Rylands Cafe, John Rylands Library, Manchester

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. 

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.

Cafe Rylands, Manchester

The Hungry Duck, Ramsbottom

The Hungry Duck, Ramsbottom 29th September 2013

This trip was not booked, we turned up and chose the afternoon tea for two option from the menu. It is £8.50 per person or £14.50 for two and says a selection of sandwiches and cakes. The staff are very nice and we were attended to quickly.

We were served the tea and coffee quickly after ordering and it was OK, the tea was a tea bag not loose but a nice taste. The food is made to order so it does take time as expected, as afternoon tea should be an experience anyway this is more than fine. We were not offered extra tea of coffee as with some places but then again this is not as expensive as others.

The food was served on plain white matching crockery and a two tier afternoon tea tier and as for presentation again it was OK, nothing wrong with it but just didn't have the wow factor.

As you can see from the photo compared to other afternoon teas this is somewhat lacking. Don't get me wrong the actual food was excellent. I will say that the salmon sandwich was the nicest tasting that I have ever had. The other sandwiches were cheese and tomato and a lovely chicken with a tasty mayonnaise. The carrot cake was also very good indeed, lovely and moist but there was just one regular piece of cake not a selection of small ones as is usually the case.

As with the other food the scones were very fresh but they came pre cut with jam and cream already added. Some may like this but personally I like to add my own so that I can choose how much to add to it. The strawberry was a nice touch.

The Hungry Duck is a small restaurant/coffee shop in the centre of Ramsbottom. It is clean and welcoming but I would class it more as a coffee shop than a restaurant. The wooden tables and chairs are comfortable and for coffee and cake a great pit stop. The food is very good but for afternoon tea it is lacking that something that makes it a special occasion, I think it is a combination of the atmosphere and the presentation not having the wow factor when it arrives. 

If you are in town and looking for somewhere for something to eat or drink then I would say definitely go here as the quality of the food is very good. As for having afternoon tea here, it is one of the less expensive afternoon teas that we have had, but  for us not special enough. If you are looking for a special treat then there are other venues where for a little more you do get a true experience.

The Hungry Duck, Ramsbottom