Stuffing yourself with scones, tiers of delicate pastries and mountains of tiny, but perfectly crafted sandwiches, all with a glass of something fizzy alongside? Luckily, this city has got the cake-filled ceremony down to a T. Whether you're looking to spoil someone special with a luxury experience, want to try a brand new afternoon tea with an affordable price point or fancy a birthday treat, check out our recommendations for the best places for afternoon tea in Manchester.
Last edited by katie kirwan
Last updated on 19th January 2024
Celebrating all things exotic (with some seriously grand interiors to boot) Grand Pacific in the city centre will take you on a culinary journey through dainty sandwiches and sweet bites, all topped off with a rose lychee martini, Champagne or rose. Head to the gorgeous Spring Gardens where 'High Tea' is available every day from noon until 5pm. The best part? This afternoon tea is on the affordable range, meaning prices start from as little as £25.95 per person
The Crafty Pig's 'crafternoon tea' is a great way to enjoy this British classic with a twist. For £39 per person, you'll get two hours of bottomless drinks alongside wings, karaage chicken sliders, mini burgers, caramelised biscuit cheesecake and more.
To enjoy your meal with the city skyline in front of you, 20 Stories is second to none. Perched at the top the No.1 Spinningfields building, the iconic restaurant is serving up the best afternoon tea in Manchester with a view - think pornstar martini cheesecake and Marie Rose crayfish sarnies.
You might know Sunset by Australasia as the pretty in pink bar that's home to slushie cocktails. But did you know that the Instagrammable spot is also a great place for a quirky afternoon tea in Manchester, boasting bento boxes (for the fans of savoury), sweet treats and pornstar martinis? There's even a frosé version too. Serving up this photo-friendly experience from midday until 5pm, packages start from as little as £22.50 per person.
@ Cherry Jam on Various dates from Friday 26th April 2024
A bottomless afternoon tea in Manchester, with 90 minutes of fun in tow? Taking place at Stockport's Cherry Jam, these events will have you feasting on sweet and savoury bites with free-flowing breakfast brambles, fruity spritzes, bloody marys and draught beers, before finishing up with bingo. Happening every Friday and Saturday, tickets start from just £29.00 for an alcohol-free version. With tickets and options available for children too.
Make your way to a celebrity chef's smart eatery for a luxury afternoon tea in Manchester to remember. James Martin Restaurant serves the traditional British staple every Saturday, with options to add gin tasters and Champagne. Served from 12:30 to 3pm, with prices for tiers alongside a glass of Laurent Perrier Brut NV starting at £32.95, enjoy James' notorious and original scone recipe, with Redhill Farm pork, Cumbrian beef and their own hot-smoked salmon featuring in sandwiches.
If you're looking for a drop-dead gorgeous pick, Cocoa Cabana Ancoats should be firmly on your radar. Stop by this plush spot for the chance to indulge in freshly baked goods, killer cocktails and more in an Instagrammable paradise. And if you're needing afternoon tea in Greater Manchester, their West Didsbury branch will impress too.
A stunning space within the Free Trade Hall, the Library is a unique space brought to Manchester by luxury French publishers, Assouline. It boasts an elegant high tea, complete with homemade finger sandwiches, delicate pastries and a selection of excellent Champagnes or speciality teas.
Set in the stylish and suave Browns Brasserie & Bar, this meal is set to be one to remember. Here, you'll tuck into the likes of smoked salmon and cream cheese oatcake or a chocolate mousse flower pot. Plus, you can make it a Champagne afternoon tea in Manchester for an extra tenner.
Though it may be known as a party bar, Impossible also does a fantastic afternoon tea. For £32 per person, you can enjoy finger sandwiches filled with egg mayo or roast beef, alongside macarons, mini Bakewell tarts and more with unlimited tea and coffee throughout.
Your hunt for vegan afternoon tea in Manchester is over, as the Tea Room at The Midland has a glorious spread for you to tuck into. Beetroot hummus and red pepper with 'feta' make up the savoury flavours, while dark chocolate mousse and almond sponge with caramelised pear feature across the sweet treats. There's also a traditional choice too.
From truffled chicken brioche rolls and smoked salmon on beetroot bread through to raspberry tarts or Champagne trifles, afternoon tea at The Ivy Manchester is a luxury affair. Settle down across their brasserie or rooftop for a scone, or go all out with tiers and bubbles
You'll find The Lowry afternoon tea deals in Manchester city centre at their River Restaurant. For just £59, you can grab their traditional spread for two alongside a complimentary welcome cocktail each and a further 25% off any extra drinks. A bargain, if you ask us.
This luxury afternoon tea in Manchester is calling - and it's not just the views that will impress. Free-flowing hot chocolate and teas come as standard with this beauty, but you can also add a cocktail or upgrade to 90 minutes of bottomless Champagne.
Looking for high tea complete with that perfect, delicate air of both vintage and whimsy? Let Sugar Junction be your guide for a delish yet cheap afternoon tea in Manchester. A powder-puff palace of retro china and bites, they're doing authentic spreads right, while offering plenty of cocktails to boot.
Served daily between 12pm - 5pm, Mamucium's gentleman's afternoon tea in Manchester is perfect for anyone who wants a seriously hearty twist on the tiers. A pint of house larger washes down fish 'n' chips, mini toad in the hole and more. Otherwise, you can also pick the traditional tiers.
If only a themed version will do, then the Alice In Wonderland-inspired Richmond Tea Rooms is calling. The venue has a selection of different offerings to choose from, including a gentleman's version, which mixes things up with mini fish 'n' chips, a pint, and a Cumberland Scotch egg. They also do, arguably, the best gluten free afternoon tea in Manchester.
San Carlo Gran Café has to be up there on our list of the finest Italian afternoon tea in Manchester, thanks to touting delicate cakes, moreish sandwiches and luxurious scones - all the British classics, but with a Mediterranean twist. Venture here for a tasty time in photo-worthy surroundings.
As one of the most stylish bars in the city, Menagerie can be expected to deliver much the same with its afternoon tea. Grab a snap next to that flower wall, before tucking into open finger sandwiches and scones.
