13 of the best afternoon teas in Liverpool

Liverpool - famous for The Beatles, the rock'n'roll 60s and a fierce football rivalry, but also increasingly for some really fantastic food and drink. A new generation of restaurateurs and exciting food businesses has breathed life into Merseyside, with Liverpool now awash with great restaurants, brunch spots, bars, cafes and more. More importantly, it's a wonderful place to celebrate a special occasion - specifically with tea and cake - which is why we've rounded-up all the best afternoon teas in Liverpool.

Liverpool is a fantastic city to kick back and relax with some of the finer things in life - finger sandwiches, Champagne, fine teas, cakes and pastries. Much to our delight, there are plenty of fantastic spots to go for afternoon tea in Liverpool, all very different but all masses of fun. When it comes to picking the best afternoon tea in Liverpool, there are lots of different things to consider to ensure you make the most of your time. Do you want something classic and traditional, served on beautiful china? Are you hoping to spoil someone special? Are bubbles optional or mandatory? Maybe you’re looking to switch it up and enjoy something a bit different from the regular sandwiches and scones, in which case, some chilli nacho cups and sriracha mayo corn dogs might be right up your street. 

All of these are legitimate questions, but they don’t necessarily make it any easier to find the right afternoon tea spot. That's where we come in - we've been out and about in the city, lifting teacups and nibbling scones in order to find the best afternoon teas on Merseyside, from fancy hotels that might leave a dent in your wallet, to unexpected venues offering excellent value deals. So, without further ado, here is our ultimate breakdown of Liverpool's best afternoon teas, just click through to see more information like opening times and how to book.

The London Carriage Works 

Why: Set in an 1860s coach and carriage builders' warehouse, the multi award-winning London Carriage Works serves an classic oh-so-British afternoon tea proudly made with locally-sourced produce. Indulge with a range of delicious finger sandwiches, freshly baked cakes, speciality teas and scones served with clotted cream, berries and preserves. LCW’s prime location means that you can easily explore Liverpool’s iconic Hope Street afterwards. Vegan and gluten-free options are available with 48 hours' notice.  
Where: 40 Hope Street L1 9DA
Book now: The London Carriage Works

Fab4 Cafe at The Beatles Story Museum

What: If you’re in Liverpool there’s a good chance you’re brushing up on some Beatles-related culture. The good news is, you can tick off your afternoon tea and Beatles love in one fell swoop at The Beatles Story Museum, as the Fab4 Cafe serves a simple but effective afternoon tea that includes generous sandwiches, prosecco, scones and macarons. You can even get a cappuccino, dusted with cocoa in the shape of your Beatle of choice!
Where: Britannia Vaults, Albert Dock, L3 4AD
Book now: Fab4 Cafe Albert Dock

Chez Mal Brasserie at Malmaison

Why: Situated in Liverpool’s fashionable Docklands area, Malmaison is THE place to go for an indulgent and stylish afternoon tea. There are no china cups and twee tiers to be found here; instead, Malmaison is bringing the British tradition of afternoon tea bang up to date. Choose from a range of bite-sized sweets and savouries, as well as some classic fruit or plain scones with jam and clotted cream. Malmaison has an impressive selection of teas, or if you want to add some bubbles you can choose between cocktails, prosecco and Champagne.  
Where: 7 William Jessop Way, L3 1QZ
Book now: Chez Mal Brasserie at Malmaison

Panoramic 34

Why: If it’s a view you’re looking for then Panoramic 34 might be the afternoon tea for you. At 90 metres up, Panoramic 34 is one of the highest restaurants in the UK and it has an impressive afternoon tea on offer to match the stunning views of Liverpool. With the choice to have either a luxury afternoon tea (with a glass of bubbles) or a standard, expect sandwiches including beef pastrami and sauerkraut and delicious pastries such as a chocolate and caramel tart. Panoramic 34 also offer a separate afternoon tea for children.
Where: 34th Floor, West Tower, Brook Street, L3 9PJ
Book now: Panoramic 34

Alma De Cuba

Why: The samba afternoon tea at Alma De Cuba is as much about the fantastic entertainment on show as the tea. Whilst you eat and drink, prepare to be wowed by an amazing performance from the samba dancers and you can even get up and join them if you aren’t too full of cake. The food on offer has a twist, with sandwiches featuring fillings like Mediterranean vegetables and baba ganoush, as well as smoked salmon with lime and chilli crème fraiche.
Where: St Peters' Church, Seel Street, L1 4BH
Book now: Alma De Cuba

