The best places for afternoon tea in Manchester
- By Thom Bamford
- Last Updated 2 months ago
Ah afternoon tea in Manchester – the most quintessential of British treats.
The piles of neatly cut sandwiches, delicate cakes and fruity scones slathered with lashings fresh cream and jam all presented on a pretty cake stand.
All washed down with a pot of freshly brewed tea, or glass of champagne of course.
Here in Manchester, we’re rather spoilt for choice for venues serving up the delicacies – ranging from traditional tea room settings to bars with incredible views and even an Alice in Wonderland-themed venue.
We’ve done all the legwork for you – here’s our pick of the best afternoon teas Manchester has to offer.
Take a look through some of our favourites, and prepare to get hungry…
The Best Afternoon Tea in Manchester
James Martin Manchester
Fancy tucking into sandwiches and cakes devised by celebrity chef James Martin? Then head over to his city centre restaurant, based inside Manchester235, for this devilish treat.
Using James’ original scone recipe and using the freshest ingredients including his homemade jam, they’ve also roasted their own ham using pork from Redhill Farm, salt-cured and spiced their own pastrami using Cumbrian Beef and Hot smoked their own Scottish Salmon.
Only available on Saturdays currently, so you’ll need to book in advance.
Prices: Afternoon tea costs £27.95, Champagne Afternoon tea is £32.95, and bottomless prosecco afternoon tea is £45
The Midland
Manchester’s longest-standing purveyor of the afternoon tea, the historic Midland Hotel has pretty much nailed the sandwich, cake and scone confections over the past 100 or so years.
It now boasts its own dedicated tea rooms at the front of the hotel on Peter Street, and a whole range of offerings – from a brunch version up to an evening version, too.
Prices: From £27 for traditional afternoon tea, Royal afternoon tea (with champagne) £34, children’s afternoon tea is £13.50, vegan and vegetarian options available.
20 Stories
If you fancy tea up in the clouds with a spectacular view across Manchester, then 20 Stories is the place for you. The fine dining restaurant has just launched its afternoon tea offering, which is just as stylish as the venue itself, served on glass stepped trays, and sandwiched between books in case you need a few stories yourself!
Prices: 20 Stories afternoon Tea costs £20 for a Traditional Afternoon Tea, £32 for a Champagne or Cocktail Afternoon Tea and £40 for a Cocktail Pairing Afternoon Tea per person.
The Lowry
It’s five-star luxury all the way over at The Lowry Hotel, where they offer a whole range of new afternoon teas – including the gin afternoon tea and a Bellini version too.
There’s a choice of savouries and cakes, all served in The Lowry’s stylish signature presentation stands.
Prices: Traditional afternoon tea £22.50, and champagne, G&T or Bellini afternoon teas are £33.
Malmaison
Malmaison is definitely the place to head for cocktail lovers – they’ve just launched a new boozy afternoon tea where you get to choose from four of their signature cocktails alongside their quirky take on the afternoon tea, complete with mini burger sliders. There’s also the option of prosecco or champagne afternoon teas, too.
Prices: Mal afternoon tea £19.95, cocktail afternoon tea £27, prosecco afternoon tea £25, champagne afternoon tea £27.
Mamucium
One of Manchester’s newest restaurants, Mamucium has had an impressive start since launching inside the splendid Hotel Indigo late last year. And their Mancunian-themed afternoon tea is proving a popular addition boasting Vimto macarons, a Manchester tart and bee-adorned orange cake, and the price makes it one of the best value in town too!
Prices: afternoon tea £14.95, upgrade with a glass of fizz for £4.50.
Cloud 23
Go sky high and indulge in the expertly crafted afternoon tea on the 23rd floor of the Hilton Hotel on Deansgate. Take in the breathtaking views of Manchester’s skyline whilst sipping your Earl Grey or a glass of champers.
If you’re thinking of an Afternoon Tea that takes it all to new heights, this place has got to make the list. And for real champagne lovers there’s the option of a rose champers or to go for Bollinger – or for those feeling really bubbly there’s a free-flowing champagne afternoon tea (Monday to Friday) where you can glugg unlimited fizz for 1.5 hours.
Prices: traditional afternoon tea £25, Jacquart Rose Champagne afternoon tea £37 per person, Bollinger £40 per person, cocktail afternoon tea £33, free-flowing champagne afternoon tea £49
READ MORE: Afternoon tea with amazing canalside views
Mercure Piccadilly
Over at the Mercure Piccadilly Hotel, they can boast among the best views of Manchester up on their Level 3 restaurant.
And for afternoon teas they are catering for the male and female predilections – with their lady’s afternoon tea coming with a glass of prosecco, while the gents’ version comes with a pint of beer – although it’s entirely up to you if you’d rather switch to a beer or prosecco.
Prices: traditional afternoon tea £17.50, lady’s or gentlemen’s afternoon tea £24.
King Street Townhouse
Away from the madding crowds, but still in the heart of the city, the King Street Townhouse Hotel offers an elegant and refined location for a traditional afternoon tea, served in their ground floor King Street Tavern.
Prices: Afternoon tea £33, with champagne £42.50 Gentlemen’s afternoon tea £25, children’s afternoon tea £12.50
Richmond Tearooms
Probably Manchester’s quirkiest venue for afternoon tea, escape down the rabbit hole at the Alice in Wonderland-themed Richmond Tea rooms.
And good news for fans of afternoon tea at any hour, for this Gay Village venue serves the delicacy all through the day.
The afternoon tea menu is also Alice in Wonderland theme – and caters for the men, women and children among the group as well as those with a smaller appetite – and there are also vegan and vegetarian options.
Prices: Hatters tea £11.95, queens tea £20.95, Richmond tea and gentlemen’s tea £26.95, Alice Tea (for children) £7.50
Grand Pacific
Among the most glamorous dining rooms of Manchester, Grand Pacific also turns on the style for its high tea offerings. Served on its signature golden pineapple cake stand, it’s a real wow affair.
The King Street restaurant has seasonal afternoon tea offerings, so for summer it’s their strawberry summer high tea.
And, if you’re booking in the next week, you can also have a try of their fabulous Manchester Pride special (pictured above) with a rainbow of coloured cakes and a donation from each one going to the Pride charity.
Prices: strawberry summer high tea £23, cocktail or sparkling rose high tea £29, champagne high tea £30. The Pacific Pride High Tea, available from August 19th – 27th, is £23, with £1.50 from each sale going to the Manchester Pride charity.
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