Afternoon Tea Review: Radisson Edwardian Manchester

Shopping & Reviews

Tea, scones, champagne and an afternoon chatting with an old friend. Afternoon Tea. You can't get much nearer to a perfect afternoon in my book.

The thought of sitting down to a really good cup of tea, delicately cut fresh ham sandwiches and just-out-of-the-oven scones with creamy clotted cream, really appeals to my old school side.

How fantastic then, given my expectations, that Afternoon tea at The 5* Radisson Edwardian Hotel Manchester did not disappoint.

Our Afternoon Tea was served in the elegant Opus One Restaurant, which looks over Manchester's Peter Street. Once seated, we were offered a choice of classic Edwardian Cream Tea, Traditional Afternoon Tea for two, or the Celebration Afternoon Tea which includes a glass of pink or white champagne.

After less than ten minutes we were served our deletable feast. Starting with the finger sandwiches, we definitely had enough for two. Each was freshly made with very tasty fillings, including chicken, ham and beef. Vegetarian options are offered on ordering.

We were definitely glad we'd skipped lunch when we spotted the large selection of freshly baked orange scones and traditional scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam. They were simply delicious. Our eyes became bigger than our appetites as we then made our way through a selection of fresh cakes and pastries, which looked and tasted as if they had just come out of the oven. There was definitely enough choice, even for a fussy eater, with chocolate éclairs, sponge cakes, tarts and brownies.

Next, it was time for Tea, so we chose from a range of organic, infusion, green and traditional varieties. The Earl Grey was clean and well brewed, the perfect way to end the meal.

Visiting mid-week meant that the venue was rather quiet - in fact my friend and I were the only visitors to the Opus One Restaurant that afternoon.

Do also note that Afternoon Tea is only served in Opus One, which is at the front of the Radission Hotel. Don't confuse this with Alto, which a bar restaurant based at the back of the hotel. I noticed there was a gulf of difference in the level of service between the front and back restaurants which was a bit of a shame. The staff in Opus One were professional, polite and eager to please yet Alto staff seemed to lack training and basic waiting skills.

In all, the whole afternoon was incredibly pleasant, the Opus One staff were excellent and the setting, food and ambience was rather beautiful.

We'll definitely be back.

OVERALL RATING 4.5/5

Afternoon Tea is served in the Opus One Restaurant at The Radisson Edwardian Hotel Manchester from 2.30pm daily. Radisson Edwardian Hotel, Free Trade Hall, Peter Street, Manchester, M2 5GP - Tel: 0161 835 9929