Bastion Bar at The Shankly Hotel

Why: If cute presentation does it for you then the afternoon tea served at the Shankly Hotel’s Bastion Bar might be the perfect spot. Served on a mini wooden picnic bench, the classic afternoon tea features finger sandwiches such as a chicken Caesar salad wrap, and a ham and mustard croissant. The top level of the picnic table is stuffed full of scones and cakes and all can be enjoyed alongside a glass of bubbly if you so wish. The Bastion Bar also additionally offers a constantly changing themed afternoon tea.
Where: Millennium House, 60 Victoria Street, L1 6JD
Book now: Bastion Bar at the Shankly Hotel

Oh Me Oh My

Why: A fairly recent addition to the Liverpool afternoon tea scene, Oh Me Oh My opened in 2013 predominantly as a wedding and events venue. However, head downstairs to its little café and you will be treated to a brilliant classic afternoon tea, all in a beautifully relaxed atmosphere. Sandwiches might include lemon and thyme roast chicken, and a ham hock and cheddar croque, whereas sweets include a wonderful honey and blueberry cake to be enjoyed alongside a glass of Prosecco, Champagne or a cocktail if you so wish.
Where: West Africa House, 25 Water Street, L2 ORG
Book now: Oh Me Oh My

Cuthbert's Bakehouse

Why: There are options galore on offer over at Cuthbert’s Bakehouse. As well as a classic afternoon tea, there is also a vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, children’s and even a brunch ‘afternoon’ tea, so everyone is catered for. Our favourite is its ‘New Yorker’ afternoon tea which includes miniature hot dogs, cheeseburgers and Reubens, as well as red velvet cupcakes and New York baked cheesecake. Even traditionalists out there can’t deny that sounds amazing! 
Where: 103 Mount Pleasant, L3 5TB
Book now: Cuthbert's Bakehouse

Stanley's Bar & Grill at the Titanic Hotel

Why: For a waterside afternoon tea in Liverpool look no further than Stanley’s Bar & Grill in the hugely impressive Titanic hotel situated right on the Liverpool docks. Its classic afternoon tea combines stunning waterfront views, with a selection of finger sandwiches, followed by freshly baked scones and finally amazing sweet treats such as gin and tonic macaroons and praline choux buns. Choose to have it alongside either a speciality tea served in vintage china, or a glass of bubbles if you’d prefer.
Where: Stanley Dock, Regent Road, L3 0AN
Book now: Stanley's Bar & Grill

NYL at the Aloft Hotel

Why: For what we think is one of the best value afternoon teas in Liverpool, head over to NYL Restaurant and Bar at Liverpool’s Aloft Hotel. As the name might suggest, it’s another New York-style afternoon tea on offer here but with a few playful takes on the classics. The first tier of the afternoon tea might include savouries such as a smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel, and a BBQ pulled pork slider. While the second tier contains, amongst other things, a sweet take on a hot dog featuring a dark chocolate rolled ganache inside a brioche bun.
Where: 1 North John Street, L2 5QW
Book now: NYL at the Aloft Hotel

The Art School

Why: As if Paul Askew’s restaurant The Art School needed any more acclaim, it also serves one of Liverpool’s finest afternoon teas in its underground area The Cellars. Served on an elegant stainless steel Ferris wheel stand, the afternoon tea features some rather posh takes on traditional sandwiches such as a Loch Duart poached salmon creation with dill creme fraiche, cucumber and Keta caviar on rye bread. As well as freshly baked scones, sweet options include Earl Grey macarons. You have the choice to enjoy your afternoon feast with coffee or tea, Prosecco, or Champagne.
Where: 1 Sugnall Street, L7 7EB
Book now: The Art School

Dash

Why: If you're after something a little less traditional, head to Dash, the international restaurant popular with locals and tourists alike. Relax in the elegant surroundings and try Asian delights like flamed beef sushi nori with enoki mushrooms and snow crab roll with tobiko caviar. Sweet treats include a tangy yuzu tart and for the afternoon tea purists amongst you, fear not, as scones with clotted cream and jam also feature. 
Where: 15 Victoria Street, L2 5QS
Book now: Dash

Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill

Why: There are few bigger names in the British culinary scene than Marco Pierre White, and his chain of steakhouses have seen a success all over the nation. In addition to its typical juicy steaks and grills, you can now enjoy a classic British afternoon tea at this Liverpool branch. Expect dainty finger sandwiches, macarons, scones and more, paired with Teapigs tea, prosecco or Champagne for a really special occasion.
Where: Hotel Indigo, 10 Chapel Street, L3 9AG
Book now: Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill

Fancy going for afternoon tea in the capital? Check out our list of the best afternoon teas in London. Or, find our full list of restaurants in Liverpool to start planning your next meal out.