Being a visitor to the city, I don’t have any comparisons to say which is the best afternoon tea in Manchester. However, after recently sinking my teeth into the sweet treats, I can give my honest review of the King Street Townhouse Afternoon Tea. Here’s what you can expect.
This blog post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase or sign up for anything from this website, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Let me set the scene | Afternoon Tea Manchester
Why was I in Manchester? My boyfriend’s best friend is getting married, and the gorgeous bride-to-be invited me to the hen party. I was thrilled! Not being one for willy straws and butlers in the buff, it had to be intimate so we could pretend we live the champagne lifestyle. The girls picked King Street Townhouse on Booth Street in Manchester City Centre.
King Street Townhouse Afternoon Tea Reviews
The unassuming building in the city centre could be mistaken for an office block or bank. However, when you pass through the doors, it’s instantly clear you’re in opulent surroundings. There is a 40-bedroom boutique hotel, spa, rooftop bar and wedding venue. I was surprised to discover that they are only 4 stars, we certainly received 5-star service. Everyone we encountered was helpful, friendly and knowledgeable.
(It has to be a bit posh; we saw several TV celebrities, and outside was a brand-new Porsche!)
The lounge was to the right of the Reception. It has a 1920s speakeasy vibe. I felt I needed to know a secret knock to be allowed in. It is the perfect place to sip on a cocktail or pop open a bottle of champagne. I was pleased to sit in a comfortable armchair. I was a little disappointed with the lack of natural daylight, especially as it was a beautiful day outside. On reflection, it may have distracted me from the feel of the room. You can expect parquet flooring, panelled walls and rich fabrics.
We were made to feel very welcome and as if nothing was too much trouble. The staff wear suits or waistcoats and are attentive but not overbearing.
So, what’s on the champagne afternoon tea menu?
I commended the team for taking my nut intolerance seriously and was thrilled to have my afternoon tea presented on an individual stand. When finding out that one of the other girls was pregnant, the staff member (I wish I had got her name!) went out of her way to ensure she was comfortable eating goats’ cheese, salmon etc.
All of the items on the stand were described to us. The luxurious afternoon tea included sandwiches with egg mayonnaise, a mini bagel with chicken and avocado, smoked salmon on rye and ham hock with piccalilli. A super-rich chocolate brownie was alongside the fruit scone with clotted cream and strawberry jam. There was also raspberry cheesecake, and apple crumble, and I had a blackberry tart. Whilst the other girls had a macaron.
Regular readers will know I have a huge appetite. But I couldn’t eat it all!
The afternoon tea was served with our choice of tea; all six of us chose English Breakfast – how traditional! As well as a glass of champagne. The bride’s sister also bought a few more bottles for the table. Thank you!
The Screening Room
Our champagne afternoon tea was part of a package, which also included a private movie experience in The Screening Room. Of course, we decided to watch a hen do classic – Magic Mike – while digging into freshly made popcorn and pick ‘n’ mix sweets.
The huge seats were super comfortable and came with a handy table to put your drink and snacks on. It also had a small lamp so you could see what you were picking up without distracting from the film when the lights were dimmed. It can hold up to 20 people, making it ideal for a birthday party, group celebration or perhaps the night before a wedding.
The screen was giant, with a clear picture. I thought it was a little loud – I sound like an old lady! Guess I’m not as rowdy as I thought I was! I suppose if I had asked, they would have turned it down.
Manchester Afternoon Tea
Afternoon tea at King Street Townhouse is served daily from 12pm until 4pm. The traditional cost is £28 per person, with a glass of champagne for £38 per person. There’s also a high tea with more savoury options for the same price.
The Screening Room package, which includes the afternoon tea, is £75 per person for a minimum of 6 guests.
So, what do I think?
