If you are yearning for a fun day out this summer, make the most of this year’s annual Afternoon Tea Week. From 7 to 13 August, people from all over the country will celebrate the British tradition by seizing the opportunity to enjoy a deliciously decadent treat.
Whether you need an excuse to catch up with your friends and family over some cakes and sandwiches, or you fancy treating yourself, here are five of the best places for an afternoon tea in and around the north-west.
1. The Gardener’s Kitchen at Arley Hall
For an authentic afternoon tea experience, The Gardener’s Kitchen is the place to visit.
Offering both the classic selection of sandwiches and cakes as well as their special Gentleman’s Afternoon Tea, all their recipes are made with love, and the ingredients sourced from their world-famous gardens.
For a longer day out, Arley Hall has plenty more to offer. Work up an appetite as you explore the 500-year-old house, and after you’ve eaten, stroll through their gorgeous gardens as you digest your mouthwatering meal.
Their afternoon tea is available daily from 12 pm to 4 pm, and you must book at least a day in advance.
2. The Bench Bistro
Located in Nantwich town, the Bench Bistro offers a unique afternoon tea experience by delivering your food on a miniature park bench!
These little tables are packed with a variety of savoury food – including scampi and mini beef burgers – as well as a selection of sweet treats. Their tasty dishes will transport you to a sunny park and is perfect for a summer day.
Their afternoon teas are available every day except Wednesday, but please remember to call ahead and give 24 hours’ notice when booking.
3. Tina’s Tea Room
Tucked away on the Ring Balcony of the Bury Art Museum & Sculpture Centre, Tina’s Tea Room is the place to go if you want a full day out with your friends and family.
With a selection of doorstopper sandwiches and wedges of cake served on fine china plates, the unique setting and friendly atmosphere will make your afternoon tea experience unforgettable.
The museum downstairs holds a variety of creative talks and workshops for you to get stuck into alongside their art and sculpture exhibitions. Witness important pieces from British art history, including artefacts from the 14th century Bury Castle as well as paintings and sketches from across the past hundred years.
Tina’s Tea Room is open from Tuesday to Saturday every week.
4. The Vintage Tea Rooms
With two rooms to choose from – either their English garden-themed tea room downstairs or the art deco inspired upstairs – The Vintage Tea Rooms is the perfect place to enjoy a classic afternoon tea.
If the weather is pleasant, you can also savour your food outside in their quaint tea garden. The adorable decorations and the picturesque view of the nearby All Saints Church will make your afternoon tea even more pleasant.
The tasty homemade cakes and welcoming atmosphere even won The Vintage Tea Rooms a Gold Citation from the Taste of Excellence Awards in 2017 and 2018.
At only £18 per person, this afternoon tea is too good to miss!
5. The Ivy Spinningfields
Only a two-minute walk from our new Manchester city centre office, The Ivy Spinningfields is the place to go for a luxury afternoon tea experience.
With two beautifully decorated dining rooms and the fantastic Skylight Terrace, their lavish afternoon tea menu will delight your tastebuds with exquisite savoury bites and rich chocolate desserts.
Their Dream Afternoon Tea is £29.95 and is served from 3 pm to 5 pm every day.
If you’re celebrating a special occasion, upgrade to a Champagne Afternoon Tea for an extra £10.
