Ah – afternoon tea in Manchester – the most quintessential of British treats.
The neatly cut sandwiches, delicate cakes and fruity scones slathered with fresh cream and jam were 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 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 – and sorted the best of the best afternoon teas Manchester has to offer.
The River Restaurant at The Lowry Hotel | £32.50–£42.50 per person
A riverside retreat with a refined atmosphere, The River Restaurant at The Lowry Hotel delivers a polished take on afternoon tea. Available Thursday to Sunday from 12:00–4:00pm, the Traditional Afternoon Tea (£32.50) includes a delicious array of finger sandwiches, like hot smoked salmon with horseradish crème fraiche and ham with mustard on ciabatta. Savoury bites such as honey pork and sage sausage rolls add a hearty touch.
Dessert is a decadent affair with Red Velvet Cheesecake, Strawberry Fraisier Gâteau, Choux Craquelin, and an indulgent Tiramisu Espresso Tart topped with milk chocolate orange ganache. Tea lovers can enjoy unlimited pours from Tea from the Manor, or add a celebratory twist with Champagne or a bespoke Afternoon Tea G&T for £42.50.
James Martin Manchester | £27.95–£45 per person
Fancy tucking into sandwiches and cakes devised by celebrity chef James Martin? Served every Saturday from 12:30–3:00pm, afternoon tea at James Martin Manchester is a masterclass in artisan craftsmanship. Every element – from scones made with James Martin’s own recipe, to hand-smoked Scottish salmon – is prepared in-house using locally sourced, premium ingredients.
Sandwiches include chicken Caesar on gem lettuce, egg mayo with chives on brioche, and cucumber with dill and mint. Sweet treats range from rhubarb and custard choux to mango coconut meringue and strawberry macarons.
Tea is sourced from Tea from the Manor, offering rare blends such as Vanilla Chai, Chun Mee, and James Martin’s own jasmine and rose petal mix. Choose from Traditional (£27.95), Champagne (£32.95 with Laurent-Perrier), or a lavish Free Flowing Prosecco Tea (£45 for 1.5 hours of bubbles).
King Street Townhouse | £35–£49 per person
Set in a serene lounge in the heart of the city, King Street Townhouse’s afternoon tea is as refined as it is imaginative. Their Traditional Tea (£35) offers a modern twist on the classic, with sandwiches like prawn, coriander and lime on brioche, and herb ricotta with roasted red pepper. Sweet bites include blackberry elderflower cake, peanut & Belgian chocolate macarons, and lemon meringue choux.
For something more substantial, the High Tea (£35) includes hot savouries such as Yorkshire pudding with roast beef, mini fish and chips, pork sausage rolls and a cheese board.
All afternoon teas can be elevated with cocktails (£47) or Laurent-Perrier Champagne (£49). Served daily from 12pm to 6pm, this is a sophisticated, seasonally inspired offering ideal for marking a moment or treating yourself.
The Tea Room at The Midland | £38–£55 per person
Steeped in history and style, The Tea Room at The Midland is Manchester’s only space dedicated entirely to afternoon tea. Overlooking St Peter’s Square in opulent surroundings, this experience blends classic tradition with curated expertise. The Traditional Afternoon Tea (£38) includes sandwiches like poached salmon with avocado, and beef with horseradish on white bread. Scones are served warm with Devon clotted cream and Mrs. Darlington’s jams.
Expect elegant patisserie such as coconut lime mousse, blackberry dark chocolate domes, and mango passionfruit tart. For £45, the Royal Afternoon Tea comes with Louis Pommery or Brut Royal NV Champagne. Upgrade to the Excellence Afternoon Tea (£55) for a limited edition cuvée, Apanage Brut 1874.
Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and children’s teas are also available, with each offering a full, thoughtful alternative including tea-infused cakes and dedicated sandwich selections. An unmatched experience for the discerning tea connoisseur.
Cloud 23 at Hilton Manchester Deansgate | £35–£45 per person
Perched above the clouds, Cloud 23’s Afternoon Tea serves skyline views and luxurious flavours every day from 12pm–4:45pm. The Traditional Afternoon Tea (£35) comes with a balanced selection of savoury bites, scones, and sweet creations, all paired with unlimited refills from their premium loose-leaf tea menu.
