The ‘Capital of the North’ is famous for diversity and culture yet you are never far from the quintessentially British treat of afternoon tea. Here are our top 5 places to indulge in Manchester…
Cloud 23
Deansgate
If you love a spectacular view when you dine, it doesn’t get much better than Cloud 23. Located on the 23rd floor of the landmark Beetham Tower, the floor to ceiling windows offer a panoramic view of the city. This is the kind of place for an extra special celebration; think classic cocktails, bottles of champagne, elegant furnishings, immaculate staff, and guests to match (best leave the treads at home on this occasion).
As much as we love the setting at Cloud 23, their afternoon tea is what really steals the show. The traditional afternoon tea selection of savoury bites and delicious sweet treats are absolutely divine, with a great selection of fillings, like beetroot and feta, tasty savoury pastries and cakes that are to die for.
If at any point in the year you are looking to celebrate a major holiday, then chances are that Cloud 23 have an afternoon tea for the occasion. From Valentines and Mother’s Day and Easter to Christmas, don’t miss out on the amazing limited edition afternoon teas that they have to offer.
Check out one of the many ☆☆☆☆☆ reviews from ResDiary diners:
“Amazing place,stunning view of Manchester. Great afternoon tea! Definitely recommend to visit!” – Argyro, visited September 2018
Love Thy Neighbour
Chorlton
Calling all Mancunian vegans; this recommendation is for you guys. Afternoon tea may be a traditional British experience but the only traditional element at Love Thy Neighbour is the look of it. Delve in deeper and you’ll be delighted by the modern tastes on offer. If you love spicy falafel, smashed avocado, and aubergine then this is the place to be. The whole afternoon tea is vegan (there’s even vegan prosecco to sip on!) but it is so delicious even non vegans should give it a taste. Dining at Love Thy Neighbour doesn’t have to be overindulgent either as they offer fresh pressed juice as an alternative to tea or coffee with their afternoon tea.
Make sure to have your camera at the ready when visiting because you are going to blow up everyones Instagram feed. The restaurant’s decor is the epitome of 2018, with tables made from old recycled warehouse pallets, the colour scheme is bright and airy with pops of colour from the bright pink neon signs with sayings like ‘In my mind my dreams are real’.
Check out one of the many ☆☆☆☆☆ reviews from ResDiary diners:
“This is the sort of good quality, relaxed eating venue Chorlton should have. Great food and friendly staff. Go there!” – Barry, visited May 2018
Richmond Tearooms
The Village
What springs to mind when someone mentions a tea party? It has got to be The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party in Alice and Wonderland. So if you are looking for the ultimate tea party experience in Manchester then make your way to the Richmond Tearooms in The Village. The place was designed on the fictional magical underland and we simply can’t do it justice by trying to describe it; you have to see it to believe it. Take your first step into the tearoom and your eyes are directly drawn to the large cabinet of homemade cakes, so if you weren’t hungry before you arrive then you certainly will be now (cue the stomach rumblings). The selection included in their afternoon tea is just as magical as the decor and exactly what you would expect from a traditionally classic experience. Enjoy large slices of fluffy cake, copious amounts of cream and jam to accompany your warm scones, delicious finger sandwiches, all served on beautiful china.
You simply won’t find a more extravagant tea room in Manchester and it is the perfect place to enjoy a unique experience or impress visitors to the city.
Check out one of the many ☆☆☆☆☆ reviews from ResDiary diners:
“Fantastic afternoon tea!! The gluten free option was excellent, by far the best I’ve experienced!! The tea selection was great! High recommend! ” – Daniella Gatt, visited September 2018
Cocoa Cabana
West Didsbury
This award winning boutique chocolaterie in West Didsbury serves the most indulgent afternoon tea, designed with the sweet toothed in mind. Needless to say, it’s full of chocolate without getting sickly. . Cocoa Cabana have taken the afternoon tea classics and added the perfect mix of chocolate. Our favourite twist has got to be the fruit scones, served with cream and salted caramel sauce, which are beyond heavenly and gorgeously sweet! Thankfully they haven’t attempted to mix chocolate with their savoury selection and the fluffy sandwiches perfectly compliment the sweet treats. But of course it is the sweet chocolate treats, like bite sized brownies and chocolate tarts, that steal the show at this afternoon tea experience.
The team at Cocoa Cabana are so welcoming and the service is so warm and attentive, it’s no surprise that the cafe is independently owned. Created by Sarah Gallacher, who trained at the world renowned Slattery’s Patissier and Chocolatiers, within a year of opening Cocoa Cabana won awards for the Guild of Fine Foods Taste of Gold Award 2013 and 2014, as well as the Inspiring Women Entrepreneur Award 2014. There really is no doubt that a visit to Cocoa Cabana would be an extra special indulgence!
Check out one of the many ☆☆☆☆☆ reviews from ResDiary diners:
“What a lovely afternoon tea. We came with 12 people for a family hen do and the service was great. The salted caramel spread that cake with the scones was incredible” – Claire Alcock, visited October 2018
Leaf
Portland Street
Located in a classic yet contemporary building that was previously home to Riba and Cube Gallery, Leaf is a gorgeous tea room with modern flare (think exposed brick and floral patterns). They are so passionate about tea that they have crafted and sell their special own loose leaf brews (it’s named Leaf for a good reason) which are served with their delectable afternoon tea. Enjoy a selection of freshly made sandwiches with homemade cakes, served with unlimited tea.
Leaf is best known as a creative and relaxing space and we feel their afternoon tea best compliments this. Afternoon tea is all about relaxing and indulging and Leaf provide the perfect space to do so. Relax with your friends or book a celebration and be ensured that you can sit back, relax and catch up with friends at Leaf.
Check out one of the many ☆☆☆☆☆ reviews from ResDiary diners:
“Had a lovely afternoon tea. Food and tea excellent and the tea lesson was brilliant. Would thoroughly recommend. ” – Karen Thorpe, visited June 2018