9 Places to Enjoy Afternoon Tea in Birmingham

An afternoon devoted to tea, sandwiches, cakes and scones is the height of British elegance and sophistication.

A ritual that has carried on since Victorian times, afternoon tea has long manifested how civilised folk should enjoy their leisure time.

Interestingly, the trend of afternoon tea has been increasing at a steady rate over the years. And Birmingham itself has begun to embrace the British tradition with a number of little spots serving delicate offerings of Afternoon Tea.

Many of the offerings available across the city have revolutionised the classic notion of afternoon tea and modernised it for city people.

There is a growing number of outlets across Birmingham who are competing for customers with their daring and innovative sandwich flavours and sweet treats.

DESiblitz explores some of the best Afternoon Tea spots you can find as part of the growing trend across Birmingham.

The Edgbaston Boutique Hotel

Perhaps one of the most lavish little spots available for Afternoon Tea in Birmingham, The Edgbaston is gastronomically ahead of its competitors.

Main highlights of the afternoon tea sessions are the infused dry ice and smoke effects that fill the quaintly furnished tearoom.

Tucked away on the quieter side of Birmingham’s centre, The Edgbaston serves their Tea between 12pm and 6pm. Alongside the traditional scones with clotted cream, the Boutique offers artisanal sandwiches and a delightful selection of sweets.

Organic Loose Leaf Jing Tea is a firm favourite at The Edgbaston because of its refreshing and relaxing qualities. Other varieties include Lemon Verbena, Gunpowder Supreme and Jasmine Silver Needle For those not interested in hot tea, there are iced tea options also available like Rosy Cheeks and Spring Greens.

Afternoon Tea is priced at £22 per person, £29 with a glass of Moët & Chandon, and £30 with a glass of Moët & Chandon Rosé.

Park Regis Birmingham

Served in the luxurious decor of the 1565 restaurant, Afternoon Tea at the Park Regis is a relaxing affair.

Away from the traffic and bustle of Five Ways and Broad Street, you can relax by overlooking the centre of Birmingham with a glass of prosecco and homemade fruit scones and macaroons.

Park Regis offer a variety of different afternoon tea options. The Classic & Royal Afternoon Tea uses freshly-sourced ingredients and a unique variety of sandwiches, brioche buns and wraps.

There are also Ladies, Gents & Family Afternoon Tea options, where gentlemen can enjoy pulled pork and steak sandwiches to satisfy their appetites.

A Classic Afternoon Tea at Park Regis is priced at £24.

Marco Pierre White Steakhouse & Grill

While Afternoon Tea at a prestigious Steakhouse may not be the most obvious choice, Marco Pierre White or MPW offer a finger-licking selection of sandwiches and fresh cakes.

Situated in the Cube, tea and coffee are unlimited. You can indulge in a wide selection of traditional finger sandwiches, warm sultana scones, clotted cream, seasonal preserves as well as sweet treats.

Available on weekdays between 2pm and 4pm, Traditional Tea is only £29 per couple. Sparkling Afternoon Tea which features a glass of Prosecco is only £39 per couple.

For a more indulgent afternoon meet, try the Laurent Perrier Brut Champagne Afternoon Tea for two, priced at £54.

Praza Edgbaston

There is no way that a multicultural city like Birmingham could stick to a classic British Afternoon Tea without a few tweaks.

Praza Edgbaston offers the perfect solution with their take on Indian Afternoon Tea.

A treat for the entire Desi family, sip on authentic Indian Masala Chai or Classic Ginger Cardamom Chai to complement the food.

For the savoury treat, you can enjoy Chicken Tikka, Red Onion and Chilli Grilled Sandwich; a Lamb Kathi Roll; Mini Shingara; vegetable pakoras and namak paare.

Homemade Buttermilk Scones are served with spiced plum chutney.

For dessert, choose from a selection of Kaju Katli and Mini Motichoor Ladoo.

Available from 2pm to 6pm, Indian Afternoon Tea at Praza is £15.95 per person.

Hotel du Vin

Hotel du Vin offers a wonderfully English Afternoon Tea for customers to enjoy. The stunning hotel offers a traditional Cream Tea from £8.50 per person which includes a selection of warm scones served with a mixture of Bonne Maman jams, clotted cream and Lescure butter.

The classic Tea sees some delicate sweets like homemade apple candy floss for £20 per person.

The Wimbledon Afternoon Tea is one to go for. Savouries include a Severn and Wye smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel, egg and cress mayonnaise brioche sub, ham with Gruyère croissant, heritage tomato and tapenade galette, goat’s cheese and spinach quiche.

For dessert, you can delight yourself with a lemon meringue pie, raspberry and dark chocolate teacakes and rhubarb and custard doughnuts. All for £25 per person.

Hotel La Tour

Afternoon Tea at Hotel La Tour comes with Welsh Rarebit or Hummus and Onion Marmalade.

Traditional sandwiches range from Poached Chicken, Tarragon and Lemon Mayonnaise; Smoked Salmon Tartare with Creme Fraiche and Dill; Egg and Mustard Cress, and Aubergine, Courgette, Red Pepper and Pesto.

Their tea selection from Newby Teas includes Jasmine Princess, Masala Chai, Rooibos Orange and Kan-Junga.

Classic Afternoon Tea is priced at £24.95 or you can indulge in Champagne for £34.95.

Malmaison

Malmaison offers a range of Afternoon Teas in the high-end local of the Mailbox.

Choose a Classic Cream Tea with a gluten free lemon and polenta cake and a salted chocolate brownie for £10.

The traditional Tea comes with a fruit scone, hot smoked salmon and Crème Fraiche wrap, chipotle chicken and avocado wrap, mini burger, strawberry and vanilla pavlova, peach & Amaretto cream, and a frozen summer berry smoothie. All for £17.50.

Upgrade to either a Champagne or Cocktail Afternoon Tea for £25.

The Balcony, Selfridges

For those looking for a break from designer shopping, The Balcony in Selfridges offers the perfect respite.

The Balcony offers a picnic inspired Searcy’s afternoon tea available from 3pm. All served in vintage tins that pay homage to the big fashion houses. 

The Afternoon Sweet Shop features seasonal sandwiches, classic scones and mini cakes and is £35 for two people.

Plough & Harrow Hotel

Another firm favourite for traditional tea is the Plough & Harrow Hotel, located on Hagley Road.

Afternoon Tea is served daily from 2pm to 5pm. The Classic option features Artisan Smoked Salmon, Free Range Egg & Wild Rocket, and Wiltshire Ham & Grain Mustard. They are accompanied by an Assortment of Mini Macaroons

Chocolate & Coffee Eclairs, and Vanilla & Chocolate Milles Feuilles. All for £19.50.

You can also handpick from a selection of award-winning teas from Birchalls.

For an extra special treat try the Seasonal Afternoon Tea which offers a surprise addition to the classic menu depending on the season, all for £25.

All of these selections are perfect spots to enjoy Afternoon Tea in the heart of Birmingham.