All at sea when it comes to Afternoon Tea in Manchester? Don’t despair. From high tea with a view to the Alice in Wonderland-inspired Richmond Tea Rooms, our team of trusty tea tasters has set sail to find the finest places to sip Darjeeling, eat dainty finger sandwiches and slap extra clotted cream on a freshly baked scone. This is our guide to the best afternoon tea. Now, shall we be mother?
Keating’s restaurant at the Stock Exchange Hotel, Tender, has launched an afternoon tea service. The menu is a sort of medieval story book-cum-Bible. It’s decadent, it’s detailed, and it’s very, very British.
Like a spa? Like afternoon tea? Now imagine the two together – no, not at the same time, that’d be messy. Set aside a day for compound relaxation at the Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly. Double bliss.
The afternoon tea experience at The Alan is just that. A truly memorable, wonderfully laid-back experience and whether you love tea and scones, or simply want to catch up with friends or family, you’ll definitely be wowed.
Head to The Ivy Spinningfields for Champagne-fuelled high-end tea, cakes and delicate little sandwiches in opulent surroundings.
With its bone china and crisp linen, the whole experience has a pre-Beeching, high-class railway café feel. If you’re looking for a boisterous dining experience, with all manner of 21st century gadgets and modern fripperies, go elsewhere. However, if you want a gentle, Enid Blyton style glimpse into our nation’s most-loved meal, an afternoon at the Midland Tea Room comes highly recommended.
Despite its two large rooms, one Alice in Wonderland-esque, the other more Scottish Highlands in style, the Richmond Tea Rooms regularly gets booked out. This might be because of its hidden away feel, its four different afternoon tea options, or the high quality of the food. Either way, book ahead.
Our favourite place in the NQ to pop in for a brew, some excellent freshly-baked goods and friendly chat. It’s not the biggest venue in town so be sure to dive in when you see a spare seat.
Not many venues are as easy on the eye as The Refuge. Inside, you’ll find a maze-like array of spaces and rooms, consisting of bars and dining areas, all serving different purposes and all wonderful. For their newly-launched afternoon tea, try the Winter Garden, easily one of the most grand and instantly relaxing locations this side of a spa day.
The retro-styled Sugar Junction is a dainty place for treats served on vintage china. With everything from a simple cream tea through to a cake platter and the traditional afternoon tea (with or without prosecco), this is one of the less pricey options in the city – but the quality is still up there with the best.
Sitting proud on the 23rd floor of the Beetham Tower, Manchester’s tallest building, Cloud 23 boasts unparalleled views across the city. There’s a stunning range of cocktails on offer, a possible compliment to a traditional afternoon tea. Go and stand on the small glass oval in the floor to look down at street level 23 floors below and really get your heart racing.
Boasting delightful views over the centre of Manchester, Level 3 in the Mercure Piccadilly Hotel are offering a classic Afternoon Tea for visitors to the city.
Newly opened cakery in Stevensons Square, Northern Quarter Manchester. Get Baked brings all the Yorkshire charm and sweetness one of the city’s most popular squares.
Coffee, walls of sound and smart conversation at this pop-up cafe in the Northern Quarter.
Alcohol-free bar and cafe in the heart of Northern Quarter. Serving mocktails, 0% beer and all your alcohol free favourites.
Independent, family-owned coffee shop, bringing North American breakfast and brunch to Media City.
High-level Italian food in Salford Quays, with no less than seven different lasagnas to choose from.
Friendly Coffee Shop that also hosts events in Spinningfields.
Popular craft bakery, selling freshly baked goods on Manchester’s King Street.
Factory Square is a huge beer garden, on the banks of the River Irwell, with top-quality drinks and street food selections.
Playing a powerful role in the community, this venue functions as a bookshop, café and place to meet and chat with likeminded individuals.
Sett is an art café in West Didsbury, one of the areas many thriving independent businesses.
A woman-owned and woman-ran neighbourhood bakery in Levenshulme, serving fresh cakes and pastries daily.
A one-stop-shop, Stretford Foodhall is a place for those who like to eat, drink and shop with a guilt-free conscience. Whether you fancy visiting to sample some delicious street food or to top up your refillable containers, Stretford Foodhall is well worth a visit.
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Take me there
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