At this time of year, we love nothing more than a bit of afternoon indulgence. What better way to celebrate the colder season than with warm scones topped with jam and clotted cream and a cup of tea (or glass of bubbly!). If you’re looking to treat yourself in Birmingham, here are some of the top spots for traditional afternoon tea.
Whether you’re staying at the AC Hotel or just exploring the Mailbox, the AC Lounge is a top spot for tea. The contemporary space is unlike most traditional tearooms and the laid-back vibe allows guests to sit back, unwind, and sip their cup of tea in peace. So, what are you waiting for? Their heavenly cakes and pastries are waiting for you.
Craft Dining Rooms
This modern British restaurant opened its doors at Birmingham’s ICC this summer and it’s been a hit with the locals ever since. With its striking yellow and grey décor, Craft Dining Rooms is one of the city’s most stylish eateries. As the name suggests, everything is handcrafted, handpicked, and homegrown, from the food and drink to the art on the walls. For a special treat, book their Mad Hattingley Tea Party and enjoy handmade savouries, afternoon tea fancies, and a glass of Hattingley Valley sparkling wine for £30pp.
After a day of shopping in Birmingham’s busy city centre, take a well-deserved break at The Ivy Temple Row. If you’re wondering where locals go to treat themselves, then look no further. Here you can enjoy a delicious afternoon tea and do a spot of people-watching in elegant Art Deco-inspired surroundings. With truffled chicken brioche rolls and blackberry and Champagne trifle on offer, how could you resist?
The Edgbaston
Afternoon tea is served daily at The Edgbaston, a stylish boutique hotel not far from the city centre. Guests can expect delicious artisan savouries, seasonal sweet treats, and scones with strawberry jam and clotted cream. Afternoon tea is accompanied by organic loose leaf Jing tea that will leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed.
Planning a weekend break or a girly day out? You can dine in style at the Park Regis, a luxury hotel on Broad Street that’s surrounded by trendy bars, comedy clubs, and nightclubs. Tea is served in the 1565 bar and, in warmer weather, out on the terrace. Diners with a sweet tooth will love the white chocolate and raspberry lollipops, while gin connoisseurs can add a Hendrick’s cocktail to their tea experience for an extra £5.
Harvey Nichols Brasserie
Planning a shopping spree? Then head to Harvey Nichols and treat yourself to a fabulous afternoon tea in the temple of luxury fashion. Once you’re relaxing in their leather banquette booths and enjoying a glass of Champagne, you’ll instantly feel like an A-lister. Their luxury afternoon tea is a bargain at £22 per head, so why not enjoy a cocktail in the bar before heading home?
Situated close to Birmingham’s Botanical Gardens, Three Church Road is a modern restaurant and bistro with quintessential English charm. It’s a sophisticated spot for traditional afternoon tea or a cream tea, if you fancy something a little lighter. There’s even a ‘G & Tea’ option which includes a gin and tonic served in a china cup. Cheers!
Edwardian Tearooms at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
Art lovers, rejoice! After a morning exploring the galleries, culture vultures can take tea in the beautifully renovated Edwardian Tearooms. For just £17.95, you’ll enjoy dainty sandwiches, scrumptious scones with strawberry jam and clotted cream, as well as an array of bitesize cakes. We especially love their ‘Press for Champagne’ service – simply sit back in your private booth, press the Champagne buzzer and make a toast to the cosy season!
This is a guest post from freelance journalist Beatrice Clark. She has written for Vogue, Glamour and Vanity Fair, among others, and has spent the past 15 years living in France, England and Scotland. She is currently based in Berlin and is always on the hunt for the perfect Eggs Benedict.
