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Hello tea enthusiasts! When it comes to Liverpool afternoon tea, I am so. Here. For. It!
If you’ve been following my adventures, you know there’s nothing I love more than visiting Liverpool and cups of tea. Pair the two together, and we’ve got a match made in heaven!
Liverpool was the first place I ever tried afternoon tea, and it’s safe to say that after my first experience, I was hooked.
The city has more fabulous afternoon tea venues than you can shake a stick at, so whether you’re looking for a posh afternoon tea in Liverpool, a boozy afternoon tea, a cheap afternoon tea, or, heck, even a Beatles-themed afternoon tea, you’ll find it in Liverpool.
Whether you’re a scone connoisseur, a finger sandwich fanatic, or just here for the tea, join me as we dive into my top recommendations for the best afternoon tea in Liverpool.
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1. Brown’s Brasserie
Brown’s Brasserie is another one of my tried-and-tested top picks for afternoon tea in Liverpool city centre. I enjoyed their afternoon tea this summer, and there was SO. MUCH. FOOD. It was a challenge to get through it all!
Brown’s is a national chain, and I’ve also had their afternoon tea at one of their London branches, so I can vouch that it’s great across locations.
Their Liverpool branch is right in the city centre and downright lovely. I went on a Sunday and it was very busy, but we were able to make a last-minute reservation.
Someone was playing live music on the piano as we dined, which was a nice, fancy touch.
As well as the standard afternoon tea, Browns is one of the few places where you can get gluten free afternoon tea in Liverpool. Hooray!
Browns afternoon tea in Liverpool is served every day from 3pm-5pm.
2. Titanic Hotel Liverpool
Looking for a serene and classy spot in Liverpool to enjoy your afternoon tea? Titanic Hotel Liverpool might just be your cuppa.
It’s located slightly outside of the city centre, over at Stanley Dock, but it’s worth the journey to be able to enjoy your afternoon tea with views over the dock
The Titanic Hotel afternoon tea is classic and refined – you won’t find anything wacky here. Instead, they serve the classics, and they serve them well. You’ve got your staple finger sandwiches and freshly baked scones, but the gin and tonic macarons and praline choux buns are delightful additions.
The tea, served in vintage white and blue china, adds a lovely touch of Titanic nostalgia. Afternoon tea here is a truly lovely way to spend an afternoon.
3. Hard Days Night Hotel
Alright Beatlemaniacs and tea lovers, you’re going to love the quirky Liverpool afternoon tea at Hard Day’s Night Hotel! The Beatles sang about tea over a dozen times, so it only makes sense to enjoy a cuppa at the hotel dedicated to the Fab Four.
This is one of my favourite places for afternoon tea in Liverpool.
As well as their standard afternoon tea, which comes with the classic small cakes, scones, finger sandwiches and, of course, unlimited tea, there’s also the “Sgt. Pepper’s” afternoon tea where you can treat yourself to some bubbles.
What makes this Liverpool afternoon tea so unusual is that you’ll get to enjoy it surrounded by Beatles memorabilia and eat to the tune of Beatles songs, like the Liverpool-themed Penny Lane. For Beatlemaniacs like me, that’s a big YES!
My mum took me to enjoy the Hard Days Night afternoon tea for my birthday a few years ago, and it certainly didn’t disappoint. The lobby where you enjoy the tea is peaceful, with no hurry for you to leave, and the food was great.
Obviously, all the Beatles tunes were the icing on the cake for me! Add this to a Beatles tour (like the Magical Mystery Tour), a trip to the Cavern Club, and one of the Beatles museums, and you’ve got the perfect Beatles-themed Liverpool!
4. Panoramic 34
Imagine the best champagne afternoon tea Liverpool has to offer, and then elevate it – literally. If sipping tea while gazing at a sweeping cityscape is your thing, Panoramic 34 has got you covered.
