Traditional Elegance: Afternoon Tea at Browns Manchester
Nestled in the heart of the city, Browns Manchester offers an inviting blend of classic charm and modern comfort making it a perfect setting for enjoying the timeless British tradition of Afternoon Tea. Housed in a stunning former bank building, this Grade II listed venue brings together elegant architecture, ambient lighting, and attentive service to create a warm and welcoming experience for all.
Whether you’re catching up with friends, celebrating a milestone, or enjoying a quiet moment to yourself, Afternoon Tea at Browns is a crowd-pleaser, offering delicious variety, affordable indulgence, and options to suit every guest.
Classic Afternoon Tea for Every Occasion
Browns’ Traditional Afternoon Tea is a beautifully balanced mix of savoury and sweet delights, served with a pot of tea from their specially selected range. The savoury tier features delicate finger sandwiches with classic fillings like smoked salmon and cream cheese, ham and mustard, or egg mayonnaise and cress, all made with soft, freshly baked bread.
Next come the scones, still warm from the oven and served with clotted cream and strawberry jam, just as tradition dictates. These are followed by a selection of mini cakes and pastries, which vary by season and may include chocolate brownie bites, lemon drizzle slices, or mini éclairs.
The menu is crafted to offer a familiar yet refined experience, making it a lovely introduction for newcomers to Afternoon Tea, while still satisfying for seasoned enthusiasts. It’s ideal for relaxed weekends, midweek catch-ups, or even as a treat during a shopping trip through Manchester.
Champagne and Sparkling Upgrades
For those looking to celebrate in style, Browns offers a Champagne Afternoon Tea that adds a glass of Moët & Chandon Impérial Champagne to the classic menu perfect for birthdays, anniversaries or special date days. There’s also a Sparkling Afternoon Tea, which includes a glass of prosecco for a more accessible touch of fizz.
The flexibility to upgrade your tea experience makes Browns a great option for both casual outings and celebratory occasions. Whatever the mood or moment, there’s a version of Afternoon Tea that fits.
Suitable for All Tastes and Dietary Needs
Browns prides itself on being inclusive and accessible. They offer vegetarian and vegan Afternoon Tea options upon request, with thoughtful swaps such as plant-based fillings and dairy-free cakes. The relaxed, comfortable environment makes the venue suitable for all ages, from couples and small groups to family visits and larger gatherings.
Children are welcome, and although there’s no specific kids’ Afternoon Tea, younger guests will enjoy the bite-sized portions and sweet treats just as much.
Elegant Ambience and Easy Booking
The ambience at Browns Manchester blends old-world elegance with contemporary styling. High ceilings, marble pillars, and rich wood interiors give the venue a distinguished feel, while the friendly staff ensure the atmosphere remains laid-back and approachable.
Afternoon Tea is served Monday to Saturday from 2:30pm to 5pm, and Sundays from 3pm to 5pm. Booking in advance is recommended, especially for weekends, and can be made quickly through the Browns website.
For an Afternoon Tea that delivers tradition with a touch of class without breaking the bank Browns Manchester is a reliable and charming choice in the city centre.
Reviews

Simple perfection. Pan-seared scallops and pancetta had a slight mishap with unevenly distributed seasoning but stunning delivery on every dish for the table of 4. The desert could use a little more attention but I am pleased with the overall quality and experience.

My friend from York and myself from North Wales met up for afternoon tea to celebrate our milestone birthdays The whole experience was wonderful. Kriss our waiter couldn't have been more helpful making sure our day was one to remember, nothing was too much trouble.

A HUGE THANK YOU to Kris for the best service today. I brought my Mum, Aunt and Daughter for afternoon tea. It’s my Mum’s birthday, and she’s coeliac, and Kris was fantastic. She really looked after us, made my Mum feel special, and made sure my little girl was fully included.

What a gorgeous day we had at Browns. I booked the five of us afternoon tea, as I am gluten free they prepared a separate selection of sandwiches & deserts. Lovely strong strong tea and either a g&t or glass of Moët. We had a beautiful cocktail too, perfectly made.

A good location for a relaxed natter. Very good service. Really nice when they have the pianist. Afternoon tea is very good value. Some of the sandwiches are a bit dull, and cakes a little soggy. The scones were awesome though and I'd really recommend it.
Browns Restaurant
Enjoy classic Afternoon Tea in the elegant setting of Browns Manchester, a Grade II listed former bank. Served daily, it includes sandwiches, scones with cream and jam, and seasonal cakes. Prosecco and Champagne upgrades are available. Vegetarian and vegan options offered. A stylish, accessible choice for any occasion.
Cloud 23 Bar
Enjoy sky-high Afternoon Tea at Cloud 23, Hilton Deansgate’s glamorous bar on the 23rd floor. With panoramic city views, indulge in elegant sandwiches, scones, and patisserie. Upgrade with Champagne or cocktails for special occasions. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available. A luxurious, modern twist on tradition, perfect for celebrations.
Mengerie Restaurant
Afternoon Tea at Menagerie Manchester is a glamorous, theatrical affair. Expect sliders, wraps, artisan desserts, and scones, all served with flair. Choose from Classic, Prosecco, or Cocktail upgrades in an Instagram-worthy setting ideal for celebrations. With bold flavours and a luxe vibe, it’s a stylish alternative to tradition. Vegetarian and gluten-free options available.
Clayton Hotels
Enjoy a relaxed Afternoon Tea at Clayton Hotel Manchester City Centre, served in the stylish No.55 Restaurant. Expect classic sandwiches, warm scones, and seasonal mini desserts, with Prosecco upgrades available. Ideal for couples, families, and city-goers. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options offered. A modern, unfussy take on tradition.
Grand Pacific Restaurant
Grand Pacific Manchester offers an opulent High Tea with a pan-Asian twist in its stunning Grade II listed venue. Enjoy a mix of classic sandwiches, Asian-inspired bites, warm scones, and exquisite patisserie. Pair with exotic teas, prosecco, or cocktails. Ideal for elegant celebrations, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
Albert’s Restaurant
Enjoy a relaxed yet refined Afternoon Tea at Albert’s Restaurants across Greater Manchester. Expect traditional sandwiches, warm scones, and mini cakes with optional Prosecco or cocktail upgrades. Served in stylish, welcoming settings, it’s ideal for celebrations or casual catch-ups. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available. Pre-booking required, especially for weekends. Tradition meets modern Northern charm.
You can also follow us on Pinterest for more afternoon tea inspiration