Top Tea Travel Guide, Part two: city cuppas

12th March 2013

Going to one of the UK's major cities this year? Take tea (and refuge) in the stylish surrounds of the Tea Guild's urban venues.

After all, afternoon tea is not just about rural idylls and summer days! Remember though, advance planning is essential as these venues book up quickly - especially on the weekends and during the holiday seasons. All hotels listed here scooped the Tea Guild’s Award of Excellence last year.

Manchester - The Lowry Hotel

An exciting, dynamic city, Manchester has many, many great places to eat and drink and The Lowry Hotel in Salford is one of them (so good it has received the Tea Guild’s award of Excellence four years in a row).

Tea is served in the hotel’s River Bar. Designed by Olga Polizzi and David Collins, the environs are stylish and contemporary. There’s a range of both innovative and classic teas to choose from including Organic Downy Tip Green Mao Jian Tea or Morning Blend and expect freshly baked plain and apple and cinammon scones, finger sandwiches plus a variety of cakes and pastries such as chocolate and pomegranate macaroon or blood orange trifle – all served on unusual, modern, cake tiers.

Tea is served from 3-5pm

Read more on the Tea Guild Directory

Edinburgh - The Caledonian, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel

While The Lowry is every inch the contemporary hotel, The Caledonian in the heart of Edinburgh evokes the spirit of a glamorous bygone age; Charlie Chaplin, Elizabeth Taylor Bing Crosby and Sir Sean Connery have all frequented the hotel. Fantastically placed at the west end of Princes Street (it was once the railway hotel), it makes the perfect destination to include on an itinerary of the city.

The tea menu is extensive; with classics such the hotel’s own Caledonian Scottish Tea Blend (largely Chinese Keemum, good with milk and sugar) to Blue Lady, traditional Earl Grey refined with dried mallow and marigold flowers. Those with a taste for adventure should peruse the Display Tea menu, which contains some unusual but tempting teas

Afternoon tea at The Caley (as it is affectionately known) is served in the spacious yet chic Peacock Alley, in what used to be the station concourse and ticket office. The hotel has just undergone an extensive refurbishment and is now one of the city’s top luxury destinations.

Served from 12-5pm.

Read more on the Tea Guild Directory

Bristol - Bristol Marriot Royal Hotel

The Bristol Marriot Royal Hotel is another Victorian gem, and is the place to take tea in the city: understandable when you realise that afternoon tea has been served there since the hotel opened in 1863! Centrally located, like the Caledonian, it attracts a diverse clientele, from families visiting student offspring to business customers.

There’s a wide range of teas on offer; from Darjeeling Jungpana to Jasmine Gold Green Tea. In fact, you can enjoy as much tea as you like as the Marriot offers a ‘bottomless pot’ for its Afternoon Teas.

Teas served from 6am-6pm.
Afternoon tea served from 12-6pm.

Read more on the Tea Guild Directory

London

Visit the Tea Guild’s member section for a full list of the venues in London. Remember the winner of the Top London Afternoon Tea Award is due to be announced next month! Watch this space.