Afternoon tea is the ultimate British pastime; in any other circumstance, devouring a selection of sandwiches would not feel as sophisticated. And you don’t have to be a Jane Austen or Bridgerton fan to enjoy it either – although it might improve the experience by imagining a Mr Darcy waiting for you at home.
Everyone, from Brits to tourists, must try it at some point. And whether you’re after a traditional afternoon tea in a fancy hotel or a marvellous and quirky twist on the classic, there’s something in Birmingham for everyone. Check out our guide to the very best afternoon tea in Birmingham and the West Midlands. These tiers tower over the rest!
1. Madeleine Bar
Housed within one of the fanciest hotels in the city, The Grand Hotel on Colmore Row, the afternoon tea at this Birmingham hotel is as lavish as its surroundings. Madeleine Bar is a pink haven with comfy rose sofas to sit back and relax on whilst enjoying a spot of a traditional afternoon tea.
Served Wednesday to Sunday, 1pm to 5pm, guests can tuck into a selection of finger sandwiches, plain and fruit scones served with clotted cream and homemade wild fruits and vanilla jam, alongside cakes and fancies in flavours such as chocolate, coconut and banoffee, all with a pot of tea and glass of champagne.
Madeleine Bar, The Grand Hotel, Colmore Row, B3 2BS
2. Three Church Road
Head south west of the Birmingham city centre to Edgbaston where you’ll find a quintessentially British afternoon tea at Three Church Road. Located in the elegant Audley St George’s Place retirement village, in the heart of leafy Edgbaston, guests can soak up the historic building’s features as well as nature out on the restaurant’s terrace over a spot of tea, cake and sandwiches.
Enjoy the chef’s selection of savouries with sandwiches filled with the likes of prawn cocktail with Marie Rose sauce; honey roast ham and mustard; mature Cheddar cheese and caramelised red onion chutney; and roast chicken and pesto. You can even indulge in Three Church Road’s afternoon tea from the comfort of your home as they offer a takeaway service.
3 Church Road, Edgbaston, B15 3SH
3. Zindiya Streatery & Bar
For a quirky afternoon tea experience in Birmingham that packs a flavourful punch, head to Zindiya Streatery & Bar in Moseley where you can try their speciality Wala cocktail, made from prosecco, vodka and chai blend, as well as tuck into an assortment of sweet and savoury treats spiced with Indian flavours.
Zindiya’s high chai afternoon tea includes masala chai freshly brewed in house plus small savoury dishes like their bombay sandwich, aloo tikki chaat, bhel puri and either paneer or chicken tikka. Zindiya has even added some extra flair to their sweet treats with homemade cardamom scones served with clotted cream and strawberry jam; almond and pistachio shortbread cookies, seasonal macarons by Birmingham business Miss Macaroon and samosas filled with grated sweet carrots.
Zindiya Streatery & Bar, 21 Woodbridge Road, Moseley, B13 8EJ
4. Malmaison
Looking for an afternoon tea in Birmingham with class but on a budget? Hotel chain Malmaison, situated in The Mailbox, has got you covered. For just £20, you can indulge in a the classic afternoon tea reimagined (minus the booze) which features savoury options like beef sliders, Thai sticky beef and sesame wraps, smoked salmon and cream cheese on brioche croute, with tasty vegan alternatives available.
Despite the cheaper price tag compared to other afternoon teas in Birmingham, Malmaison’s menu certainly doesn’t lack in indulgence especially when it comes to their cake selection which includes a crunchy chocolate cheesecake, raspberry and coconut slice, carrot cupcake and chocolate and orange cupcake. Plus for an extra £7 you can enjoy a cocktail or glass of champagne for extra elegance.
Malmaison, The Mailbox, 1 Wharfside Street, B1 1RD
5. Noel’s Bar & Restaurant
If you’re after a pink afternoon tea in Birmingham then Noel’s is the place. You’ll find hues of peach, pastel pink and raspberry within the restaurant with crockery and cocktails to match. Order their Pink Butterfly cocktail as part of your afternoon tea and you’ll feel both sassy and like you’re in a fantasy land at the same time. You can also indulge in dainty cakes and desserts like hazelnut truffle, vanilla panna cotta, pistachio and white chocolate cheesecake, mini raspberry petal cupcake and of course, fruit scones, clotted cream and jam.
