The best: Spots for Afternoon Tea around Manchester

For a fabulously baroque Alice in Wonderland afternoon tea in the candy pink nooks of Lewis Carroll’s kaleidoscopic fantasy realm, look no further. Richmond’s eccentric surroundings are perfectly complemented with choices of the Alice, Hatter’s, Queen’s, or Richmond’s Tea ensuring that every taste and appetite is catered for. From the enchanted forest area, where you can dine under twinkling lights in a woodland-themed room, to the orangery – the most warming garden idyll even on the rainiest of Manchester days – Richmond Tea Rooms invites you down the rabbit hole and into Wonderland.

A Mancunian stalwart, Sugar Junction stays true to the quintessentially English tradition via moreish selections of freshly-baked cakes, tasty sandwiches and a pot of loose tea to wash it all down with. There is also, of course, the option to switch your tea out for Prosecco.

Celebrating the pageantry of high tea tradition, Grand Pacific offers a rich plethora of bite-sized sweet delights and savouries. With a menu that spans crumpets with lobster butter, szechuan tofu, goat cheese arancini, and avocado potato cakes—this afternoon tea proves to be a deliciously delectable favourite done the Grand Pacific way. With all options served with a side of chit-chat, recline in the venue’s decadent settings with the flavours of the exotic.

On the 23rd floor of the Manchester landmark, Beetham Tower, the views here do not disappoint. The unique venue boasts the most complete panoramic views of the evolving Manchester city centre skyline and beyond, and the Sky High Afternoon Tea at the Cloud 23 restaurant includes favourites like the strawberry tart, dark chocolate mousse and light, bright traditional cucumber sandwiches.

Named in honour of the building’s original designer, the celebrated British architect Edwin Lutyens, Lutyens Afternoon Tea at The Rex (formerly Hotel Gotham) can be enjoyed in the hotel’s stunning Art Deco-inspired Reign Restaurant. The menu elevates Afternoon Tea classics, and a kids’ version is available at £16.50, so you can make a fancy family day out of it.

Whether it’s a traditional champagne-paired affair or a celebratory tea with a gin and tonic twist, The Lowry Hotel’s River Restaurant offers one of Manchester’s best refined dining experiences with heaps of fresh scones, high-end fizz by the glass and over eighty teas. There’s even the option to create your own personalised tea blend to take home.

The city’s acclaimed sky-skimming bar and restaurant serves sandwiches, classic sweet treats, homemade scones and pairing tea options as part of ‘the highest Afternoon Tea in Manchester’. For special occasions, there’s the Champagne Afternoon Tea for Two.

A little further afield but perfect for anyone wanting to add a little luxury to their plans, the gorgeous four-star Crewe Hotel & Spa can be reached in just over an hour from Piccadilly Station. Set against a backdrop of winding Cheshire countryside, guests can sip and snack away in the decadent surroundings of the hotel’s Grade-I listed Jacobean architecture.

The Reach at Piccadilly and its restaurant, Lock 84, hosts Afternoon Tea with an array of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and preserves, and a selection of exquisite pastries, including lemon posset and caramel and pecan choux – all paired with tea or Prosecco.

The Library, which is located within the iconic Free Trade Hall at The Edwardian Hotel, offers one of the finest afternoon teas in Manchester, prepared with fresh, local produce by the venue’s dedicated pâtissiers. Traditional Afternoon Tea starts at £39pp, with the option to upgrade to Champagne Afternoon Tea for £49pp or Rosé Champagne Afternoon Tea for £51pp.

One of Manchester’s most famous buildings, the Grade II-listed Midland has welcomed kings, queens, presidents and rock stars since its opening in 1903. An opulent afternoon tea is also served here, with the fabulous Tea Room overlooking St Peter’s Square. A variety of options are on offer, ranging from ‘Traditional’ to ‘Excellence’, with vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free menus also available. 

Housed in an award-winning Edwardian baroque building, Browns Manchester offers a range of delectable savouries, warm scones, and mini puddings, including blackcurrant Victoria sponge, as part of their afternoon tea. Food is served with your choice of Good Earth tea, chilled champagne, or a decadent cocktail. Browns also offers a bespoke Gluten Free Afternoon Tea, accredited by Coeliac UK.

For a grand afternoon tea with a delicious range of savouries, scones, and sweets ‘crafted with seasonal flair’, The Ivy is a great option. Conveniently located slap bang in the middle of Spinningfields, yet surrounded by greenery, The Ivy’s take is available every day from 3pm – 5pm.

Served on Fridays and Saturdays between 12pm – 3.30pm in their beautiful Winter Garden, Refuge offers a tasty afternoon tea that’s the perfect start to any weekend. Choose from a variety of sweet and savoury treats, date and sour cherry scones, and a diverse range of ‘Tea from the Manor’, including Rum Arabica and Gunpowder Green Tea. 

Nestled in the restored original trading floor of the stock exchange building, Tender by Niall Keating at the Stock Exchange Hotel is as suave a backdrop as they come for Afternoon Tea. Available Thursday through Sunday, with the added bonus of live music on Sundays in the restaurant.

The San Carlo Champagne Bar, which is located on the lower floor of Selfridges Trafford Centre, has launched a brand-new Afternoon Tea. Begin with assorted savoury bites before enjoying a traditional fruit scone with jam and clotted cream, a selection of pastries and a choice of tea. Guests also have the option to add a glass of Veuve Clicquot Champagne.