Manchester’s Gallery Café actually holds the prestigious title of being the world's oldest of its kind, established in 1887. In the early 20th century, it gained renown for its afternoon tea, a tradition that remains immensely popular today, and even served as a regular meeting spot for members of the
Manchester Literary Club, including luminaries like Elizabeth Gaskell and Anthony Burgess. Every purchase made at the Gallery Café, be it a cup of coffee or a slice of cake, contributes to the gallery's profits, reinvested in community projects both in Manchester and beyond, truly making a wonderfully positive impact on the city. Striving for sustainability, the team at the Gallery Café are proud to conscientiously offer environmentally, socially, and ethically responsible products, right from B-Corp spirits to Fairtrade coffee and beer crafted from surplus bread.
If you want to have a gorgeously British afternoon, why not book onto the quintessential English high tea experience amid the charming ambiance of the Gallery Café, a beautiful place to enjoy some cake and tea. When you dine on the high tea experience, you’ll be able to choose from a diverse selection of premium loose leaf teas from around the globe, expertly paired with freshly baked sandwiches, cakes, and scones prepared daily by the in house chefs. For an extra touch of indulgence, all of the afternoon tea options come with bottomless tea refills, and you can make the celebration even fancier by adding a glass of fizz, making your experience even more memorable.
There are wonderful breakfast dishes served, too, a dedicated kids menu, lunch, sandwiches and jackert potatoes, a selection of mains, toasties, sides and cakes. If you're a Friend of Manchester Art Gallery, then you'll receive a 10% discount off your bill, too.