Best afternoon tea in Manchester: 14 special occasion spots for tea and cake

When it comes to finding the best afternoon teas in Manchester, you won't be left disappointed. This bustling city boasts an array of brilliant afternoon teas, from vintage tea rooms and plenty of new-school Insta-friendly hangouts, with spots for every occasion. If you've got a hankering for extravagant stands of scones and sarnies, then you've come to the right place.

Manchester once had a reputation for being a little grey and dismal, and though the weather doesn’t always show up, the same can’t be said for the city’s food scene. In the last decade especially we’ve watched Manchester evolve into one of the UK’s most exciting food cities, with a new generation of restaurants and bars putting Manchester on the culinary map. Don’t believe us? Just take a look at our list of the Top 100 Restaurants in the UK, which contains plenty of talent from the Greater Manchester area.

Naturally, some of Manchester’s best known hotel addresses offer luxurious afternoon teas, perfect if you’re taking mum out for Mother’s Day, or planning some special with a loved one. You have lots of other options too though - these days Manchester boasts high rise afternoon teas at the top of skyscrapers, in historic Grade-listed buildings and in quaint old tea rooms with vintage crockery.

What can you expect when you venture out for afternoon tea in Manchester? For starters, a range of delicious savoury treats - often that means finger sandwiches, but some teas also lay on some savoury baking too, or alternate menus with international, fusionary twists. You can also expect freshly baked scones with a range of jams and spreads, followed by sweet treats. Fine loose leaf teas are a given, of course, and pretty much all of the afternoon teas in this list also offer Champagne afternoon tea for an extra fee.

Did we get your tummy rumbling? Scroll down to read more about our favourite afternoon teas in Manchester.

King Street Townhouse

What: The tea lounge at King Street Townhouse is a lovely quiet space, perfect if you’re looking for somewhere calm to step away from Manchester’s busy streets for an hour or two. The teas are all about luxury too, with generous portions of scones, sandwiches, savouries and precision patisserie all accounted for. Indulge in these eye-catching pastries showcasing timeless British flavours as part of the afternoon tea offering, or keep things savoury with a decadent high tea offering the likes of cheddar croquettes and lamb belly fritters.
Where: 10 Booth Street, M2 4AW
Book now: King Street Townhouse

The Lowry Hotel

What: If you’re looking for somewhere special to take someone for a celebration, you can’t go wrong with the five star Lowry Hotel. Teas here come in two options, for those looking to keep things traditional with tiered stands of sweet and savoury treats, or those who fancy making it a bit boozier with a G&T or a glass of bubbles. A rather indulgent affair, expect smoked salmon and dill open sandwiches and broccoli and cheddar tarts followed by white chocolate bavarois and pistachio cakes. Even the simple things, like plain scones, are done beautifully.
Where: 50 Dearman's Place, M3 5LH
Book now: The River Restaurant at The Lowry Hotel

Cloud 23

What: Afternoon teas and views often go hand in hand, and afternoon tea at Cloud 23 certainly has the latter on lockdown, with panoramic views across the glittering Manchester skyline. The tea itself comes with ever-changing seasonal menus, but tends to stick to quite classic savoury pairings and well-executed sweet bites to follow. Pair your afternoon tea with an extensive selection of black, green or infusion teas, or spice things up a bit with a glass of Champagne, or something off the cocktail menu.
Where: 303 Deansgate, M3 4LQ
Book now: Cloud 23

Richmond Tea Rooms

What: One of the best known and most popular afternoon tea spots in these parts, Manchester's Richmond Tea Rooms serves a wide array of different teas, many of which fit into an Alice in Wonderland theme. The interiors are pleasantly floral, with themed areas ranging from an enchanted forest to a beautiful, bright orangery. Food is excellent too, offering finger sandwiches, mini quiches, and homemade cakes. Go all out with the Wonderland Champagne option, or just pop in for a scone and a cup of tea.
Where: 46 Sackville Street, M1 3WF
Book now: Richmond Tea Rooms

Sugar Junction

What: Sugar Junction on Tib Street is another of Manchester’s afternoon tea darlings, thanks in part to the vintage china tea sets and cake stands. The afternoon tea is very simple by comparison with some others in this list, but if you’re in the market for a traditional mix of finger sandwiches, sweet treats and scones, all served with a freshly brewed pot of coffee, or loose leaf tea, Sugar Junction is excellent value.
Where: 60 Tib Street, M4 1LG
Book now: Sugar Junction

Hotel Gotham

What: Hotel Gotham sits inside one of Manchester most impressive old buildings, the Edwin Lutyens-designed old Midland Bank at the top of King Street. Inside you’ll find a host of smart rooms, as well as a moody bar and Honey restaurant, which serves afternoon tea throughout the week. Expect classic combos from Gotham Hotel's afternoon tea, with a twist, from cucumber and lemon mascarpone sandwiches, to pavlova with mango salsa.
Where: 100 King Street, M2 4WU
Book now: Honey Restaurant at Hotel Gotham

