The best: Spots for afternoon tea in and 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 opulent 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. More than just a restaurant, the unique venue boasts the most complete panoramic views of the evolving Manchester city centre skyline and beyond. Serving up favourites like the strawberry tart, dark chocolate mousse and light, bright traditional cucumber sandwiches, Cloud 23 offers the quintessential afternoon tea in a breathtaking setting.

Served in their double AA Rosette-winning Honey Restaurant, the supremely elegant Hotel Gotham promises an afternoon of unbridled sophistication with its ‘Lutyens’ tea menu, which features delicate stacks of cucumber, chicken, cheddar and chicken sandwiches, a sumptuous selection of confectionery, jam and Dorset cream-lacquered scones and a variety of eclectic, restorative teas, alongside an extensive signature cocktail list.

Whether it’s a traditional champagne-paired affair or a celebratory tea with an 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.

Book directly via the website to secure your afternoon tea for just £65 for two people.

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, guests can opt for the Piper-Heidsieck Afternoon Tea, or try the Miniature Cocktail Pairing Afternoon Tea to delight in a selection of Signature Cocktails while taking in some of the best views in the region.

A little further afield but perfect for anyone wanting to add a little extra luxury to their plans, the gorgeous four-star Crewe Hotel & Spa can be reached in just over an hour from Picadilly 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. For anyone looking to really push the boat out, there’s always the option of making a night of it with a stay and spa package.

A newcomer to Manchester’s hotel scene, The Reach at Piccadilly and its restaurant, Lock 84, has unveiled its own afternoon tea offering which includes 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 offers one of the finest afternoon teas in Manchester, prepared with fresh, local produce by the venue’s dedicated pâtissiers. The Library offers seasonal sandwiches along with handcrafted pastries and scones, which are accompanied by your choice of either tea or champagne

A special Mother’s Day afternoon tea, served alongside a glass or bottle of Champagne and a box of Charbonnel et Walker truffles, is also available Sat 29 & Sun 30 Mar.

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. There is also the choice to add champagne to your meal for a little extra opulence.