Situated on the 34th floor of the West Tower on Brook Street, just a stone’s throw away from the iconic Royal Albert Dock and its many fabulous free museums, this establishment is undeniably the best place to go for afternoon tea with a view in Liverpool.
The lofty heights aren’t the only thing to marvel at. Their menu is full of sophistication. Think pastrami, gouda, pickle, and mustard buns, or the delicate subtlety of egg mayonnaise and chives nestling within fresh focaccia bread.
And, of course, the finishing touch: scones, alluring cherry macarons, and a velvety dark chocolate citrus cheesecake. Yum!
For £35 per person, you’ll not only be treated to these foodie delights but also a bubbly glass of champagne.
So, if you want your Liverpool afternoon tea experience to rise above the rest, Panoramic 34 is where you should set your sights.
5. The London Carriage Works
Let’s face it, there’s something undeniably romantic about sharing a pot of tea and a plate of cakes.
For those in the know, The London Carriage Works, nestled inside the Hope Street Hotel (yeah, the one with those dreamy balconies), stands out as the quintessential spot for afternoon tea for two in Liverpool.
Now, whether you’re looking to reminisce over memories or create new ones, the schedule’s easy to remember: Pop by between 12 noon – 4 pm from Monday to Thursday, or set your weekend vibes from 12 noon – 3 pm on Fridays to Sundays.
But what’s on the menu, you ask?
Well, think traditional, but with a luxurious touch. A parade of freshly baked cakes that melt in your mouth, finger sandwiches ready for the nibbling, and warm scones that practically beckon the berries, fresh clotted cream, and jam.
And let’s not forget the star of the show: your choice of aromatic loose leaf tea, brewing and waiting. You can’t go wrong at the London Carriage Works!
6. Oh Me Oh My
Let’s spill the tea on one of Liverpool’s loveliest afternoon spots: Oh Me Oh My.
Open for the perfect midweek treat every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 12 pm – 3 pm, this place brings Parisian charm to Liverpool. Think finger sandwiches, petit fours, and treats that take your taste buds on a dance.
What I love so much about the offering here is that their menu changes with the seasons. One day you’re diving into a rhubarb and custard brûlée, and the next, you’re nibbling on a pistachio macaron worthy of Paul Hollywood’s nod. Everything is always fresh and seasonal!
They’ve nailed that Parisian café vibe, with the jazzy beats in the background. It’s one of the best places to get a quirky afternoon tea in Liverpool.
7. Jam Restaurant & Bar
Looking for a Liverpool vegan afternoon tea? Then Jam Restaurant & Bar has got you covered. The only catch is that you need to book it at least 24 hours in advance to make sure you can be accommodated. The same goes for their gluten free afternoon tea!
This place is very girly – you’ll probably be surrounded by baby showers, relaxed hen dos, and wedding showers, as well as groups of girls just enjoying a day out in Liverpool.
The decor is absolutely stunning – think pink, lilac, and tonnes of sparkles. It’s the perfect option for a hen party afternoon tea in Liverpool!
Oh, and their afternoon tea offering is just as stunning. As well as the classic, vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free afternoon teas, they also serve some of the best girly brunches in Liverpool.
If you need to make the afternoon tea stretch further you’re also able to add home-cooked fries to it.
That’s certainly one of Liverpool’s most unique afternoon teas…
They’ll even wrap your leftovers up for you to take home with you. Win!
8. The Racquet Club Hotel
Not far away from the Albert Dock and just a brief saunter from Moorfields station, The Racquet Club Hotel is throwing down the gauntlet with its afternoon tea served up in its chic Ziba Restaurant.
And no worries, you don’t need to be a hotel guest to enjoy this Liverpool afternoon tea near the Albert Dock. Their farm-to-table vibe? It’s the real deal, with fresh picks straight from their family-owned Home Farm Shop.
Now, onto the food: Delicate sandwiches lay the foundation, followed by pre-filled scones. It’s a slight twist on tradition, but trust me, they’ve got the ratios down.
