Top 5 Hotspots for Afternoon Tea in Birmingham

9 August 2021

It’s that time of year again! Every year in the second week of August, we celebrate Afternoon Tea Week across the UK!

This classically British custom began in the 1840s, it was introduced by the seventh Duchess of Bedford as a small meal to keep her going until dinner, which was usually served around 8pm. She requested tea, bread and butter, and cakes, which upper class ladies turned into a pot of tea, adorable mini sandwiches, scones, and cakes.

Here's a polished list of some of the best places to go for afternoon tea in this year’s dedicated week to finger sandwiches, scones and tea.

Edgbaston Boutique Hotel

Our first choice for an Afternoon Tea Week celebration is the winner of the Afternoon Tea Awards in 2017.

The Edgbaston Boutique Hotel hosts a fantastic afternoon tea from 12pm until 5pm, on Wednesday to Sunday, for £29.50 per person.

This delightful treat has many sweet treats as part of the package: a selection of sandwiches, freshly baked scones served with strawberry jam and clotted cream, as well as a specially chosen tea, Organic Loose Leaf Jing Tea, with many varieties to choose from.

Even with options for dietary restrictions, including gluten-free, vegan and nut-free, an afternoon tea at The Edgbaston Boutique is welcoming for everyone!

Clayton Hotel Birmingham

Another delicious pick is the Clayton Hotel Birmingham; you can find it right in the heart of the city. Served every day from 1pm until 5pm for just £19.95 per person!

This classic afternoon tea begins with an assortment of sandwiches, including home-baked ham, coronation chicken and rich smoked salmon. This is followed with a variety of hand-picked petit fours, home-made plain and fruit scones, alongside a sweet strawberry jam and fresh clotted cream. There’s also a wonderful range of teas and a great coffee selection.

The Clayton Hotel have some great upgrades on the menu, such as a glass of prosecco, extra sandwiches, or scones. This afternoon tea is a great choice to dine for in Afternoon Tea Week!

Hlton Birmingham Metropole

The Hilton Birmingham Metropole has an amazing deal for their afternoon tea, which is served every day of the week from 12pm until 5pm, at £30.00 for two people!

Between the two of you, you’ll be served an appetizing assortment of finger sandwiches, which includes cucumber & cream cheese, ham, smoked salmon, and egg & cress. As well as two freshy baked scones, served with a range of pastries and preserves, and a selection of Twining’s Tea Ritual.

For those opting for a classier option, you can upgrade to the afternoon tea with a glass of champagne for just an extra £7.50 each.

Laura Ashley's Tearoom

The winner of the Afternoon Tea Awards in 2019 is a little further from the centre of the city; Laura Ashley The Tea Room in Solihull, which is the ideal tearoom for a lovely, warm atmosphere.

The Traditional Afternoon Tea is £27.00 per person and served between 12pm and 5:30pm every day of the week. There’s the elegant finger sandwiches, with fillings such as ham & piccalilli, egg mayonnaise and crayfish tail with lemon & dill mayonnaise. The traditional buttermilk scones, either plain or raisin, are accompanied with Devonshire clotted cream, a choice of British preserves in strawberry, blackcurrant, or lemon curd flavour, and a pot of tea or coffee.

As well as a prosecco and a champagne upgrade, Laura Ashley The Tea Room have options for a vegan, gluten-free and nut-free diet!

Jacques Restaurant Knowle

Jacques Restaurant Knowles have an exquisite traditional afternoon tea, available daily between 12pm and 5pm Wednesday to Sunday, expertly prepared by their Master Pâtissier, Olivier Briault.

The traditional afternoon tea is £39.95 and consists of the perfect balance of sweet and savoury treats. There’s artisan sandwiches, such as Scottish smoked salmon with lemon butter and Warwickshire country ham with honey-mustard mayonnaise; fresh warmed scones, served with home-made clotted cream and strawberry preserve; and a mouth-watering selection of cakes and desserts, including pistachio extremet and a chocolate gâteau.

To accompany this excellent afternoon tea, Jacques have nine heavenly options available in their range of teas, including chamomile flowers, peppermint and Japanese sencha green.