#3 in Best Afternoon Tea in Manchester for 2026

Best for rooftop views and diningWATTB85/100£££Modern British afternoon teaVegetarian option

20 Stories

Photo: 20 Stories · Google

Our verdict · Modern British tea with 360-degree Spinningfields views at a fair entry price.

Go if

You want a skyline backdrop and a contemporary menu, ideally paired with the rooftop terrace on a clear day.

Skip it if

You want a hushed, traditional tea room rather than a view-led experience.

Plan your visit

20 Stories

WATTB Score

85/ 100

Our research-based editorial assessment.

How we score →

From ~£30pp (indicative; sparkling-wine and cocktail upgrades available)

Indicative price at the time of review.

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20 Stories sits high above Spinningfields and leans into its view: its afternoon tea (indicatively from around £30 per person, with sparkling-wine and cocktail-pairing upgrades available) pairs a range of seasonal, locally sourced sandwiches and canapés with homemade scones, clotted cream and jam and signature tarts and cakes, served against 360-degree views of the skyline. It edges below The Lowry on food and service consistency but earns its place for setting and a competitive entry price. Pick it over Cloud 23 below if you want a genuine sit-down dining experience with a view rather than a bar-led one; the trade-off versus The Midland is a less formal, less tea-focused occasion.

The good & the bad

Pros

360-degree skyline views from Manchester's highest restaurant, with a rooftop terrace for clear days
Competitive indicative entry price (~£30pp)
Contemporary, seasonal, locally sourced menu

Cons

A restaurant-and-bar setting rather than a dedicated tea room
Set serving windows (Mon–Thu afternoons; Fri midday), so plan around them

How it compares

Pick	WATTB Score	Price	Best for
1.The Tea Room at The Midland	90/100	From ~£38pp (indicative; £48 with Pommery champagne)	overall and best traditional
2.The River Restaurant at The Lowry Hotel	87/100	From ~£32.50pp (indicative; £42.50 with Champagne)	five-star polish and a calm riverside setting
3.20 StoriesThis pick	85/100	From ~£30pp (indicative; sparkling-wine and cocktail upgrades available)	rooftop views and dining
4.The Allotment Vegan Eatery	84/100	From ~£25pp (indicative; Prosecco upgrade ~£3.50pp)	plant-based afternoon tea and best value
5.Cloud 23 at The Manchester Deansgate Hotel	82/100	From ~£35pp (indicative; +~£10 for cocktail or champagne)	the highest skyline view

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Good to know

4.3 ★Google · 5,913 reviews

Address: 1 Hardman St, Manchester M3 3AQ
Nearest station: Deansgate-Castlefield / St Peter's Square
Phone: +44 161 204 3333
Price: From ~£30pp (indicative; sparkling-wine and cocktail upgrades available)
Traditional tea (indicative): From ~£30pp
Upgrades: Sparkling-wine and cocktail-pairing options
Setting: Rooftop of No.1 Spinningfields, 360-degree city views
Serving times: Mon–Thu 2–4.30pm; Fri 12–5pm
Style: Seasonal, locally sourced modern British