The King Street Townhouse afternoon tea is an exceptional experience. Is it a little overpriced? Yes, I mean, ultimately, it’s tiny sandwiches and cakes. (Especially, as even lavish offers in Cardiff are cheaper) However, you aren’t going to eat one every day, so it is a luxury. The space is comfortable without feeling stuffy or that you don’t belong.
The food is delicious. It’s clear that quality products have been used, and the cakes and pastries are homemade. My biggest bugbear is when you pay for a quality afternoon tea, and they’ve bought the cakes from a supplier. The surroundings and quality service also add to the experience. Great company also helps! You won’t be disappointed.
Stay the Night
If you know when you’d like to travel, try to book in advance, and as soon as possible. Prices tend to rise the closer you get to the travel date. However, there is a vast array to accommodate all if King Street Townhouse is out of your budget.
easyHotel Manchester City Centre
The easyHotel Manchester has double rooms (with or without a window), accessible bedrooms and twin rooms. Found less than a 3-minute walk from Manchester Piccadilly train station. The budget hotel has en-suite bathrooms, heated rooms in the winter and air conditioning in the summer. WiFi is free; pay and display and multi-storey car parks are nearby.
Best Western Hotels
There are six Best Western Hotels in and around Manchester. Every Best Western hotel is individual and crammed full of its own personality. From big comfy beds, fresh linen sheets and free WiFi. Some of the hotels in Manchester have parking which charges a small fee.
MacDonald Manchester Hotel
The largest 4-star hotel is the MacDonald Manchester. It’s eye-catching design dominates the skyline all the way from Piccadilly Station to the Mancunian Way. The spacious bedrooms are amongst Manchester’s largest hotel rooms, with fantastic facilities and free WiFi. There are plenty of special offers including spa breaks.
Britannia Hotels
Britannia Hotels in Manchester have rooms from £49 per night. The hotel offers excellent value for money with spacious en-suite bedrooms, TV’s and tea and coffee-making facilities. Complimentary WiFi sessions are included as well as low-cost parking. Even pets are allowed to stay for a small additional charge. Tip – ask for a room on one of the upper floors, as the views of the city are spectacular.
Plan a Trip with Expedia
Booking a hotel via Expedia is a seamless experience that offers convenience and choice at your fingertips. With just a few clicks, you can browse through a wide array of cosy boutique hotels to luxurious resorts, tailored to your preferences and budget. Compare prices, read reviews from fellow travellers, and explore amenities, ensuring you find the perfect place to stay for your trip.
Create your Itinerary
Using TripAdvisor when booking a hotel allows you to access a wealth of reviews and ratings from fellow travellers, helping you make an informed decision on where to stay, while also providing recommendations and insights on planning things to do during your trip.
Radisson Blu
There are plenty of Radisson hotels in Manchester, including Park Inn in the city centre, Radisson Blu at Manchester Airport and The Edwardian, a 5-star hotel in a Grade II listed building. All rooms are modern and comfortable, the ideal hideaway during your visit.
Radisson Hotel Discount Code
Get 15% off 3 or 4-night stays, 20% off 5 or 6-night stays, or 25% off for 7 or more nights in luxury rooms and suites. When you use the Radisson Hotel Promo Code LONGER, you’ll also receive complimentary high-speed WiFi on unlimited devices. More information
Cottages and Houses
The award-winning business, Sykes Cottages, has properties across the UK, and the ones near Manchester are beautiful. From cosy lodges with traditional woodburning stoves to contemporary accommodation with a hot tub. With all the amenities you could need, including parking, WiFi and many dog-friendly places, check out Sykes Holiday Cottages.
Get 50% off food
Did you know you can get 2 for 1 on meals or 25% off food with a Tastecard? There are independent and chain restaurants to choose from and various cuisines. Get a 2-month free trial here:
So, do you want to be the first to read my latest blog posts? If you have enjoyed my King Street Townhouse afternoon tea review, you can stay updated with my other travel features by signing up for my mailing list:
Follow me on social media: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
Related Articles
