*PR: Gifted-only visit to MPW

Sian Victoria © - Afternoon Tea, Marco Pierre White, The Cube, Birmingham

Birmingham's Best Afternoon Tea Places For Special Occasions

Suppose you are visiting Birmingham and want to celebrate a special occasion or need an exciting mid-afternoon pick-me-up. In that case, you should try the city's top-rated afternoon tea experiences.

As a Birmingham resident, I have had the pleasure of indulging in many of these experiences and can confidently say they are not to be missed. I have previously shared my favourite afternoon tea places in Birmingham. Still, this post takes a different perspective by featuring the most highly ranked options according to customer ratings at these luxury dining spots in the city.

Birmingham provides many choices for those seeking the perfect cuppa combined with tiers of savoury and sweet treats, from charming tea rooms to elegant hotels. Whether you are from the West Midlands looking for a new spot to enjoy or a visitor wanting to experience a true British classic with a Brum twist, join me as we explore the top-rated afternoon tea experiences in Birmingham.

1. The Grand Hotel

The Grand Hotel is a luxurious accommodation spot on Colmore Row. It displays a rich history and unique character and is the perfect place if you're looking for a lavish afternoon tea with a Parisian twist. At this historic destination, you can indulge in a tea experience that combines the best of Birmingham and Paris while absorbing the elegant setting of this attractive hotel.

For a mere £35, you can treat yourself to The Grand Hotel's traditional afternoon tea experience. If you want to add some bubbles for extra extravagance, a sparkling upgrade is available for just £10 more. Whichever option you choose, you're in for a decadent treat courtesy of the skilled Head Pastry Chef Roger Lomas and his dedicated team.

During your visit, you'll be treated to carefully prepared finger foods, each bite bursting with flavour. Imagine the delicate balance of free-range egg mayonnaise, the refreshing crunch of cucumber with dill and horseradish, and the rich, smoky taste of salmon and asparagus. And that's just the beginning. The sweet finale features a Yorkshire rhubarb and stem ginger delight, a passionfruit tart with a sour twist, and a chocolate and caramel dessert made with the luxurious Valrhona Gianduja.

Of course, afternoon tea is only complete with freshly baked scones - and The Grand Hotel is excellent in this regard. The lemon, poppy seed, and golden raisin scones perfectly accompany the strawberry and vanilla preserve, Earl Grey compote, and whipped Rodda's clotted cream.

Overall, The Grand Hotel's afternoon tea is an experience to be noticed. The attention to detail and celebration of seasonal flavours make this a memorable indulgence.

2. The Ivy Temple Row

Across the street from the Grand Hotel is the Ivy Temple Row, worth checking out for a luxury afternoon tea experience in Birmingham. From 3-5 p.m. daily, the restaurant offers a splendid selection of savouries and sweets.

The restaurant's beautiful interiors provide the perfect backdrop for indulging in this timeless British tradition while you admire views of the Birmingham Cathedral surrounded by the iconic pigeon park.

For £32.95, you can enjoy savouries, including smoked salmon and cream cheese finger sandwiches, grilled chicken and truffle mayo brioche rolls. The experience is then taken to the next level with warm, fruited scones served with clotted cream, fresh strawberries, and preserves. Last but not least, the desserts will impress, with options like a garden planter chocolate pot, floral passion fruit choux puff, and a spring blossom red velvet cupcake.

If you want to be fancy, opt for the Champagne Afternoon Tea for £42.95. This includes a glass of bubbly to accompany your choice of tea or coffee. It's the perfect way to add a touch of luxury to your afternoon tea experience. This spot is a personal favourite for coffee on Colmore Row.

3. Noel’s Bar and Restaurant

Imagine sitting in a beautiful waterfront restaurant near the Mailbox in Birmingham, with a stunning alfresco dining area. There's something idyllic about this place, and it's perfect for a luxurious afternoon tea. Noel's Bar and Restaurant is known for their unique twist on the classic afternoon tea, a must-try for foodies who love exploring traditional and contemporary tastes.

Their menu features a range of homemade savouries like Smoked Salmon & Crème Fraiche with chives and Chicken & Avocado with lemon mayonnaise, along with homemade sweets like Noel’s Handmade Chocolates and Pistachio & White Chocolate Cheesecake. The presentation of each afternoon tea option is exquisite, and you can even pair it with Fortnum & Mason speciality teas, chosen for their exquisite blends and flavours.

If you want something unique, Noel's has its Pink Butterfly Cocktail Afternoon Tea and Champagne Afternoon Tea. These two options come with luxurious additions of Moët & Chandon, catering to classic and contemporary tastes. Enjoy all this in an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere, surrounded by Birmingham’s iconic canals. The best part is that you can indulge in all this luxury starting from just £30.

4. Hotel Du Vin

For those who appreciate the finer things in life, Hotel Du Vin, located near Colmore Row, is a must-visit destination. They offer a delightful afternoon tea experience that combines sweet and savoury treats to create a mouth-watering menu.