The pièce de résistance? A rich chocolate mousse crowned with fresh fruit and darling little cakes.
And, if your teacup runs low, they’re quick to offer you a refill – perfect! For those wanting a bit more fizz in their afternoon, no worries – this is a great place to have afternoon tea with prosecco in Liverpool.
9. Alma De Cuba
Seeking an alternative afternoon tea in Liverpool? Well, it might just be time you sashay your way to Alma de Cuba.
Unlike your typical cuppa-with-a-scone affair, this Cuban haven is serving up a Liverpool afternoon tea with a twist – and when I say twist, think a hip-shaking, sequin-shimmering, Samba beats kind of twist!
Picture this: you’re sitting down in the largest Cuban bar in Liverpool, about to take a bite of a Mojito Macaron, when a sizzle of Samba dancers, in all their flamboyant costume glory, twirls past your table.
Yep, that’s the Samba Afternoon Tea experience!
The freshly curated menu boasts exotic delights like Orange Polenta cake (oh-so-creamy with mascarpone) and a devilish Chocolate Chilli tart that’ll make you want to shimmy.
But the pièce de résistance? Donning their dazzling headdresses and dancing! It’s not just about indulging your tastebuds, but also letting loose.
Head down on a Saturday, and join this not-so-traditional, yet oh-so-delightful tea party. Because why sip when you can samba?
10. The Shankly Hotel
Looking for the ultimate treat? Then let me spill the tea on the Shankly Hotel. Not only does this place have one of the best luxury afternoon tea experiences in Liverpool, but they’ve also gone and sprinkled a little magic on it.
Yes, I’m talking about special themed afternoon teas across the year, like a Disney afternoon tea in Liverpool!
As you dive into delicate finger sandwiches, indulge in delectable cakes, and sip on that divine bubbly, imagine yourself in a fairy tale, surrounded by your favourite Disney characters.
From Singing Waiters serving up a side of tunes with your scones to Ultimate Divas making sure your tea is served with sass, Shankly ensures there’s a theme for everyone, so check their themed afternoon tea calendar before you book.
Of course, they also serve up totally traditional afternoon teas, so if you’re thinking of treating mum, this is a great option for Mother’s Day afternoon tea in Liverpool.
Afternoon tea is served at the Shankly Hotel’s Bastion Bar from 1.30pm to 4pm daily.
11. Yard & Coop
Now, if you’re not a tea and scones type of person, I’ve got the perfect quirky and fun afternoon tea option in Liverpool for you. Let’s get down to the good stuff at Yard & Coop.
Touted as an unusual afternoon tea in Liverpool, this spot serves up a three-tiered fried chicken afternoon tea.
Yup, you heard me right!
Tier one? A mountain of fries heaped with luscious cheese sauce, buttermilk fried chicken, and crispy smoked bacon.
Then comes tier two, boasting wings that carry the zesty charm of Buffalo Ranch and Stateside BBQ. Throw in crispy hand-cut onion rings, ‘not chicken’ nugz, and a velvety mac n’ cheese, and oh my!
But let’s not forget the cherry on top. Tier three is all about the mouth-watering sweet treats. Dive into delightful desserts, fresh fruits, and some heavenly hot chocolate sauce.
To make this experience even more sublime? This Liverpool cocktail afternoon tea includes a refreshing cocktail (like a Mexican margarita!) to sip on.
For just £25pp and a 2-hour journey of yumminess, Yard & Coop truly knows how to serve something different to afternoon tea lovers!
12. Carpathia Bar & Restaurant
For those with an affection for historic elegance and a taste for decadence, look no further than Carpathia Restaurant in the renowned 30 James Street Hotel. Offering a Titanic themed afternoon tea in Liverpool, it’s a delightful dive into an era of luxury.
Carpathia boasts a sophisticated charm, seamlessly blending the rich ambience of Titanic’s First Class travel.
