Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost for you!
Are you searching for delicious but unique and quirky afternoon teas in Manchester? Then look no further.
This list of the top 6 afternoon tea spots in Manchester offers you a slice of quirk, a dollop of bizarreness, and plates full of originality.
All of these unique afternoon tea spots serve up classic British favourites like scones and finger sandwiches with the occasional exceptional twist.
These afternoon tea establishments are perfect for a creative date idea, a hen do, a birthday celebration or just something a little different to the usual Manchester nightlife jaunt.
From black cab teas to canal boat rides and the wacky world of Alice in Wonderland, Manchester’s quirky afternoon tea scene will spoil you.
1. Richmond Tea Rooms
You can’t get much quirkier than Alice in Wonderland! The Richmond Tea Rooms offers guests a unique Alice in Wonderland afternoon tea in Manchester.
This enchanting and vibrant tearoom will certainly feed your appetite as well as your imagination. If you’re looking for a fun-themed afternoon tea in Manchester, look no further.
Richmond Tea Rooms is located in the Gay Village, a perfect setting for the establishment’s bombardment of colour and quirk.
This place is more than just your average afternoon tea spot; visit for scrumptious scones, cocktails galore, live entertainment, and even drag queens as part of the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party.
With five afternoon teas to choose from you can indulge in all the classic favourites plus some sensational extras.
With authentic finger sandwiches, mini quiches, scones with clotted cream and homemade Cumberland scotch egg, they’ve got something for both sweet and savoury enthusiasts.
- Address: 46 Sackville Street, Manchester, M1 3WF
- Price: Prices start at £10.75 for the Alice Afternoon Tea, Hatters Afternoon Tea £15, Tweedles Afternoon Tea £28.50, Queens Afternoon Tea £26.50, Wonderland Champagne Afternoon Tea £28.95
2. Heaton Park Dining Domes
Another spot for a fun afternoon tea in Manchester are the dining domes at Heaton Park.
Heaton Park is one of the most tranquil places in Manchester, so what better place to have a romantic or relaxing afternoon tea?
There are three air-conditioned domes situated right on the edge of the lake.
Inside these transparent domes, you’ll enjoy a sensational afternoon tea coupled with beautiful views of Mancunians and tourists paddling on giant swan pedalos.
As there are only three dining domes, be sure to book in advance. It should also be noted that these domes are seasonal and open in spring.
You can expect to sample delightful chicken finger sandwiches, moist chocolate brownies with a moreish caramel ganache, and ‘not so sausage’ rolls for vegetarians.
This place is excellent value for money, and they even give you a box to go in case you need to take any leftovers home.
- Address: Middleton Road, Prestwich, Manchester, M25 2SW
- Price: £23.95 per person with a minimum spend of £60 per pod
3. The Afternoon Tea Taxi Tour
For quirky afternoon tea in Manchester try this taxi tour with a twist.
Take the iconic British afternoon tea and stick it in a classic black cab, only not a London taxi but a Manchester one, and there you have it, the afternoon tea taxi tour.
Tour guide and taxi driver John offers this unique guided tour of Manchester with a filling afternoon tea thrown in for good measure.
And yes… you actually get to enjoy your food and drink inside the black cab.
The afternoon teas are provided by Slattery Pâtissier & Chocolatier, a top-notch service.
Though the afternoon tea featuring scones is delightful, John and his knowledge of Manchester are the tour’s biggest draw. He can tailor a tour to your specific requirements.
Maybe you have an interest in Manchester’s history? Or perhaps you’d like an all-encompassing view of the city, well, John provides that with a good dolloping of enthusiasm and local knowledge.
- Address: Pick up at a location convenient for you.
- Price: £220 per tour (for up to six people)
- Book here
4. Sunset by Australasia Afternoon Tea
Sunset by Australasia is perhaps best known for their Asian bento boxes and stylish pink interior, but you may be happy to discover they also do a lovely afternoon tea service.
The fact that this super Instagrammable spot now serves some of the most spectacularly beautiful afternoon tea items is only fuelling the “phone eats first” phenomenon!
Let’s be honest most afternoon teas don’t feature sushi and edamame beans but opt for Australasia’s savoury bento box and you’ll be delighted by a uniquely different take on this classic British pastime.
Sunset by Australasia is also well known for its sweet-toothed afternoon teas. Indulge in macarons, ice cream, honey cake, and an assortment of cocktails, rosé and mocktails.
This unique afternoon tea in Manchester is infused with Asian finishes and flavours and is a superb place for a girly celebration like a hen party tea.
- Address: 1 The Avenue, Manchester, M3 3AP
- Price: Starting at £22.50 per person
5. Lancashire Canal Boat Afternoon Tea
Fancy bobbing along on a Lancashire canal boat whilst enjoying afternoon tea? If you are looking for much more than just a dining option, this is a great excursion.
Hop aboard the Alfie Bhoy narrowboat and lap up the views of the Lancashire waterways.
This canal tour and tea lasts an hour and a half and there are three time slots to choose from, 12 noon, 2pm and 4pm.
You’ll be served a welcome drink upon arrival and there’s an unlimited self-serve tea and coffee service on board.
This really is a lovely way to relax and enjoy the Great British countryside.
Tuck into a smorgasbord that’s filled with delicate sandwiches, jam and clotted cream-topped scones and an assortment of scrumptious cakes.
There are also afternoon tea options for vegetarians, vegans and those needing gluten-free. The only thing left to discuss is whether you put the jam or cream on your scone first!?
- Address: Departure point is at The Slipway Bar & Restaurant, 48 Crabtree Lane, Burscough, L40 0RN
- Price: Children (3-11 years) £12, Adults £20
6. Retro Bicycle Picnic
The Retro Bicycle Picnic offers another unique afternoon tea in Manchester.
Not only will you tuck into a picnic hamper, but you’ll be able to go for a couple’s bike ride too.
At Fletcher Moss Park a delightful picnic area will be arranged for you, complete with blanket-covered chairs, a Roberts Revival radio, and a cutesy woven picnic basket.
You will then be able to take the two vintage basket-adorned bicycles for a ride around the park.
What is unique about this afternoon tea experience is the picnic hamper can be tailored to your needs. You can choose your favourite foods, a colour scheme, and even add flowers or cakes.
The hamper includes freshly prepared sandwiches, Bisous Bisous pastries and macarons, locally sourced and seasonal food, champagne, and a flask of tea.
Don’t worry if you get a little cold, you’ll be able to cosy up with blankets and cushions. This is a great idea for a unique proposal, a romantic date or a birthday celebration.
- Address: Meet outside the Alpine Tea Room at Fletcher Moss Park, 18 Stenner Lane, Didsbury, Manchester M20 2RQ.
- Price: £135
Now that you know everything about the best themed afternoon tea in Manchester, it’s time to make a booking and enjoy a delicious meal!
You may also be interested in:
