Historically, afternoon tea is strictly English- but you already knew that part. It is typically served between 3.30pm and 5 pm and was a way to entertain guests or keep those pangs of hunger in the upper classes at bay before the eight courses, silver-service dinner in the evening. What a hard life it must has been in the 1840s.
Nowadays, afternoon tea is a fantastic weekend activity which is enjoyed by all. Transcending class, age and gender. It is my go-to birthday gift for mothers/sisters/godmothers/aunts etc. as it is something you get to enjoy as well- if you can handle sharing that is.
Now, we would all love to spend every Saturday afternoons in Fortnum and Masons choosing a cake from the brass trolley and sticking our pinkie fingers out, but who has that kind of dosh? And anyway, here in Manchester City Centre we are spoilt for choice when it comes to fabulous afternoon teas. But what if you want something a little more local? Trendy southern suburbs have Alderley edge and Didsbury, but the North has One88 in Whitefield, and their afternoon tea is everything it should be.
Now, they have a few different kinds… which is music to my ears.
Traditional consists of traditional sandwiches like cucumber smoked salmon and egg. You will also find some freshly baked scones with jam and clotted cream and a range of cute little tarts. Meanwhile, the for the gents comes with a couple of bottles of beer, chips, pork pies, sausage rolls just to name a few manly things. Whoever said finger sandwiches weren’t masculine?
One88 Bar and Kitchen, 188 Bury New Rd, Whitefield, Manchester M45 6QF
0161 280 0524
www.one88whitefield.co.uk