From the stone-tiled floors and rustic exposed brickwork to the grandeur of ornate mirrors and plush leather chairs, it’s a setting where opulence meets cosiness. Upon entering, expect a heartfelt welcome that sets the tone for an indulgent afternoon.
The spread? Delightful finger sandwiches filled generously – the Cheshire ham paired with onion mayonnaise being a standout.
And for those with a sweet tooth, there’s a bounty of cakes from the tang of lemon drizzle to the richness of red velvet to choose from.
Though the tea choice leans traditional, the rich flavours of English tea perfectly complement the spread. And for those seeking an extra sparkle, the champagne afternoon tea is always an option!
13. Floating Grace
Ready for an unforgettable Liverpool afternoon tea cruise? Step aboard the Floating Grace and let the River Mersey’s historic docks whisk you away on a journey filled with maritime tales and delectable delights.
Did you know that the River Mersey is 70 miles long? Don’t worry, you won’t be sailing along it in its entirety on your afternoon tea cruise. It’s just one of the many Liverpool facts I find cool!
You may be looking for afternoon tea at the Liverpool Docks – but this is even better! It’s not just an afternoon tea; it’s Liverpool Afternoon tea with entertainment – a blend of history, charm, and gastronomy.
Soon, you’ll meander east, venturing south under the Gower Street Bridge into the Wapping Basin. As the iconic big wheel comes into view, and the entrance to Duke Dock beckons, you’re not just having a meal – you’re on a floating tour of Liverpool’s cool past.
The centrepiece of this aquatic adventure? A beautifully presented afternoon tea. A three-tiered cake stand showcases a variety of sandwiches, delectable mini cakes, and freshly baked scones, topped generously with clotted cream and jam.
Of course, what’s afternoon tea without the classic English breakfast tea to wash it all down?
And fret not about dietary needs – just give a heads-up during booking, and they’ll ensure everything’s tailored to your preference.
Now, for the cherry on top: priced at a mere £20 per person, Floating Grace offers a genuinely unique and cheap afternoon tea in Liverpool. Mingle with history, satisfy your palate, and create unforgettable memories without breaking the bank.
FAQs About Liverpool Afternoon Tea
Does afternoon tea have alcohol?
While traditional afternoon tea does not have alcohol, many venues now offer an option to include alcoholic beverages like champagne, prosecco, or cocktails with afternoon tea. It’s often called “Champagne Afternoon Tea” or “Boozy afternoon tea”. However, the choice to include alcohol is up to the guest, and non-alcoholic versions remain widely popular.
What alcoholic drink goes with afternoon tea?
Champagne or prosecco are classic alcoholic accompaniments to afternoon tea, elevating the experience to a more celebratory occasion. In addition, cocktails like Pimm’s, gin-based drinks, or light floral cocktails can complement the array of sandwiches, scones, and pastries. The choice of drink often depends on personal preference and the specific offerings of the venue.
What is the difference between afternoon tea and royal tea?
Afternoon tea traditionally consists of sandwiches, scones, and pastries, served with tea. Royal tea, on the other hand, is a more luxurious version of afternoon tea, typically adding a glass of champagne or an additional course, such as strawberries and cream. The inclusion of these premium elements elevates the experience to a “royal” level.
Final Thoughts: Best Afternoon Tea in Liverpool
And there we have it, tea lovers!
Liverpool is truly a city of delightful contrasts, from classic to quirky afternoon tea spots.
But don’t let the tea leaves settle just yet—there’s so much more of Liverpool waiting to be explored.
Dive into my ultimate guide to the best apartment hotels in the city if you’re planning a long stay, or if you’re looking for more culinary adventures, check out my top picks for 2-for-1 cocktails in this brilliant city, the top Greek tavernas, and my favourite Sunday roasts.
And if you’re looking to soak in some iconic sights, my list of the most famous Liverpool landmarks is an absolute must-add to your bucket list.
Liverpool’s charm is endless!
