ONCE seen as a mild-mannered pleasure for OAPs on a countryside day out, the afternoon tea has been given a glitzy makeover. In Manchester's hotels, you're more likely to see groups of twenty-something girls tucking into scones and sandwiches than a gathering of grey-haired ladies.
Go Monday to Thursday between midday and 2pm and you can have your afternoon tea for £14.95, rather than the standard price of £16.95
Cakes are the new cocktails, although for some of us, they're an accompaniment rather than a replacement.
At Cloud 23, they've got the urbanite scone-eater thing sussed – they've been serving 'high tea' for some time now, with the popular Saturday and Sunday slots booked up weeks in advance.
Weekdays are less busy, which is why they're putting on this reduced price offer for Manchester Confidential readers. Go Monday to Thursday between midday and 2pm and you can have your afternoon tea for £14.95, rather than the standard price of £16.95.
The vertigo-inducing view combined with the cocktail-chic atmosphere make it Manchester's most glamorous destination for afternoon tea. And there's no anxious queuing in the lobby in the daytime either – if you have a reservation you just glide straight up.
From your table beside the floor-to-ceiling windows, you'll have views over the city and beyond. Though once your food arrives, you might have trouble taking your eyes off the table.
Cloud 23's afternoon tea is prepared by the award-winning team in Podium restaurant below. It includes finger sandwiches with classic fillings, home-made scones with jam and fresh, clotted cream, and a selection of mini-cakes – which may include a chocolate eclair or Victoria sponge cake. It depends on the whims of the chefs below. A selection of Twinings teas accompanies. Champagne, wine and beer are available at an additional cost.
If you have a weekday afternoon free, we can't think of a pleasanter way to spend it. To book, please call Cloud 23 on 0161 870 1670 and quote 'Manchester Confidential afternoon tea offer'.