Sunset at Australasia

What: Among the many different venues attached to this stylish, subterranean restaurant and bar, Sunset is an Asian-inspired afternoon tea, set in an Instagram-friendly pastel pink dining room. Choose between a range of different exotic afternoon teas, which all arrive in bento boxes, packed full with crispy pork bao buns, steamed edamame and crispy rice, followed by macarons, scones and choux buns as part of an indulgent selection of desserts and pastries. Enjoy your treats with a fresh brew, sparkling wine or even a glass of sparkling plum sake - for the complete experience.
Where: 1 The Avenue, M3 3AP
Book now: Sunset at Australasia

The Tea Room at The Midland Hotel

What: One of Manchester’s most notable cultural landmarks, it’s no surprise that The Midland serves an excellent afternoon tea. This old hotel now has a purpose-built room just for afternoon tea, where you can relax in plush armchairs and couches and enjoy some of the best sandwiches and home baking in the city. If you're looking for a luxurious afternoon tea in Manchester city centre, you can't go wrong with this ultra-reliable high tea spot.
Where: 16 Peter Street, M60 2DS 
Book now: The Tea Room at The Midland Hotel

Grand Pacific Manchester

What: Grand Pacific’s calling card is the fabulous venue - once the Reform Club, where the likes of Churchill and Lloyd George would give speeches. Nowadays Grand Pacific is a restaurant and bar with a touch of Pacific grand hotel grandeur. That suits the High Tea rather nicely, which combines classics like Coronation chicken sandwiches with duck hoisin sausage rolls, and lobster brioche buns, followed by seasonal treats such as pecan pie and caramel macarons and fine teas.
Where: 50 Spring Gardens, M2 1EN
Book now: Grand Pacific Manchester

Mamucium

What: This glamorous city centre eatery offers a relaxing stop off right in the heart of Manchester city centre. If you’re looking for an afternoon tea spot to recoup after a busy morning of retail therapy then Mamucium could be exactly what you're looking for. Here, you’ll find three options for afternoon tea, from a classic high tea of fruit scones, chocolate cake and specialty coffee, to the complete works offering stands of spiced orange cake, tiramisu, and chocolate tart paired with classic finger sandwiches and unlimited tea.
Where: 6 Todd Street, M3 1WU
Book now: Mamucium

Trafford Hall Hotel

What: Looking for a truly unique afternoon tea experience? Manchester’s Trafford Hall Hotel brings a rather delightful backdrop where you can tuck into afternoon tea with an Indian twist. Tuck into finger sandwiches and bite-sized treats, with a selection of Indian savoury snacks and desserts all washed down with spiced Masala Chai. Or keep it classic with a traditional stand of fruit scones, finger sandwiches and a pot of English breakfast tea - whichever is more your style.
Where: 23 Talbot Road, M16 0PE
Book now: Trafford Hall Hotel

Annie’s Manchester

What: This central Manchester spot, serves up a quintessential afternoon tea, served with delicate blue china, packed full of a hefty selection of sarnies and cakes. With vegan and gluten-free diners catered for, Annie’s is ideal if you’re organising afternoon tea for a group with dietary requirements to consider. Things here are simple, but delicious, with traditional finger sandwiches, scones and sweets like Victoria Sponge, fruit tarts and vanilla slices.
Where: 5 Old Bank Street, M2 7PE
Book now: Annie’s Manchester

No.55 Restaurant and Bar

What: Housed in the city’s Clayton Hotel, No.55 Restaurant and Bar is known for its carefully curated menus of seasonal produce, bringing top quality dishes to each of its menus, including its afternoon tea selection. Available seven days a week, this one is perfect for afternoon tea purists, inviting diners to unwind with miniature sarnies, scones and sweet treats, and the choice of tea, coffee, or something a bit more bubbly.
Where: 55 Portland Street, M1 3HP
Book now: No.55 Restaurant and Bar

Menagerie

What: Looking for the best afternoon tea in Salford? This pretty-in-pink restaurant and venue serves up live entertainment on weekends in the form of circus acts and musicians, as well as a cracking afternoon tea. Tea itself arrives on a miniature ferris wheel, with treats taking a slightly more modern twist with the likes of duck croquettes, beef sliders and tempura king prawn, to go alongside its cake selection. There are more traditional teas on offer as well, as well as an option for bottomless bubbles or mimosas.
Where: One New Bailey, M3 5JL
Book now: Menagerie

Gorged on cake and now you're ready for dinner? We've rounded up all the best Indian restaurants in Manchester, including our top curry mile spots.