Victoria Baths to serve up cream teas and Pimms for Wimbledon

Whether you do jam or cream first, everyone loves a cream tea.

And now, cream tea fans can indulge in the great British tradition in the beautiful setting of the Tea Room at the historic Victoria Baths at their weekly Welcome Wednesdays (11am to 3pm).

During Wimbledon Fortnight the team will be serving up an ace – with the addition of Pimms to the menu on 29th June and 6th July.

It was back in 1971 that Pimms made its first appearance at Wimbledon, and now it’s hot on the heels of strawberries for its affinity with the tournament.

A glass of Pimms, served on ice, garnished with strawberries, cucumber and mint, will be available as a toast to tennis and the start of summer, priced at £4 a glass (booking is not necessary).

Victoria Baths in Chorlton-on-Medlock near Longsight was designed as a prestigious Baths complex by Manchester’s first City Architect, Henry Price, and opened by Manchester Corporation in 1906.

The Baths was closed in 1993 and local people have been working to save and restore it ever since.

Welcome Wednesdays are a day for visitors to explore the complex of pool halls, Turkish Baths and quirky spaces that make up Victoria Baths, take part in a guided tour, or just delight in spending time in this unique setting.

A new addition to the calendar in 2022, they’ve become an instant hit with TV spotters, students, the local community, overseas visitors, heritage enthusiasts and historic pool lovers.

Taking place each week, general opening hours are from 11am to 3pm, during which time the building, Tea Room and Gift Shop are all open.

At 1pm every week is the Discover Victoria Baths Tour, led by an experienced volunteer tour guide.

Places on the tour are £8 (+ £1.07 booking fee) or free for under 16s and Friends of Victoria Baths, booked here.

The Welcome Desk, Tea Room, Gift Shop and Tours are all run on Wednesdays by an award-winning team of volunteers.

Entry to Welcome Wednesdays is ”Pay What You Can”, with donations encouraged. Proceeds help to support the work of Victoria Baths Trust, which oversees the upkeep of the Grade II listed building and ensures that it remains open as a cultural venue and community resource.

For further information on Victoria Baths visit victoriabaths.org.uk.