Their finger sandwiches are filled with delicious fillings, including Croxton Manor cheese and pickle, smoked salmon, and cream cheese. Enjoy their cake selection, including a Victorian sponge roulade, mango, and white chocolate ice cake pops. The experience is complete with their freshly baked scones, served with Paysan butter, Bonne Maman strawberry conserve, and Rodda's Cornish clotted cream, adding a traditional touch to this delightful experience.

For tea enthusiasts, this luxury hotel in Birmingham offers unique blends created by Bird & Blend Teas. You can choose from a classic Great British Cuppa to a Nearly Nirvana floral white blend. If you're in the mood to celebrate, add Champagne or a cocktail to your afternoon tea, making the experience even more special.

Hotel Du Vin caters to all dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten and nut allergies, making it an inclusive and luxurious destination for afternoon tea lovers.

5. The Lost & Found

If you want a unique and enchanting afternoon tea experience, you should check out The Lost & Found. This grand Victorian establishment on Bennetts Hill has a twist that sets it apart. Its quirky and beautifully styled rooms make it a perfect Instagram-worthy restaurant in Birmingham.

For just £19.95 per person, you can indulge in a delectable assortment of classic British sandwiches such as Truffle Chicken Brioche, Smoked Salmon with cucumber, and Lemon & Dill Cream Cheese. The menu also features the vibrant flavours of Tomato, Mozzarella & Basil Pesto. You'll be pleased to know that the sweet treats are just as enticing, with Scones served with Raspberry Jam and Clotted Cream, Espresso Martini Tiramisu, and a decadent Chocolate & Praline Torte. If you're a savoury lover, you can't miss the Coronation Chicken Sausage Roll, accompanied by curried mayo.

The Lost & Found caters to all dietary preferences, offering three varieties of its afternoon tea: a standard option with meat, a vegetarian option, and a vegan option so everyone can enjoy this cherished tradition. If you’ve seen my vegan food in Birmingham post, you’ll see how great this place is at creating plant-based meals.

If you're feeling fancy, you can upgrade to a sparkling afternoon tea with Prosecco for £34 or Champagne for £75, making your visit to The Lost & Found an unforgettable part of your visit to Birmingham.

6. Three Church Road

If you're looking for a quintessential English experience, look no further than Three Church Road restaurant and lounge in Edgbaston Village. This elegant eatery offers a relaxing yet sophisticated dining experience for afternoon tea with friends or family. The restaurant is set in one of the West Midlands' beautifully historic buildings with stunning interiors and a private terrace that provides a perfect backdrop for your afternoon tea experience.

The afternoon tea menu is a flavoursome trip through classic flavours and seasonal freshness, available from Monday to Saturday between 12 pm and 5 pm and on Sundays until 4 pm. For £23.95 per person, you can indulge in carefully prepared sandwiches, including ham and sundried tomato, smoked salmon and cream cheese, and vegetarian options such as egg mayonnaise and cheese with chutney.

The experience is elevated with two scones, served with clotted cream and strawberry jam, and a tempting array of cakes, including a lemon tart, cherry and almond frangipane, banoffee pie, and a macaron, ensuring a sweet finish to an ideal afternoon treat.

If you're planning to visit with your family, the restaurant has a specially designed menu for young ones priced at £12.95, making it a perfect family-friendly destination. It is located near Birmingham's main attractions for children, such as the Botanical Gardens and Cannon Hill Park. To add a touch of sparkle to your afternoon tea, you can also enhance it with a glass of fizz or a classic gin and tonic for an additional £5.

7. 1565 at Park Regis

1565 at Park Regis Hotel is another top-rated afternoon tea place to consider. The 1565 Bar & Terrace offers a unique take on the classic British tradition, where you can indulge in a three-tiered culinary pleasure expertly prepared by the hotel's pastry chefs.

Their Classic Afternoon Tea is priced at £27.95 per person. It includes something for everyone, from the toasted coconut-dipped cheesecake to the rich chocolate fudge disc and the exotic strawberry delice. It's perhaps some of the loveliest desserts in Birmingham to experience if you crave something more decadent. And if you're looking to add some extra sparkle to your experience, you can upgrade to include a glass of Champagne for £37.95 per person.

If you're looking for something different from your usual British food delicacies, you can try their Indian Afternoon Tea at the Indus restaurant within the hotel. This unique offering includes traditional Indian savouries and sweets, providing a delightful twist on the classic afternoon tea. Whichever menu you choose, afternoon tea at Park Regis will surely be luxurious and memorable; it sure was for me as at golden hour during spring through to autumn the green views from this restaurant are lovely.

8. The Sky Bar

The Sky Bar at Resorts World Birmingham is a must-visit spot for anyone looking for an Instagrammable afternoon tea experience. With views over Pendigo Lake, this place is perfect for those who love to indulge in a luxurious setting and fancy dining alfresco in Birmingham.

You can choose between two different types of afternoon tea: Traditional Afternoon Tea and Ploughman's Afternoon Tea. The traditional option is perfect for those who love classic sandwiches, scones, and sweet treats. You can also enjoy various vegan and gluten-free options, including a lemon posset and a chocolate caramel slice.

