Turns out we have the Duchess of Bedford to thank for this one. Back in the 1840’s she, like most people, suffered from a serious case of ‘hangry’ when she had to wait between lunch and dinner. Thus, the afternoon tea was born and the Duchess is clearly a woman after my own heart.
Sometimes, a cup of tea, some miniature sandwiches and some patisserie are all you need to turn a bad day into a good one and nothing is a testament to this more than the Afternoon Tea at Harvey Nichols.
I can properly vouch for this one. I have been a few times, the first being after my graduation a few years ago and the most recent a few weeks back. I can safely say that although times have changed, the quality has not dipped in the slightest.
Obviously, the treats and cakes change often. But the most recent Afternoon Tea I enjoyed included:
A selection of sandwiches including pastrami, cucumber and cream cheese, egg mayo, hot smoked salmon, a goats cheese wrap & chicken liver pate on a crostini.
Freshly made mini scones with Harvey Nichols conserve and clotted cream
A selection of cakes and patisserie including macarons, rhubarb & custard crumble served in a jar, apple & cinnamon loaf, walnut banoffee slice and a chocolate torte.
You can wash all this down with a selection of beautiful loose leaf teas as well as coffee, hot chocolate and freshly squeezed juices. Of course, we can liquefy things with a glass of fizz or a stunning cocktail from the bar (why the hell not?!) I am personally quite partial to one of their season Bellini’s and a steaming cup of Earl Gray tea.
The Afternoon Tea at Harvey Nichols costs £22 or £30 with added sparkle – so this makes the perfect gift for someone that needs treating. Tea is available daily from 12pm-5pm on the Second Floor Brasserie at Harvey Nichols Manchester. To make a booking or for more information call 0161 828 8898 or email secondfloor.reservations@harveynichols.com.
Afternoon Tea: £22 per person
Champagne Afternoon Tea: £30 per person
Second Floor Bar and Brasserie, Harvey Nichols Manchester, 21 New Cathedral Street, Manchester, M1 1AD
0161 828 8898
www.harveynichols.com
