The best afternoon tea in Manchester city centre

The Library Champagne Bar is a peaceful retreat where you can indulge with a traditional afternoon tea. This elegant venue is enhanced with art and books. The afternoon tea served here is considered one of the best available in Manchester, featuring a selection of handmade finger sandwiches, scones, and delicate sweet treats.

Grand Pacific gets its inspiration from the age of exploration, serving British recipes with distinct exotic twists. Lunch, dinner, and bar snacks are served in addition to afternoon tea with a choice of tea blends and the option to add prosecco, champagne, or a cocktail. The venue is opulent and atmospheric.

Have afternoon tea at one of Manchester's leading restaurants, 20 Stories. Set on a 19th floor location in Spinningfields, the big windows at this modern venue provide impressive city views. Afternoon tea is served here with the option to add an alcoholic drink. Expect sandwiches and savouries, scones, desserts, and a choice of teas and coffees.

Refined brasserie The Ivy Spinningfields offers diners a variety of different menus, including afternoon tea served every day. In grand surroundings, guests can sample a menu of savoury sandwiches, scones with cream and strawberry preserve, and a selection of chocolate treats. You're welcome to add on a glass of champagne if you like.

Check out Sugar Junction if you fancy afternoon tea in a cosy and homey café. This vintage-inspired venue has a cutesy look and aims to make you feel like you've stepped back in time. You can have a traditional afternoon tea here served on tiered stands, with 18 tea and coffee blends to choose from. Alcohol is also served.

Richmond Tea Rooms is a colourful and original venue themed on “Alice in Wonderland”. This quirky place immerses guests in a fantasy world through lavish decor and a fun themed afternoon tea. Several different afternoon tea options are available and dietary requirements can be catered for. Guests can also add an alcoholic drink to their experience.

Annies serves up comforting old-school British food in a traditional setting. It's a cosy and elegant venue that's ideal for any time of day, including the middle of the afternoon when you're craving afternoon tea. As well as a traditional selection, there are tea menus here for children and dietary requirements, plus the option to add champagne or prosecco.

An upmarket bar in Deansgate, Cloud 23 offers panoramic views of Manchester. Creative cocktails inspired by a range of themes are served here, plus afternoon tea is available. The classic tea menu includes savoury bites, scones, and cakes, with the option to add a cocktail or free-flowing champagne. Afternoon tea for kids is also available.

Ranked one of the best vegan restaurants in the world, The Allotment is the obvious choice for a plant-based afternoon tea in Manchester. This contemporary restaurant is colourful and has a Mediterranean feel, plus there are outdoor tables with views of Manchester Cathedral. Afternoon tea here is a vegan selection of sweet and savoury treats, with prosecco included.

Based in the historic surroundings of the Great Northern Warehouse, James Martin Manchester is an award-winning British restaurant. A choice of creative menus are available here, including a traditional afternoon tea every Saturday accompanied by carefully-sourced loose leaf blends. This classic tea is served in a stylish environment with industrial touches and original art.

An offshoot of neighbouring venue Australasia, Sunset by Australasia is a breezy venue specialising in cocktails and Asian-inspired food. As well as sushi and small plates, an Asian-influenced afternoon tea is available here. Diners get a bento box of savoury bites plus desserts and a choice of tea blends. You can add alcoholic drinks too.

Based in a historic city centre building, Browns is an elegant all-day brasserie that offers a choice of menus. You can have afternoon tea in these refined surroundings, with a classic menu of savouries, scones with seasonal jams, and miniature cakes and desserts. A gluten-free selection is also on offer at this restaurant.

The Midland offers luxury hotel accommodation in the middle of the city and also has some impressive dining options on-site. That includes afternoon tea in the tea room, Manchester's only space dedicated to afternoon tea. Guests can enjoy a traditional afternoon tea in an elegant setting that overlooks St Peter's Square.

Located in the middle of the city centre, The Vienna Coffee House is a tribute to European brasseries. It's cosy and comfortable, decorated with work by a local photographer. Food is served here including all-day breakfasts, but afternoon tea is also popular. It includes finger sandwiches, scones, and a slice of cake of your choice.

Award-winning Honey Restaurant is based at Hotel Gotham in the city centre. The venue is homely and unpretentious, serving globally-inspired dishes. A traditional afternoon tea is available here, to be enjoyed in Art Deco surroundings to the sound of live piano music, creating a sophisticated yet comfortable atmosphere.

For luxury accommodation in the heart of the city there's King Street Townhouse. This four star hotel is proud of its Manchester identity, housed in a grand Grade II listed building dating back to 1872. It's known for its afternoon tea service, available seven days a week and putting a luxury spin on this time-honoured tradition. 

Malmaison specialises in fusion grilling but the Piccadilly restaurant also offers an afternoon tea service. This is a modern and creative take on tradition, with the option to have a lighter cream tea as an alternative. Prosecco and cocktails are available too. The venue is plush and comfortable with bursts of colour throughout.

British restaurant Mamucium serves afternoon tea in a well-lit contemporary space decorated with artwork inspired by Manchester. A traditional tea with unlimited tea or coffee is served here, as well as a light cream tea or savoury gentleman's afternoon tea as an alternative. Ingredients are locally sourced and cocktails are also a speciality.

San Carlo Gran Café serves an eclectic selection of Italian all-day dishes. As well as breakfast, brunch, and lunch, afternoon tea is available. Here you can have a selection of savouries, scones, and pastries, plus a cream tea and champagne tea are also on offer. The space features marble and shades of blue, plus large windows for great views.