Noel’s Bar & Restaurant, 22 Waterfront Walk, B1 1SN
6. Cadbury Cafe
Chocolate and afternoon tea- what more could you want? Combining classic items with delicious scones, macarons, chocolate brownies and rocky road, made to an exclusive Cadbury recipe, Cadbury World gives the classic British afternoon tea a chocolate-themed twist.
The afternoon tea at the Cadbury Cafe includes sandwich fillings like salmon and cream cheese, ham and English mustard and cheese and pickle, on white and brown bread, accompanied with a choice of hot chocolate, coffee or a selection of teas. For £25.50, you can explore all the chocolatey zones at Cadbury World in Bournville as well as enjoy this delectable afternoon tea perfect for chocolate lovers.
Cadbury Cafe, Cadbury World, Linden Road, Bournville, B30 1JR
7. Hotel du Vin
Located just off Colmore Row in the city’s fancy business district, the former Birmingham eye hospital is now home to Hotel du Vin which oozes sophistication and style. With afternoon tea being a lavish creation from the Victorian era (which we are very thankful for), what better fit than indulging in one within an elegant Victorian building?
With an impressive choice of finger sandwiches for both vegans and non-vegans, from Provencal vegetable, basil pesto and feta wrap to Severn & Wye smoked salmon and cream cheese on dark rye bread, no one needn’t miss out on this teatime treat. Guests can also enjoy a classic cream tea or a selection of vegan cakes as part of Hotel du Vin’s afternoon tea in Birmingham, alongside an extensive list of teas ranging from Earl Grey crème to a gingerbread chai.
Hotel du Vin, 25 Church Street, B3 2NR
8. Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill
There’s nothing quite like soaking up incredible views with a cup of freshly brewed tea or a glass of bubbly in hand. Make a visit to Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill[/trackLink] towards the top of The Cube in Birmingham, which also boasts a [trackLink link_url="https://secretbirmingham.com/rooftop-bars-birmingham/"]rooftop bar, to enjoy stunning vistas, delightful sweet treats and a range of teas and herbal infusions.
Owned by Michelin-starred chef Marco Pierre White, this restaurant and bar brings with it star-quality food and drink. And to make your afternoon tea in Birmingham extra special, add some sparkle by treating yourself to a Prosecco Afternoon Tea with a glass of Bolla or a Champagne afternoon tea with a glass of Laurent-Perrier.
Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill, The Cube, 200 Wharfside Street, B1 1PR
9. The Belfry
It’s not just the city of Birmingham with awesome afternoon tea options as the West Midlands itself has some very impressive offerings. Venture to the luxurious hotel and resort The Belfry in Sutton Coldfield where you can enjoy an afternoon tea at the Brabazon Bar.
Set in 550 acres of English countryside, guests at The Belfry can sip on a dozen dynamic flavours of tea that will suit any palette. While for food try a traditional selection of finger sandwiches served on a tiered stand, alongside an assortment of beautifully-crafted cakes and warm scones served of course with clotted cream and strawberry jam. There is also the option of cocktails, rosé or champagne whilst admiring the green surroundings (and the cakes on offer).
The Belfry, Lichfield Road, Wishaw, Sutton Coldfield, B76 9PR
10. Praza by Pushkar
It seems the Edgbaston area in Birmingham is the place for afternoon tea, however unlike the more traditional afternoon tea at Three Church Road, Praza by Pushkar has put its own Indian spin on the British classic, and served every Sunday.
Sip on Indian masala chai tea with notes of ginger and cardamom as well as the likes of sparkling wine or a crazy lassi gin as you tuck into an array of Indian-influenced savouries and sweet treats. Feast on vegetable samosas, chicken tikka finger sandwiches, onion and mango pakoras and masala chips followed by vanilla cake, Punjabi cookies and Gajar Ka Halwa, a carrot-based dessert pudding.
