £25pp, with kids options also available.
📍 Cocoa Cabana, Murray Street, Manchester, M4 6HS.
11. House of Books and Friends
The House of Books & Friends limited series of afternoon tea dates span from May to August this year, and the offering comes in its very own novelty presentation. Starting at £25 per adult, or £12 per child, you can expect a variety of finger sandwiches and jam and cream-filled scones to make an appearance, with the opportunity to upgrade your tea to prosecco for an extra £5. For those with any dietary requirements, there are also vegan and gluten free alternatives, plus a special menu just for younger visitors.
The afternoon tea comes in House of Books & Friends style, with each course (or chapter) coming served in different sized book shells. Chapter one sets the scene with gorgeous homemade scones and a variety of fillings, chapter two requires a sweet tooth with cakes, brownies and fresh fruit, and chapter three offers light but flavoursome finger sandwiches, all washed down with your choice of tea, coffee or even Prosecco.
📍 House of Books and Friends, Ground Floor, 81 King St, Manchester M2 4AH.
12. The Lowry Hotel
At the Lowry Hotel, expect scones with fresh cream and a dollop of strawberry jam, pastries and dainty fancies for polite popping into your mouth, and tea, as much as you can drink. Or a glass or two of Champagne. Or for an indulgence with a twist, try the Afternoon Tea G & Tea or cocktails. Prices start from £32.50pp with plenty of options for add-ons at the gorgeous River Restaurant.
📍 The Lowry Hotel, 50 Dearmans Pl, Salford M3 5LH.