04 Sep LUYA’s Homage to Afternoon Tea

Afternoon Tea. A truly decadent tradition and possibly, one of our most favourite pastimes that we want to pay homage to. It is the perfect treat for almost every celebration and has become a de rigueur offering for restaurants up and down the country. After all, nothing says Great Britain like a cup of tea and slice of cake so it makes sense that the afternoon tea has become one of the nation’s favourite culinary traditions. We are lucky enough to have clients that offer some of the most renowned afternoon tea’s in the North West so, following this year’s Afternoon Tea Week (12th – 18th August), we thought we would remind you of them.

Exotic Afternoon Tea Experience at Sunset by Australasia

Offering an exotic take on the traditional ritual, Sunset by Australasia is an Asian-fusion cuisine restaurant with an exotic cocktail selection. The indulgent retreat in the heart of Manchester has a décor that is designed to transport you to faraway shores.

Sunset’s exotic afternoon tea experience is accompanied by masterfully blended cocktails and begins with a bento box of sunshine-infused sushi and deliciously light Asian fusion dishes, including mini bowls of beef broth which are poured at the table, California rolls with peking duck and salmon and tuna sashimi. This sushi selection is a mini voyage of discovery, with not a cucumber sandwich in sight!

The unique Sunset Afternoon Tea packages are available from Monday to Sunday from 12pm until 5pm by booking here.

Sunset’s Exotic Afternoon Tea

Grand Pacific’s High Society High Tea

Grand Pacific is another key Afternoon Tea destination of Manchester. This grade II listed building has been transformed into an elegant yet comfortable and relaxing dining experience that blends flavours from exotic places with English classics. The historic building still boasts some of its original features, restored to complement a classic and traditional interior.

At Grand Pacific, the quintessentially British High Tea is done with a nod to the golden age of high society with a variety of bite size sweet delights and sandwiches accompanied by aromatic beverages from faraway places. Experience the High Tea in its unquestionable splendour by sipping a cocktail creation that will transport you to the long, golden days of summer. This year, Grand Pacific celebrated Manchester Pride in style by offering their Rainbow Afternoon Tea throughout August, which featured an abundance of brightly coloured tasty treats.

High Tea at Grand Pacific is available to book from 12-5pm Monday- Saturday and 12-3:30pm Sundays.

Grand Pacific’s High Tea

Air on the side of sophistication at Iscoyd Park

Served in their spectacular Coach House, Library or beautiful Drawing Room, Iscoyd Park’s Afternoon Tea also takes some beating. They offer a selection of lovingly crafted sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and strawberry preserve, and a mouth-watering range of exquisitely presented pastries and fancies. To add extra sparkle to the occasion, wash it down with a glass of Iscoyd Park’s very own Champagne. Afterwards you also have the option to enjoy a walk around the stunning gardens or maybe play a game of croquet on the lawn.

Future Afternoon Tea dates at Iscoyd Park can be found and booked on their website.

Iscoyd Park’s Afternoon Tea

The Great Wirral Afternoon Tea at Thornton Hall

Thornton Hall Hotel & Spa have an afternoon tea that is definitely up there with our favourites from the North West. Introducing the Great Wirral Afternoon Tea, where guests can enjoy an extensive range of teas ranging from the classic English breakfast to the exotic mandarin rose petal, they have a tea to suit every mood. With a sandwich selection including Truffled Egg Mayonnaise & Red Mustard Frills, a savoury option of Brown Crab Brioche Toastie and a cheeky Lawnstar Martini this array of afternoon tea components have ticked boxes before you have even thought of them. At Thornton Hall you can take afternoon tea throughout the year and it is available everyday by booking here.

The Great Wirral Afternoon Tea

Finally, if you don’t have the time to study an episode of Downtown Abbey to master the art of Afternoon Tea, we thought we would provide you some tips;

• In the past, you would add milk to the teacup first to protect the delicate china from the hot tea. As time’s gone on it’s now more common to add the tea first, followed by the milk.
• When stirring your tea, start from the 6 o’clock position moving upwards to 12 o’clock. This gentle back and forth motion is the preferred etiquette, rather than the common circular stir.
• As you begin to eat your food, always start from the bottom of the tea stand and make your way to the top.
• For sandwiches, start with the lightest fillings such as cucumber or egg first. Then move onto the heavier meat-filled sandwiches.