Afternoon tea is the perfect way to mark a special occasion, and with Afternoon Tea Week just around the corner, there's no better excuse to indulge in freshly baked scones, delicate finger sandwiches and beautifully crafted sweet treats. Whether you prefer a traditional cream tea or a modern twist on the classic experience, Liverpool has plenty of places to choose from.
Many of the city's favourite afternoon tea venues cater to a range of dietary requirements, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free menus available. For an extra touch of indulgence, most also offer the option to upgrade your afternoon tea with a glass of fizz or a carefully crafted cocktail.
We rounded up some of the best afternoon tea options on offer in the city, from sky-high restaurants with stunning views over Liverpool's waterfront, to atmospheric cellar bars crafted by Michelin Guide recognised chefs.
The Watering Can
Priced at £27 per person, The Watering Can's afternoon tea celebrates handcrafted baking and classic British favourites. Guests can enjoy a selection of beautifully prepared savoury bites, including honey-glazed Lancashire ham, extra mature Cheddar cheese and tomato chutney served on an all-butter mini croissant.
There is also homemade sultana scone served with Champagne strawberry jam and clotted cream or freshly baked homemade sweet treats, all accompanied by a pot of Shi-Bui English Breakfast Tea or an Americano from Crosby Coffee. Throughout August, guests booking afternoon tea can choose to add either a refreshing glass of Pimm's or a chilled glass of fizz for just £6. Address: 64 Greenbank Rd, Liverpool L18 1HQ.
Municipal Hotel and Spa
The elegant new Roaring Twenties-inspired offering is served in the hotel's stunning Botanic Tearoom, where guests can indulge in an afternoon of beautifully crafted sweet and savoury treats and premium JING teas.
Stand out items include savoury delights like the pork and herb sausage roll with black garlic ketchup, roasted tomato and pimento velouté, and goat's cheese bon bon with beetroot. The sweet course showcases handcrafted pastries including a strawberry and tonka bean macaron finished with gold, gooseberry curd meringue tart, apple crumble dome and amarena cherry and chocolate fancy fondant, alongside traditional warm scones served with local clotted cream and fruit preserve.
To celebrate the launch, guests can enjoy 25% off the classic afternoon tea throughout August, available seven days a week. Afternoon tea is priced at £49 per person or £59 with a glass of champagne. Address: Municipal Building, Dale St, Liverpool L2 2DH.
Cuthbert's
Cuthbert's has a number of different afternoon teas for customers to choose from, including the blossoms and blooms afternoon tea in spring, baby shower and hen do afternoon teas and the classic collection menu.
Cuthbert's offers a seasonal rotation of items, including miniature sandwiches and subs like smoked salmon dill and cream cheese to sweets including New York cheesecake, red velvet, and of course, scones and strawberries. Cuthbert's afternoon tea is priced at £32 per adult and £15 per child. Address: 103 Mt Pleasant, Liverpool L3 5TL.
Panoramic 34
Enjoy afternoon tea overlooking the magnificent Liverpool skyline as seen from one of the UK’s highest restaurants.
Diners can enjoy afternoon tea at the cities highest restaurant between 12pm and 2.30pm on Tuesdays to Saturdays, and between 12pm and 5pm on Sundays. For customers wishing to eat in the cocktail lounge, afternoon tea is available between 12pm and 5pm.
Luxury afternoon tea includes a glass of champagne or cocktail. Sandwiches include egg mayonnaise, lemon chicken on beetroot bread, pastrami horse radish Chantilly on cacio pepper croissant and smoked salmon cream cheese on maritozzo bun. You can book Panoramic 34's luxury afternoon tea for £55 per person. Address: 34th Floor, West Tower, Brook St, Liverpool L3 9PJ.
Oh Me Oh My
Customers at Oh Me Oh My can savour a carefully selected range of loose-leaf teas, freshly baked scones, delicate sandwiches, and sweet treats. Afternoon Tea is available on Thursdays and Fridays through the week and selected dates at the weekend at the city centre venue.
The standard afternoon tea costs £31.95 per person, with prosecco it is £37.45, champagne increases the price to £40.20 and afternoon tea with a cocktail is £39.25. On selected weekend dates, Oh Me Oh my hosts a Disco Afternoon Tea, where the classic flavours of high tea are served up with a side of lively tunes from the in-house DJ. Address: West Africa House, 25 Water St, Liverpool L2 0RG.
Titanic Hotel
Titanic Hotel offers everything from finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with fresh clotted cream and sweet treats and cakes created by its expert pastry chef - including gin and tonic macaroons, praline choux bun, Victoria sponge and many more.
Guests can unwind and relax with afternoon tea in the elegant setting of Stanley's Bar and Grill, overlooking the waters of Stanley Dock. Afternoon tea is £28.50 per person. Address: Stanley Dock, Regent Road, Liverpool, L3 0AN.
Art School Cellars
The restaurant offers three levels of afternoon tea: standard, prosecco and champagne – each of which include a choice of tea or coffee. Available Wednesday to Saturday from 2pm to 4pm, the standard menu is priced at £40.
Handmade sandwiches include curried aby egg, spring onion and mayonnaise, alongside sweet treats such as strawberry and yuzu cheesecake blondie or pistachio and raspberry chouquette. Address: 2A Myrtle Street, Liverpool, L7 7DP.
The Ivy
The menu is served every day from 3pm until 5pm. Priced at £33.75 per person, guests can bump up their afternoon tea with a glass of champagne at £45.95. Treats include The Ivy cure severn and wye smoked salmon and cream cheese choux bun or chicken and truffle cream brioche roll.
There are plenty of scones and sweets available too, like the warm fruited scones with clotted cream, fresh strawberries and strawberry preserve and the dark chocolate and salted caramel plant pot. Address: 31 Castle Street, Liverpool, L2 4TA.
