The Best Afternoon Tea in Birmingham for 2020

Afternoon Tea is perfect for a special celebration or just for spoiling yourself. So here are 6 of the best places for Afternoon Tea in Birmingham.

Afternoon tea at the Hyatt Regency Birmingham

It’s no secret that I adore Afternoon Tea. There’s something very special about sitting down to a beautifully arranged selection of delicate finger sandwiches, scones laden with jam and cream, and of course the top tier of pretty cakes.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just feel like spoiling yourself, Afternoon Tea is a wonderful way to spend a couple of hours with good friends.

So following on from my recommendations for the best places for brunch in Birmingham and best places for Sunday Lunch in Birmingham, now I’m turning my attention to Afternoon Tea.

I’ve asked some of my Birmingham blogger friends to tell me their favourite places for Afternoon Tea in Birmingham.

And of course, I’ve added in a couple of my own favourites as well.

Please note:

We advise you to check if your preferred restaurant is open before you travel. And if you do visit one of these locations, please check the health and safety guidance regarding social distancing, and be kind to the staff working there.

Thanks!

The Edwardian Tearooms at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery

A photo of Afternoon Tea at the Edwardian Tearoom in Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
© Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery

Recommended by Ruth @ RuthMillington.co.uk

If you’re after traditional afternoon tea with a side of art history, then I’ve got the perfect place for you. The Edwardian Tearooms in the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery are charming and cosy.

Before or after wandering around the museum, head to the Tearooms where you’ll find elegant high ceilings and historical paintings on the walls. There’s comfortable vintage-style seating, which is very important when eating lots of cake.

The afternoon tea is in keeping with the museum theme, served on a bookcase-style platform. It’s traditional, with highlights including scones accompanied by strawberry jam and plenty of clotted cream, mini muffins and sponge cakes. The selection of sandwiches on farmhouse bread is pretty good too.

Loose leaf tea is served in a classic red teapot, or there’s coffee if you prefer.

If you’re celebrating, I recommend the Celebration Afternoon Tea which includes a glass of Champagne. Or each booth has its own ‘Press for Champagne’ buzzer if you want the whole bottle!

It’s a warm, welcoming experience. I took my mum for a Mothers’ Day celebration, and she was suitably impressed  – the champagne helped. We followed the afternoon tea by exploring the museum’s Pre-Raphaelite art collection and spending too much in the gift shop!

‘Afternoon Tea for Two’ vouchers are available to buy online for £35.90 for Traditional Afternoon Tea or £47.00 for Celebration Afternoon Tea.

The Edwardian Tearooms at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
Chamberlain Square
Birmingham, B3 3DH
0121 348 8000
www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/bmag

Harvey Nichols

Afternoon tea at Harvey Nichols, Birmingham
© Kirsty Maclennan

Recommended by Kirsty @ Luv and Lifestyle 

When it comes to Afternoon Tea I have just one request: it must be gluten free.

As a coeliac I’ve discovered some pitiful versions of Afternoon Tea and some incredible ones. But one of my all time favourites has to be at Harvey Nichols!

When I attended back in June 2018, they were working in collaboration with Edinburgh Gin. Which meant customers had the option of a gin based cocktail to accompany their tea.

Whilst the cocktail was a big hit, for me the winning component on my tray were the scones.

I was served two scones, one chocolate and one plain, they had the same texture and taste that I remember from scones before going gluten-free. In fact, these are most definitely the best gluten free scones I’ve ever tasted! Just writing this makes my mouth water thinking about them.

And whilst the scones were enough to make me want to go back, another item on my tray left me amazed and astounded. The Cucumber Candyfloss – yes you read that right CUCUMBER flavoured CANDYFLOSS!

This tasted just how cucumber smells and was a great palate cleanser.

I had the most amazing time at Harvey Nichols indulging in this Afternoon Tea, for every tier offered a taste sensation. From the macarons to the panna cotta, it was heavenly. I cannot recommend it enough!

Harvey Nichols
65 Wharfside Street, The Mailbox
Birmingham, B1 1RE
0121 616 6000
www.harveynichols.com/store/birmingham/

Aria at the Hyatt Regency Birmingham

Afternoon tea at the Aria Restaurant in the Hyatt Regency Birmingham

Next is one of my own personal recommendations. I visited the Hyatt Regency Birmingham in June to try out their spa and also to enjoy Afternoon Tea in the Aria Restaurant.

In the light and airy atrium restaurant, you’ll enjoy a selection of finger sandwichs with delicious filings. Vegetarian and vegan options are available and gluten-free diets can be catered for.

You’ll also be treated to a selection of plain, fruit and lemon and poppy seed scones, with jam, home-made lemon curd and of course clotted cream.

And the top layer of the tea stand is filling with an assortment of beautiful cakes and fancies. It’s a work of art!

Take a look at my full review of Afternoon Tea at the Hyatt Regency Birmingham. Or book in for yourself to discover just how good it is!

Aria at the Hyatt Regency Birmingham
Bridge St
Birmingham
B1 2JZ
0121 643 1234
www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/england-united-kingdom/hyatt-regency-birmingham/birmi

Browns Birmingham

Afternoon tea at Browns in Birmingham
© Bethan Tolley

Recommended by Bethan @ Bethan in Brum

Being a big fan of Afternoon Tea, I’m always up for trying a new one. Earlier this year, I was treated by a friend to the Champagne Afternoon Tea at Browns. Located at the side of the Bullring in Birmingham city centre, it’s super easy to get to and definitely worth checking out.

I went along on a busy Saturday afternoon, and although the restaurant was packed, it didn’t feel overwhelming and loud. The staff were absolutely lovely, very welcoming and we didn’t feel like we were being rushed out despite the fact that we were there all afternoon chatting!

I also love the vibe of the restaurant and how relaxed yet classy it feels.

The Champagne Afternoon Tea includes a selection of savouries, such as a range of finger sandwiches, brioche rolls and smoked salmon and cream cheese on oatcakes. The savoury options were absolutely delicious and surprisingly filling.

And alongside the savoury is the sweet!

From super soft scones to a variety of mini desserts, including profiteroles and carrot cake, the afternoon tea is very generous. As well as tea or coffee to choose from, the afternoon tea also comes with a glass of Moët and Chandon Imperial, which is also absolutely beautiful!

I can’t recommend the afternoon tea enough and for £21.95 per person, its also quite a bargain considering how much food and drink you actually get!

If you’re in the Birmingham area, you have to try Afternoon Tea at Browns.

Browns Birmingham
7 Spiceal Street, St Martins Square
Birmingham B5 4BH
0121 643 8708
www.browns-restaurants.co.uk/restaurants/eastandwestmidlands/birminghame


The Belfry, Warwickshire

Afternoon tea at The Belfry, Warwickshire

And my final recommendation is one that is a little out of town, at Sutton Coldfield. If you’re spending some time in the Birmingham area, then it’s well worth paying a visit to the Belfry.

As well as their world-famous golf course, the Belfry also has a gorgeous spa which is perfect for a bit of me-time. And you can finish off your visit with a delicious Afternoon Tea.

The highlight here for me was the delicious scones, which are served with jam and clotted cream.

Click here to read my full review of Afternoon Tea at the Belfry, as well as their fabulous Fire & Ice spa treatment!

The Belfry
Lichfield Rd, Wishaw
Sutton Coldfield B76 9PR
01675 238600
www.thebelfry.co.uk
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Did your favourite venue for Afternoon Tea in Birmingham make the list? Where else would you recommend?