MANCHESTER | Afternoon Tea at Richmond Tea Rooms near Canal Street

Inspired by the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest, we travelled by train to England in March. Combining ESC host city Liverpool with the industrial heritage of Manchester. Manchester to Liverpool was also the first steam railway line ever. A perfect pretext to travel to The North.

We spotted the Richmond Tea Rooms on our first half day in Manchester. As I had read about the place earlier, I insisted we’d have afternoon tea there the next day. So we did.

The Richmond Tea Rooms are a quirky and unique tea room, designed with an ‘Alice in Wonderland‘ theme, featuring mismatched furniture, colorful wallpaper, and eccentric decorations.

The tea rooms offer a wide range of teas, coffees, and cakes, as well as a menu of light bites and sandwiches. They are open throughout the day, serving breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea.

In addition to its food and drink offerings, the Richmond Tea Rooms have become a popular destination for those seeking a whimsical and immersive experience. The tea rooms often host themed events and parties, such as ‘Mad Hatter’s Tea Parties‘, drag brunches, and burlesque shows.

The tea rooms have also become a popular spot for weddings, birthdays, and other special events.

The Richmond Tea Rooms is known for its attention to detail and its commitment to creating a unique and memorable experience for its customers. It has become a popular destination in Manchester for both locals and tourists alike.

The restaurant is the brainchild of Nick Curtis and Andrew Underwood, Visit Manchester says.

“From the enchanted forest area where you can dine under the twinkling lights in a woodland themed room, to the orangery which is the most warming garden even on the rainiest of Manchester days. The restaurant prides itself on being space of comfort for all people to enjoy from afternoon tea, light meals, drinks, or for function hire. Vegan and gluten-free options daily. Bookings and walk-ins are both welcome at the restaurant.”

Richmond Tea Rooms are located on Sackville Street, on a stone throw from Canal Street. The tea room(s) fits the queer vibe of the area.

Queens Afternoon Tea

We opted for the ‘Queens Afternoon Tea‘. Because we are and because it offered the best value for money at £26.50. The ‘Tweedles Afternoon Tea‘ was a contender as well, with more quirky options, but we can’t say no to cakes.

The ‘Queens Afternoon Tea’ offers:

A selection of mini sandwiches and mini quiche.
Tea-infused sultana scone served with clotted cream and Tiptrea preserve.
An assortment of homemade cakes and delights.
A pot of premium loose-leaf tea.

All this was served on a typical afternoon tea stand.

So?

The afternoon tea tasted really well. Was it the best ever? No. Refills weren’t offered, except for the tea itself. It’s not necessary, admittedly, but often a second serving of sandwiches is offered.

There are plenty of nice touches. I had green tea and it was served in a green tea pot. Danny had blue(berry) tea, served in a blue tea pot.

But the quirky setting and the fact Richmond Tea Rooms accept walk-ins make the place stand out. If you’re a fan of afternoon tea and you’re in Manchester, go and enjoy.