The Tea Room at The Midland

Manchester’s only location specifically dedicated to afternoon tea aims to offer elegant dining in sumptuous surroundings. Set within the Grade II-listed Midland Hotel and overlooking St Peter’s Square, The Tea Room is a chic, relaxing space with crisp white table linen. A selection of fine loose-leaf teas includes three bespoke blends; try the malty black Assam and Indonesian blend or the smoky lapsang souchong with an intoxicating hit of whisky. Our dainty sandwiches came with various modern twists: from English cucumber with zingy Hendrick’s gin and apple chutney on dark malt bread, to prawn and crayfish Rockefeller on spinach bread. Freshly baked scones (still warm) arrived with Cornish clotted cream and a selection of jams, while attractive individual cakes included roasted pecan tart, Yorkshire rhubarb and custard, and a rich dark chocolate delice. A glass of chilled Champagne adds yet more indulgence to The Tea Room’s afternoon delight.

The Midland is one of Manchester's most prestigious addresses, and home to perhaps the city's most famous afternoon tea, hosting in the opulent Tea Room at The Midland. This beautiful, classically-styled tea room remains the only dedicated afternoon tea room in Manchester, serving a wide range of afternoon tea menus, as well as vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free teas. 

The Team Room feels serene and composed, and classical architecture - tall ceilings, huge arched windows, and panelled wainscoting - makes the space feel grand and celebration-worthy. Comfortable bucket armchairs make this a cosy place to while away the afternoon, whilst neutral colours, crisp white tablecloths, and simple pendant lights all help to breath light and space into the room. It's luxurious but still welcoming, designed to host special experiences. 

Afternoon tea at The Tea Room comes in various forms, but the most popular is the traditional afternoon tea. Sandwiches kick things off with twists on classic combos - think oak smoked salmon and chive on malted bread, and muscovado-glazed smoked ham and mustard mayo on white bread. If you're more into savoury courses, or you're turning your afternoon tea into more of a lunch, you can always order a second helping of sandwiches if you like. Otherwise, it's onto freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, and an assortment of cakes, baked in-house. At the time of writing, the menu includes The Midland's signature Valrhona chocolate cake, carrot cake cheesecake with carrot jelly and white chocolate, and ginger and lemon cake. All teas come with a wide selection of fine loose-leaf teas. 

Guests can upgrade to the Royal Afternoon Tea, which comes with a glass of Louis Pommery England Rosé or Pommery Brut Royal NV, or the Excellence Afternoon Tea, which comes with a special Maison Pommery cuvee - Apanage Brut 1874 - made available for a limited time at The Tea Room.