The best afternoon tea in Manchester

Cloud 23 is an elegant sky bar situated in Deansgate, renowned for its sweeping panoramic views of Manchester's skyline. This bar highlights the expertise of its bartenders through an array of visually captivating cocktails, but is also a favoured destination for afternoon tea. Different menus are available, ranging from traditional afternoon tea to a cocktail afternoon tea, a bottomless afternoon tea, a kids' afternoon tea, and a wellbeing afternoon tea, the latter being a collaborative effort with the health club situated a few floors below.

Australasia spin-off Sunset offers a tranquil setting for sipping exotic cocktails, enjoying Asian snacks, or partaking in an Asian-themed afternoon tea. This fashionable oasis is adorned with soft pink shades, intricate designs, and lush green plants, creating a serene atmosphere. Different afternoon tea menus are available – stick with a tradition one, or upgrade with a cocktail or frosé. For an additional twist, the savoury bites are served in Sunset's signature bento box.

Menagerie radiates a chic and glamorous aura while keeping up with contemporary trends. It offers an array of menus, including afternoon tea. Choose between a traditional afternoon tea with items like cucumber sandwiches and coronation chicken, and the Menagerie-style afternoon tea with playful small plates like caulipops and gourmet beef sliders. Whichever you opt for, you can upgrade it with a bottomless package on Saturdays.

A secluded sanctuary in the heart of Manchester, The Library Champagne Bar at The Edwardian hotel provides a tranquil escape, adorned with vintage books and original art. This cosy haven is perfect for enjoying premium champagne, distinctive cocktails, a succulent rib-eye steak or some charcuterie, or partaking in one of Manchester's finest traditional afternoon teas, meticulously prepared by the hotel's skilled patissiers. Optional champagne pairing is available too.

The Midland is a grand hotel dating back to 1903, and afternoon tea in its luxurious Tea Room has been a highlight of Manchester's social scene since the very beginning. The Tea Room is the city's only setting dedicated to afternoon tea, boasting views of St Peter's Square and staffed by experienced personnel who aim to ensure a delightful experience.

Honey Restaurant at Hotel Gotham in Manchester, distinguished by its two AA Rosette Awards, is a popular eatery offering an array of dining choices, including afternoon tea. Served in an elegant atmosphere enhanced by a grand piano, Honey's afternoon tea caters to different dietary requirements, including gluten-free, and comes with an optional glass of prosecco or Taittinger.

Richmond Tea Rooms offers a whimsical and colourful setting that transports you into Lewis Carroll's imaginative world. Adorned with an abundance of flowers and vivid fabrics under a sky-like ceiling or shimmering lights, this delightful tea room presents a themed afternoon tea featuring a selection of exotic teas from across the globe. A children's version is available as well.

The Manchester outpost of perennial British favourite The Ivy serves an indulgent afternoon tea revolving around chocolate. Once you've gotten past savoury snacks like grilled chicken and truffle mayo brioche roll, you can enjoy fresh scones and a selection of chocolatey treats such as a milk choc milkshake and a madeleine with chocolate sauce. For even more indulgence, add a glass of champagne to your chocolate afternoon tea.

Annies is an old-school eatery owned by “Coronation Street” star Jennie McAlpine and her husband. Thanks to its cosy atmosphere and vintage charm, Annies is a popular spot for a traditional afternoon tea in Manchester city centre. In addition to the classic afternoon tea menu with a selection of sandwiches, a fruits scone with clotted cream and jam, patisserie treats, and unlimited loose-leaf teas, you can opt for a gluten-free or vegan version, or upgrade with prosecco or champagne. A kids' afternoon tea is served as well.

Afternoon tea at The River Restaurant is served in the iconic restaurant's soft-hued interior, art surrounding you as you settle into plush booths and figure out which one of the more than 80 teas on offer you want to try. Different afternoon tea experiences are available, including gin afternoon tea, and they all come complete with The River Restaurant's famed waterside views.

Voted Manchester's best restaurant in 2023, 20 Stories is perched high above the city and features a contemporary interior with big windows for taking in the panoramic views. Afternoon tea is served here as well, with treats such as prawn cocktail vol-au-vent and matcha gold marquise. You can opt for traditional tea or coffee, or go for an alcoholic option – Nyetimber prosecco or a miniature cocktail pairing.

Independent chocolatiers Cocoa Cabana known their way around chocolate, offering a variety of menus and experiences, including chocolate-making classes. It comes as no surprise that their afternoon tea revolves around the brown stuff too. Expect an assortment of choc treats on their famed chocolate afternoon tea menu, including things like a chocolate cherry pot and homemade scones with chocolate ganache.

Sugar Junction is a charming café born from a passion for baking and a fondness for all things retro. Its decor, featuring China tea sets, retro posters, and music from past decades, takes patrons back in time. Their famed afternoon tea, served on tiered stands, is a great reason to visit, but you can also enjoy brunch at any time of day or stop by in the evening for vintage-inspired cocktails from the bar.

Located in the historic Great Northern Warehouse, James Martin Manchester is an award-winning restaurant by the famous British chef and TV presenter. The adults-only venue features a refined interior with vintage fabrics, original artwork, and industrial design elements. You can enjoy a traditional afternoon tea here, snazz it up with champagne, or go all out with bottomless prosecco.

Fress, situated in Manchester's lively Northern Quarter, is a contemporary café renowned for its sumptuous breakfast and brunch offerings. The features a chic, elongated interior with a cosy ambience, serving visually appealing dishes suitable for halal diners. This includes a contemporary take on afternoon tea with items such as cheesy house hash and mini pancakes.

Grand Pacific is a luxurious restaurant inspired by the era of exploration, combining English culinary traditions with exotic influences in a modern, vibrant setting. This establishment is famed for its lavish afternoon tea, alongside a menu offering lunch, dinner, and bar snacks. Cocktail afternoon tea is available here as well, or you can add a glass of champagne.

The Vienna Coffee House, found in the centre of Manchester, is a nod to traditional European brasseries. Adorned with work from a local photographer, it offers a warm, inviting atmosphere. The café prides itself on its unique artisan coffee and serves a variety of freshly-made foods, including all-day breakfasts, pancakes, sandwiches, burgers, soups, and baked potatoes. An afternoon tea where you can choose your own cake from the café's chiller is served as well.

Signature Steakhouse is one of Manchester's premiere steak restaurants, but this eatery at the Trafford Hall Hotel in Manchester also serves afternoon tea during the day. You can choose between a classic afternoon tea menu or for an Indian-inspired take, which includes masala chai in addition to Indian savouries and desserts. Whichever you go for, you can add a glass of prosecco to your experience.

King Street Townhouse, situated in the heart of Manchester, occupies a striking Italian renaissance building and offers luxury accommodation ideal for both short breaks and longer stays. This four-star hotel serves afternoon tea in its dedicated lounge, honouring the timeless British tradition in a setting that's ideal for watching the world go by. Crafted by the in-house pastry chef, afternoon tea at King Street Townhouse is a luxurious, modern affair.

Malmaison Bar & Grill next to Piccadilly Station is a stylish dining destination focusing on grilling techniques, set in a modern, appealing space. The interior boasts luxurious leather banquettes and vibrant red accents. Whilst specialising in grilled steaks and inventive cocktails, they also serve afternoon tea, putting their own twist on it with items such as sliders and wraps. You can also add a glass of prosecco or a cocktail.