Best spots for afternoon tea in Manchester

Where better to enjoy afternoon tea than Wonderland itself? Inspired by the weird and wonderful novels of Lewis Carroll, this pink paradise offers a theatrical dining experience like no other. Take a trip down the rabbit hole and enjoy an extravagant platter, served on a huge, tiered stand that moves from sweet to savoury. Whether you choose the signature ‘Queens Tea’, or elevate your afternoon with a glass of fizz, you can expect freshly-prepared sandwiches and an assortment of homemade cakes and scones – served with a steaming pot of loose-leaf tea. If you prefer your high tea with a side of drama and debauchery, the bi-monthly Mad Hatter’s Tea Party adds live entertainment and drag queens into the mix.

Perhaps the most indulgent offering on this list, the afternoon tea at Cocoa Cabana is the stuff of legends. Based in West Didsbury (and with a second location in the heart of Ancoats), the unique venue is both daytime chocolatier and evening cocktail bar – and it’s certainly a haven for chocolate lovers. Although it does include savoury sandwiches, the afternoon tea menu is all about the sweet treats – think gooey brownies, chocolate tarts, mousses, bonbons and macarons. Even the drinks have a chocolatey twist as you can accompany the platter with either a signature hot chocolate or quirky cocktail, such as the chocolate espresso martini.

Located in an historic listed building, The Tea Room at The Midland Hotel is the only venue in the city solely dedicated to the quintessential British tradition. While the pastime may date back centuries, The Midland adds a contemporary twist to its afternoon tea, with a decadent brie and red onion marmalade quiche accompanying the traditional sandwiches and scones. To complement the opulent surroundings overlooking St Peter’s Square, there’s even a resident pianist who performs a soothing soundtrack every weekend and a Chef’s Counter where guests can watch the pastry chef in action.

Situated in the Royal Exchange Theatre in the city centre, Annies is an eatery and bar with a nostalgic feeling to it. This is the perfect place for a classic British afternoon tea. Prices start from £25 for a traditional, gluten-free or vegan option. Annies also offers prosecco (£33) or champagne afternoon tea (£37). All come with a pot of any loose-leaf teas including premium options with unlimited refills. The traditional afternoon tea is a mix of sandwiches accompanied by a fruit scone with clotted cream and strawberry jam, as well as plenty of other sweet treats. Children can have afternoon tea for £13 here too, making it a fantastic place for a family treat.

The Whitworth Café’s home is the wonderful and beautiful Whitworth Gallery, an award-winning space of contemporary art situated next to the University of Manchester campus on Oxford Road. Surrounding it is the gorgeous Whitworth Park, full of trees and flowers. Many don’t know that the Whitworth Gallery also has an amazing café. This is a peaceful place to have a fancy, but not expensive lunch in a quaint setting. In the afternoon tea package, you can select from several amazing sandwiches, such as pastrami and horseradish focaccia or salmon in a cream cheese bagel, as well as a classic chicken sandwich. It also has plenty of vegetarian options and a large kids menu.