The Rylands Cafe, July 19th
This was an unexpected afternoon tea, we visited the building as we had walked past so many times and found it interesting but had no idea what was actually inside. Without detracting from afternoon tea, the library and the building is well worth a visit.
When we arrived we saw the cafe area and thought coffee and cake was due but once we saw that there was an afternoon tea option, seemed silly not to opt for it. Afternoon tea is served 12-3 and is just £8.50 per person.
This was an unexpected afternoon tea, we visited the building as we had walked past so many times and found it interesting but had no idea what was actually inside. Without detracting from afternoon tea, the library and the building is well worth a visit.
When we arrived we saw the cafe area and thought coffee and cake was due but once we saw that there was an afternoon tea option, seemed silly not to opt for it. Afternoon tea is served 12-3 and is just £8.50 per person.
We were offered a choice of tea or coffee (inc latte/cappuccinos etc) and also asked if we needed a vegetarian option.
The service was first class. the drinks were served with a very large pot of tea and small plate for tea bags, should it be too strong. (This is a very nice touch) The crockery was traditional and in keeping with afternoon tea.
We were brought two side plates each, I make a point of this as I have afternoon tea quite often and this is the first time I have been given a plate for savoury and for sweet the way it should be, even from some of the top hotels.
The sandwiches included tuna & cucumber, cheese and pickle, and ham. The sandwiches were served on ver fresh and different types of bread, again a nice change.
There was a fruit scone served with a good amount of jam, butter and cream.
There were two piece of cake each, a slice of Bakewell tart and rocky road.
The amount served ensured that we were full and all of the food was very good. We were approached part way through and asked if we wanted any more tea or coffee, this was appreciated and was served at no extra cost.
This was exceptional value for money, there are many places where just two lattes and a small cake would cost more than this! I would highly recommend this afternoon tea to both visitors to Manchester and locals. This experience was spare of the moment and with no need to book a great option for many. The setting makes it a great low cost afternoon too.
The service was first class. the drinks were served with a very large pot of tea and small plate for tea bags, should it be too strong. (This is a very nice touch) The crockery was traditional and in keeping with afternoon tea.
We were brought two side plates each, I make a point of this as I have afternoon tea quite often and this is the first time I have been given a plate for savoury and for sweet the way it should be, even from some of the top hotels.
The sandwiches included tuna & cucumber, cheese and pickle, and ham. The sandwiches were served on ver fresh and different types of bread, again a nice change.
There was a fruit scone served with a good amount of jam, butter and cream.
There were two piece of cake each, a slice of Bakewell tart and rocky road.
The amount served ensured that we were full and all of the food was very good. We were approached part way through and asked if we wanted any more tea or coffee, this was appreciated and was served at no extra cost.
This was exceptional value for money, there are many places where just two lattes and a small cake would cost more than this! I would highly recommend this afternoon tea to both visitors to Manchester and locals. This experience was spare of the moment and with no need to book a great option for many. The setting makes it a great low cost afternoon too.
