Manchester House is one of the most talked about venues in the city and this is why…it’s well known for the fine dining restaurant led by head chef Aiden Byrne but what many people don’t know is that there is another level of excitement in this venue, a very elegant lounge and bar area on the twelfth floor serving all kinds of cocktails, spirits, champagne and a selection of snacks. Each of the tables are located by the window so you can enjoy an afternoon cocktail with a fabulous panoramic view of the city!

I was kindly invited to try out the new afternoon tea menu which launched for the festive season at Manchester House, priced at £25 per person or £35 with a glass of champagne. It just so happened that the day I visited with my husband it did snow which made the experience feel even more festive! The staff at Manchester House couldn’t make you feel more welcome, this place is a real treat from the moment you enter, it is certainly worth the visit. We began the afternoon tea with a glass of bubbly (Veuve Clicquot to be precise) whilst enjoying the snow fall! The afternoon tea is served on a wooden board with two tiers, the bottom tier featuring the savoury selection; something that I have never seen on an afternoon tea menu but perfect for this time of year was the hot bloody mary demi-tasse with bison vodka jelly inspired by the popular cocktail and the Lancashire cheese and onion pie! Who would have thought you could have this for afternoon tea. The finger sandwiches were also very tasty; chicken and tarragon bun and a cream cheese and cucumber sandwich. The sweets were all beautifully presented and offered something for everyone (if you’re a sweet lover). For the chocoholics out there, there’s a millionaire’s ‘shot’ of Manjari chocolate mousse with tonka and vanilla panna cotta topped with caramel and gold leaf which seriously looks too good to eat! Then you have a contemporary twist on the original battenberg with a unique flavour of rose and grapefruit. My favourite had to be the iconic Manchester tart which was beautifully presented with mini raspberry meringues. The most unusual sweet treat was the matcha green tea and spiced plum choux which was something you would see out of masterchef! A real unique flavour combining the green tea and spiced plum, delicately encased in a choux pastry… and finally homemade scones served with raspberry jam and clotted cream, something that you just expect when having afternoon tea! I chose the English breakfast tea but there was a selection of other teas on offer.To enjoy your festive afternoon tea contact Manchester House on 0161 835 2557.