Afternoon Tea @ Doubletree by Hilton, Piccadilly, Manchester
Manchester’s second Hilton helping Doubletree host an Afternoon Tea to remember as sandwiches, scones, cakes, tea and even champagne are a tremendous triumph.
Just opposite Piccadilly train station, this luxury hotel sandwiches itself between the commuter hub and the city’s heart – it is an engaging spot to watch the world pass by.
Upon arrival, the maître d’hôtel offered a fizzy welcoming to settle in: an earl grey, honey syrup and prosecco infused cocktail that whet the palette for what was about to come.
A triple tiered delight of handmade sandwiches, freshly baked scones and carefully crafted cakes were presented outstandingly. This tea for two is how afternoons should be spent.
The sandwiches were varied, delicious and military-precise in their arrangement. Each was hand cut into a rectangle, with the crusts sliced off and the height, width and length of all matching up charmingly.
Simple works and what works does not need changing so the fillings of ham and tomato, cucumber and cream cheese, egg and watercress, and salmon were uncomplicated yet grand in personality.
The tier above is a standout feature of Afternoon Tea: freshly baked scones with jam and creamed butter. Pretty much the closest thing to heaven you’ll find this side of Manchester.
The scones were warm and moist, fluffy and elegant, perfect and perfect. The butter and jam melted delicately as they oozed through the scone’s heart.
But what’s Afternoon Tea in one of the city’s finest restaurants without a cuppa tea. A fantastic entourage of staff worked in cognate to provide two delicious teas – one Darjeeling Tea, the champagne of teas; the other, Gunpowder Tea, is oak and nut inspired.
The teas were left to stew and become stronger in taste and after each sip they heightened the senses, making the final tier somehow even more enticing.
A trio of desserts comfortably crowned the piece; resembling the cherry on top of your biggest desire and yearning. A chocolate delice, triple layered carrot and citrus cake and a vanilla panna cotta lay amiably waiting to excite.
The delice was gooey and dark, with a passionate coca sensation exploring different textures of chocolate. It was devilishly good.
The triple towered carrot cake had a citrus twist and was the highlight of the whole experience. This cake is king of Doubletree’s Afternoon Tea and do not forget it.
The wobbly panna cotta was topped with a golden caramel flake, a raspberry, a chocolate crunch and a tasty jus. This dessert was the terrific restaurant chefs at their best. The taste was divine and the appearance was done with love and finesse.
A mid-afternoon timeout is something that many workers, shoppers, strollers and city-livers never take full advantage of. The hustle and bustle of a breathing metropolis can sometimes overrule what is important in life: sandwiches, scones, cakes at Afternoon Tea by the exceptional Doubltree.
Afternoon Tea is £16.50 per person and you can find further information about Doubletree, or book a table, here.
Post new comment