Afternoon Tea with a fantasy twist at Richmond Tea Rooms

Get lost down the rabbit hole

As far as themed dining spots go, Richmond Tea Rooms is certainly one of the most loyal to its source material. Stepping foot into Manchester’s very own pink palace, guests can escape from the monotony of everyday life and enjoy a few hours in topsy-turvy Wonderland. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply catching up with loved ones, the city centre retreat promises to whisk you down the rabbit hole with an experience to remember.

When you first walk into the tea rooms through the arch of flowers, you enter the main Wonderland area with signature red and black decor, extravagant chandeliers, and a mountain of Alice-inspired paraphernalia. Complete with a sky-blue ceiling, floral blooms and wicker garden chairs, the orangery transports you to sunnier climes, even on a rainy day in Manchester. The third space is the recently opened enchanted forest – a large dining room down a winding staircase which is home to many of the popular events at the tea room.

A dining experience fit for a Queen (of Hearts) 

The themed decor and lively atmosphere are complemented by an extensive menu of freshly prepared sandwiches, indulgent cakes and other sweet treats, washed down with an impressive selection of speciality teas. As well as the more traditional blends, the tea offering here includes an array of rare and exotic teas from around the world – think Rose Petal and Gunpowder Green.

Start the day with the Classic Richmond Breakfast, served on 28-hour sourdough toast and accompanied by a tangy Bloody Mary. If you arrive slightly later, you can enjoy the light lunch menu, packed with fresh sandwiches, pies and homemade soups. It is the sweet treats, however, that steal the show – practically screaming ‘Eat Me’ from behind the glass counter. From indulgent ice cream sundaes to staple cakes such as the Boston Cream and Lemon Dream, the decadent desserts are lovingly baked in-house and proudly placed on display.

It wouldn’t be a visit to Richmond Tea Rooms without sampling the main event – the famous afternoon tea. Served on a huge tiered stand that moves from sweet to savoury, this take on the quintessential British pastime is as much about theatre as it is about fantastic taste. The Queen’s Tea is the signature offering here, with a selection of finger sandwiches, assortment of freshly baked cakes and scones slathered in clotted cream and jam – served with a steaming pot of loose leaf tea, of course. If you’re feeling fancy, you can elevate your high tea with a glass of fizz. For those who prefer their savoury to sweet, the Tweedles Tea is ideal with beer-battered fish, skin-on chips and homemade Cumberland Scotch egg – you can even round it off with a pint of lager.

Far more than just tea and cake

Located a mere stone’s throw from Canal Street, the beating heart of the LGBTQ+ scene in Manchester, the venue is a hit with the community and prides itself on offering a warm welcome to everyone. From the food menu to the friendly atmosphere, the team do everything in their power to make Richmond Tea Rooms feel as inclusive as possible. If you need a vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free option, you need only ask.

Things get even more ‘curiouser and curiouser’ come nightfall when the venue ramps up the debauchery and plays host to an array of popular events. The bi-monthly Mad Hatter’s Tea Party is a highlight in the calendar, dialling up the drama of the afternoon tea with live entertainment, drag queens and plenty of booze. Alongside the cabaret acts and party games, the Mad Hatter himself often makes an appearance at the raucous event. If you’re feeling risqué, there’s also a ‘high tease’ burlesque night, promising an evening of flirty performances and cheeky cocktails.