This week, my friend , Janet Redqueen and I, took time off from our international travels to continue or research of Afternoon Tea in Manchester.
This time we chose 47 King Street West, a tea shop and bistro,situated conveniently, for ladies who lunch,at the side of Kendals departments store…. Manchester’s answer to Galleries Lafayette, without the galleries!
First we browsed around Kendals, nearly being tempted by a dress in the collection of Mary Portas., ( an English businesswoman, retail expert and advisor to the prime minister)… which had been reduced in the sale from £135 to £67.50p. But common sense intervened at the last minute when I was reminded that this was a lot of money for a dress, just because it would pack, uncreased, in a suitcase.
At the restaurant, first impressions were really positive, as we were greeted by a charming and polite young lady who showed us to our table and continued to refer to us as “ladies” throughout.
The decor is smart and snazzy, cream and black kind of modern art deco style, (and if you judges a place by it’s toilets, this would get 110%!)
The greeter told us they had a “jubilee theme” and a “surprise” for this week, but this just seemed to consist of a sparkler and union jack paper serviettes. I am not sure whether the plan was to play the national anthem, when they served the food (God forbid!)…but it didn’t happen thank goodness.
Still the very good selection of loose leaf teas came first,followed by the tea stand.
The sandwiches were excellent, obviously freshly made and a good selection of beef and mustard, tuna and cucumber, egg mayonnaise, and something else with capers.
The scones were fresh, but a little “doughy” for my taste. Nice jam and thick double cream, (not clotted.)
The cakes on the top were from Slatterys. A very well known and renowned local patisserie. The whole thing was garnished with delicious fresh strawberries.
So we spent a pleasant couple of hours, catching up, discussing our travels to Crete, Estonia and of course Paris. Debating the question of monarchy and republicanism and the Jubilee.
so.. scores.
Service 10/10
Decor 10/10
Tea 10/10
Sandwiches. 10/10
Scones 5/10
Cakes 8/10
Value 9/10
Total 62/70
(Cost £ 13.95.)
Denise
Love from Bolton
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denisefrombolton 
This looks like fun – everything looks good, especially the cakes on the top tier! Too bad the scones weren't to your liking – you're lucky to have such a place to take tea near where you live – we would have to go to a major city to be able to enjoy this in the US. Glad you had such a good time!
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PS – forgot to mention – I think you should have bought the dress – looks like you and would be wonderful to take on your travels – maybe they can ship it to you??
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I also think you should have bought the dress! And I would give the scones a slightly higher score, maybe 7, but that's personal taste. Otherwise I completely agree. The service in particular was excellent and it was really nice of the waitress to offer to take our photograph, even if she did have to do a retake because I wasn't smiling enough the first time!Now, where can we try next…..
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Your tea was 17 euros? That seems like a good deal compared with Paris. Come to think of it, it's also a good deal compared with afternoon tea in the USA, which is usually quite expensive because it's considered a real luxury.I agree with Sandy that the dress looks as if it was tailor made for you. Maybe another trip to Manchester is in order?Can't wait to see where Janet and you go next. I love afternoon tea — it's something that I always look forward to in England!
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Ah, you and Janet together…having a spot of tea! How fun! Hi to the both of you…I would have loved to have join you ladies in this great study of afternoon teas! I do like the art deco look of the place! Keep us apprised of any and all of your investigations, great and small! Love hearing your resulting analysis (and love the photo…especially of you two together…with a good sized smile from Janet!)!
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Hi Mary Kay and Cybee….well it seems to be a unanimous opinion. you all like the dress. Maybe a trip back to Manchester next week is in order!Love Denise
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