Want to level up? Try the Cocktail Afternoon Tea (£45), which includes a hand-crafted cocktail such as the Electra (Edinburgh Gin Orange & Basil with lychee and raspberry espuma) or Hercules (rum, melon, lime and pineapple). Or celebrate in classic style with the Champagne Afternoon Tea (£45), featuring Castelnau Classique Brut NV.
There’s even a Children’s Afternoon Tea (£17.50), complete with tea or juice and plenty of treats to delight younger guests. With options for every taste and a view that stuns, this is Manchester indulgence with altitude.
Richmond Tea Rooms | £11.50–£42 per person
Fall down the rabbit hole at Richmond Tea Rooms, a whimsical wonderland with décor straight out of a Tim Burton film. With afternoon tea available every day, you can choose from several delightfully named tiers, starting with the Alice Tea (£11.50) — two scones and a pot of loose-leaf tea — to the Champagne Wonderland Tea (£42), which includes sandwiches, seasonal cakes, a canapé, and a glass of luxury Champagne.
The Caterpillar Afternoon Tea (£33.50) is fully vegan and gluten-free, with battered tofu goujons, vegan Scotch eggs and plant-based sweets. The Queen’s Tea (£29.50) is a mid-tier option with a little of everything.
All teas come with tea-infused sultana scones and the rich flavours of Tiptree preserve. Whatever your taste or dietary needs, you’ll find a magical match in this fairytale setting.
Menagerie | £29.75–£45 per person
For afternoon tea with theatre, Menagerie offers a playful twist. Available Sunday to Friday, the Traditional Afternoon Tea (£29.75) includes delicate sandwiches like devilled egg and coronation chicken, alongside strawberry cream tarts and chocolate s’mores.
Prefer something bolder? The Menagerie Style Afternoon Tea swaps sandwiches for duck croquettes, gourmet sliders, and king prawn tempura. Add Champagne for £35 or go all-out with the Tipsy Tea (£45), offering 90 minutes of bottomless cocktails and fizz.
Each menu includes scones with berry compote and clotted cream. There’s even a Children’s Pink Tea for £15. Perfect for party girls and pink prosecco lovers alike.
20 Stories | £37.50–£62.50 per person
Float above Manchester’s skyline at 20 Stories, where afternoon tea feels sky-high and effortlessly stylish. Served Monday to Saturday, this three-tiered experience begins with a creative twist on savouries: lamb croquettes with chermoula, pickled cucumber with camembert, and Caesar-style chicken sandwiches.
Fresh scones come with clotted cream and strawberry jam, while the sweet tier tempts with spiced chocolate tart, raspberry macarons, and matcha cheesecake. Choose Traditional Tea (£37.50), Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Tea (£50), or go deluxe with the Miniature Cocktail Pairing (£62.50), which features four signature cocktails.
Pair your bites with your pick of black, green, mint, or lemon and ginger teas. It’s indulgence at a new elevation.
Stock Exchange Hotel | £35 per person
Nestled in a stunning former trading floor, Stock offers one of the most elegant afternoon teas in the city. Curated by Michelin-starred chef Niall Keating, this luxurious experience includes savouries like Gloucester Old Spot sausage rolls, prawn Marie Rose rolls, and roast beef with horseradish.
Sweets include hazelnut and praline waffle cones, raspberry choux buns, and Eccles cake macarons. Scones are served with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry jam.
Pair with one of twelve teas from PMD, a single-origin Sri Lankan tea brand. From classic Planters’ Breakfast to the exclusive Stock Exchange Blend “1906”, the tea experience alone is worth a visit.
Annie’s Manchester | £25–£37 per person
Charming and traditional, Annie’s offers one of the cosiest afternoon teas in the city. Choose from their classic afternoon tea (£25), featuring a well-balanced mix of traditional sandwiches, fruit scones with clotted cream and jam, and assorted sweet treats — all accompanied by unlimited loose-leaf tea refills.
Vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, and gluten-free options are available by pre-order. Or upgrade your moment with a glass of Prosecco (£33) or Champagne (£37). There’s also a Children’s Tea option for under-10s, complete with juice or hot chocolate.
It’s warm, welcoming and delightfully unpretentious — a real hidden gem in the city centre.
What’s your shout for the best afternoon tea in Manchester? Let us know!
