Nutters Restaurant, Rochdale

Nutters, Saturday 1st June 2013

Another last minute booking for afternoon tea, we called the Friday evening and had no problem in booking in for 3:30pm the following day.

We arrived early as always and were seated in the modern bar area. The building is a 19th Century former hall and subsequent military hospital that has been renovated and is very impressive, both inside and out.

At exactly 3:30 we were shown to our table in an area that is similar to a conservatory with a great view.  The tables are all set with white linen and white matching crockery and then there was the paper based menu that seemed out of place, although it did have a nice, brief history of afternoon tea on the inside.

We opted for the usual traditional afternoon tea for two, one with tea and one with coffee. There are options for other teas and I understand that they will cater for vegetarians and other special diets on request.

Service was prompt and we were offered free refills when the drinks were served and we just needed to ask. As it happened, the two pots were very large and as such no refills were needed. The coffee pot was some sort of thermos cafetiere which was by far the largest that we have had and it did keep the coffee hot throughout - nice touch for coffee drinkers. The downside here was that the tea was in bags and not loose which was a little surprising for such an establishment.

The food was served on a three tier stand and there was plenty of it.

The sandwich selection consisted of smoked salmon and cucumber, chicken mustard mayo, goats cheese with red onion chutney (amazing) and salt beef with shallots (also amazing). The bread was very fresh and the fillings very tasty. 

The choice of mini cakes was very impressive as you can see. Two different slices of fruit bread each, a fruit tart, creme brûlée slice and a white chocolate eclair. All very fresh and exceptionally tasty.

We finished with the scones and at this point we were struggling, but we were in no rush and with plenty of tea and coffee to hand we carried on. (We did notice than some others were taking cakes home in a box). There are two mini scones each, one with traditional fruit and one was a chocolate chip one, both warm. I have to say that the fruit one was our favourite, the chocolate chip one wasn't quite there but we couldn't say why.

Overall the experience was excellent, just as afternoon tea should be and at £15 per person very good value for money. We were so full that there was no need for dinner later. Without a doubt I would recommend a visit here.

Nutters Restaurant