Praza by Pushkar, 94-96 Hagley Road, Edgbaston, B16 8LU
11. Laura Ashley The Tearoom
Designed in a uniquely British style and inspired by the stunning surroundings, Laura Ashley The Tea Room at Southcrest Manor in Redditch is a beautiful space to enjoy afternoon tea. Decked out in iconic Laura Ashley patterns and colour palates, from the wallpaper and furnishings to the crockery and menu design, almost every detail of the tearoom gives a nod to the brand. Like the typical Laura Ashley designs, the afternoon tea menu at Southcrest Manor is dainty and brings a pop of colour, particularly their patisserie offerings such as brightly-coloured macarons, mini Battenburg cakes and strawberry tarts.
12. Laghi’s Deli
If you fancy mixing things up at teatime with a slightly quirky afternoon tea in Birmingham then book a table at Laghi’s Deli in Edgbaston which serves the full works but with an Italian twist. Everything is 100% baked by the restaurant from the bread to the pastries, plus it’s bespoke and packed with the popular flavours and ingredients from Italy.
Guests can enjoy the likes of salami-filled sandwiches, lemon tarts, croissants and Sicilian sweet treat cannoli alongside your choice of hot drink whether it be hot chocolate, tea or coffee. You can also add a cocktail or mocktail to your afternoon tea for an extra £5, plus if you choose to order a second drink you can get a 50% discount on it.
Laghi’s Deli, 22-24 lslington Row, Edgbaston, B15 1LD
13. Hyatt Regency
The afternoon tea at the Hyatt Regency hotel in Birmingham brings plenty of luxury much like the rooms available to stay in. Guests can enjoy either a traditional or champagne afternoon tea at the hotel’s Aria Restaurant with four tasty finger sandwich flavours to choose from such as Coronation chicken, cheese and pickle and vegetarian-friendly tomato, basil and olive tapenade.
As for the scones at Hyatt Regency, you can enjoy classic plain or fruit scones as well as delicious chocolate chip scones, all served with clotted cream and jam. The four-star hotel, which recently launched a Sunday brunch menu, also features sweet treats like lemon posset, white chocolate and strawberry tartlet, marble éclair and glazed chocolate mousse on its afternoon tea menu.
Hyatt Regency, 2 Bridge Street, B1 2JZ
14. Jacques
Located in the village of Knowle close to Solihull is upmarket restaurant and bar Jacques serving eye-catching British dishes, and there’s nothing more British than an afternoon tea (other than possibly fish and chips) so it goes without saying that this spot has a marvellous afternoon tea menu.
Enjoy a selection of freshly baked scones with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry jam, finely cut sandwiches (which will be replenished on request), and a tempting selection of impeccably presented pastries and cakes like macarons, choux buns, sweet tarts and slices- they even offer an amuse bouche! Jacques also boasts nine different types of tea on their menu as well as cocktails such as a floral or citrus G&T, blood orange fizz or honeycomb bee-lini for you to enjoy out on their terrace.
Jacques, 1630 High Street, Knowle, B93 0LB
15. Cocoa By Ali
At Cocoa By Ali, they know how to dazzle its guests with some amazing treats. Everything at this cute brunch spot, founded by former British Bake Off contestant Ali Imdad, is simply breathtaking – from decadent French toast to Instagram-worthy rainbows lattes. Of course it’s the afternoon tea we’re here for! A steal at £19.95 per person, it comes with a selection of handmade sandwiches, freshly baked butter scones (with jam and clotted cream), bite-sized confectionery cakes, and regular top-ups of tea and other drinks.
28 Waterfront Walk, Birmingham B1 1SR
So there you have it, a rundown of the very best places for afternoon tea in and around Birmingham for you to leisurely enjoy. Whether you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion or want a fancy catch-up with a friend or family member, we hope this tea-rrific roundup will help you have a splendid time surrounded by cake, tea, sandwiches and more.