It’s not often that I get to surprise someone with a treat – or surprise someone at all. My life is, for all intents and purposes online – if you follow me on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook, there’ll be pictures of where I am, where I’ve been, what I’ve eaten, drunk or what I plan to do.
So the opportunity to surprise my sister for her birthday was one I couldn’t miss. Afternoon tea in Manchester House, no kids, no family, just grown up sister time.
So I had to get sneaky.
The booking was made, and I asked her to book the date in her diary, no clue as to what was coming except that it was ‘posh’. But that also meant I couldn’t make the usual mentions on Twitter. So I got even sneakier, and quietly blocked her on social media, so she couldn’t see any of the mentions I made (and it was the only way I knew that if I let slip, she still wouldn’t find out).
On the day itself, we met for coffee, before walking through Spinningfields to Manchester House itself.
I think she was a little bit surprised.
Once in, we were swiftly seated and introduced to the menu, and though the day was grey and rain soaked, the view from Lounge 12 is still stunning. We did mentally Photoshop the cranes out of our images though.
As you’d expect for Manchester House, the afternoon tea is a little special. Local ingredients in the nibbles, elegance in the dessert presentation, and flavours present. 
Our sandwiches included rich salmon with cream cheese, cucumber and dill (a personal favourite) and Lancashire cheese and pickle. All of these would have been ‘enough’ for most afternoon teas on the bottom plate, but not for MH.
Alongside a coronation chicken wrap that was just the right side of incredibly rich and buttery, were heavenly mini bloomers filled with rare roast beef and horseradish. I don’t really like horseradish but for these, I will make an exception.
Crisp fried onions, soft beef, the creamy warmth of the horseradish and perfect seasoning meant our table was briefly silent as we slowly savoured. I’d eat this again, and again.
Almost too soon, the top of the stand beckoned. Saving the Eccles cakes and scones for last, we leapt into the softer pastries. Macarons made with rose and Darjeeling tea had us fantasising about Turkish delight – MH does some of the best macarons I’ve had, there’s no flavour of disappointment, sugar and almond about these.
A pannacotta with mango mousse tempted, though it had perhaps softened a little waiting for my attention, the flavours were still there as we scooped the soft liquid from the dainty glass.
Lamingtons also called for our attention, the first time I’d tried these without their traditional chocolate. And I’d happily do so again (and if anyone wants to let me know the recipe….?).
And then these incredible little morsels. Rich deep chocolate, a bitter toasted pecan, maple cream and a crisp base. Intense, but worth every mouthful. I don’t really ‘do’ chocolate cakes or desserts, but this one I would do again. And again.
We paused ahead of the scones and Eccles cakes. Tea was on hand, to soothe our senses. They’d been from the soft English of the Sandwiches to the intense maple chocolate of the last pastry on the plate. We were headed back to tradition.
The scones were light and fluffy, with the right biscuity outer, small, but well formed, and though I missed the sultanas in a fruit scone, I was about to sample my fruit in something far more northern.
Small, crisp, buttery, spiced this Eccles cake was just what the doctor ordered. I’ve had good Eccles cakes, and disappointingly bad Eccles cakes. This was just excellent. I almost wanted to ask for a cheese board to accompany it, but even if I had insisted on it, my tummy would have protested. The number of nibbles on the stand alone, made for a more than satisfactory portion.
Afternoon tea, could and should be special. Unless you live in a country house, it’s not something we indulge in regularly, even weekly. The closest I come to it on a weekday is my 3pm cup of green tea. Not a scone in sight.
Manchester House does this very well – the service was excellent, the venue is gorgeous as ever, and yes, you could go to venues that offer it for less (£25 for afternoon tea, £35 for Champagne tea), if you’re wanting to impress, or really treat someone you care about, this is the one to splash out on.
This meal and accompanying drinks were supplied for free by Manchester House. As ever, this doesn’t guarantee a positive review (if anything, I tend to be a harsher critic).
Manchester House has always offered (and continues to do so) excellent service, and great food. The views can’t be beaten. Yes, you could find an afternoon tea elsewhere for a lower price – but as mentioned, if you are wanting to impress, or wanting to splash out and treat someone, this would be the ideal option.