If you're a Birmingham cheese lover, The Ploughman's Afternoon Tea is the way to go. This option features a pastrami sandwich, pork pie, cheese scone, brownie slice, and Yorkie, all presented in a beautiful three-tiered platter. Both options come with tea or coffee; you can upgrade your experience by adding beer, sparkling wine, cocktails, or even going for a bottomless option.

For those who want to add some extra luxury to their day, the Afternoon Tea Spa Experience is the perfect choice. This package includes access to Santai Spa, where you can relax and indulge in a day of pure luxury.

9. Kilo Ziro

If you're looking for a trendy and creative spot in Digbeth, then Kilo Ziro is a must-visit. This new addition to the area is located near one of my favourite plant-based cafes in Birmingham, and it's perfect for those looking to indulge in a weekend delight. The afternoon tea is available between 1 pm and 5 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

Kilo Ziro is perfect for vegetarians and vegans, as the menu celebrates plant-based creativity. The vegan afternoon tea option is genuinely innovative. For £27, you can enjoy various savoury treats, including sticky miso aubergine in a thin Italian flatbread, balls of arancini in a tomato, pepper and garlic sauce, and a cheese and onion sausage roll. The sweet treats are followed by freshly baked raisin scones complemented by cream and foraged fruit jam, alongside a selection of tempting vegan pastries such as cocoa Biscoff shortbread, raspberry chocolate, and sultana tiffin.

To further enhance your experience, you can choose Birmingham's locally roasted coffee, iced coffee, or loose-leaf teas. If you're feeling bubbly, you can upgrade to fizz, mocktail, or cocktail afternoon teas, ensuring every sip is as memorable as the bite.

10. Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill

I shared on Instagram a while ago that Tesco Direct approached me to choose a complimentary Mother's Day gift from their online range of gift experiences. They offer various experiences, such as short breaks, spa retreats, flying lessons, and adventure days. If I were to choose for myself, I would go for the tandem skydive.

However, since I was doing this for my mom, I opted for the Afternoon Tea experience at Marco Pierre White Steakhouse in Birmingham. She had been talking about going there since its opening, so it was a lovely surprise when I presented her with the voucher case that arrived in the post.

We arrived early on the day of our visit, and the staff was more than happy to show us to our table. The views of Birmingham from the 25th floor of The Cube building were stunning, and even though we didn't have a window seat, we still had a great view as the restaurant had floor-to-ceiling windows.

A friendly waitress brought us two glasses of champagne and asked if we had any dietary requirements. I requested vegetarian sandwiches, and my mom went with the meaty ones, which was not a problem.

We were served a selection of afternoon treats, including avocado, cheese and pickle, lettuce and tomato, cucumber and cheese cream sandwiches for me and ham and mustard, smoked salmon, and cheese and tomato sandwiches for my mom. Although the bread was slightly dry, they were a lovely selection of sandwiches, and I especially loved the cheese and pickle, one of my favourite sandwich combos.

After the sandwiches, we ate the gorgeous warm scones with strawberry jam and cream. The scones were undoubtedly the highlight of the Afternoon Tea; they were delicious, and we loved how warm they were still. They went down a treat with the crisp Champagne.

Next up was a tasty slice of cheese and pepper quiche, which was also served warm. It's a shame it was only a tiny slice; we would have happily eaten so much more.

The strawberry trifle and rocky road were beautiful; they're two of my favourite desserts, so they went down quickly. The last treat we indulged in was a lemon sponge cake; the sponge was lovely and moist; however, the lemon taste was slightly overpowering, which was a shame as otherwise, it would have been amazing. We finished with a pot of tea and coffee.

We both had a great time and enjoyed the gift experience, from the selection of treats to the fizz, the views, the service, and the overall atmosphere. I've mentioned this several times: I prefer buying a gift experience you can enjoy with a loved one over buying physical gifts that may be thrown to the back of the wardrobe after a few weeks. At least with an experience, you'll create a special memory that won't be forgotten.

The Marco Pierre White Steakhouse is one of many luxurious restaurants in Birmingham, so it gets booked quickly. To be safe, book well in advance if you have a specific date for a special occasion. If you fancy making a night of it, you may also be interested in my Cube hotel review, which is also located in the building near MPW.

To conclude

From the luxurious settings of grand hotels to the charming ambience of local cafes, each venue in Birmingham offers its unique take on this quintessentially British tradition. It's a must-try experience for both locals and visitors alike.

Whether you're looking for a classic afternoon tea or something with a modern twist, Birmingham's tea scene won't disappoint. It's one of the many enjoyable activities in Birmingham to appreciate the city's brilliant dining opportunities.

*SHOP THE POST

Don't just read about it; experience it by booking an afternoon tea in Birmingham. To attend in style, remember to pick out a special occasion outfit! To extend the indulgence, consider booking a Birmingham hotel and making a night of it. Finally, bring the experience home with a curated afternoon tea-at-home spread—think fine china, loose-leaf teas, freshly baked scones and pastries.

10 Top-Rated Luxury Afternoon Tea Experiences in Birmingham