It’s getting to that time of year when trying to find a moment’s peace seems a folly. The Christmas Markets are back in full swing and town is rammed, full of festive cheer – or at least festive beers anyway. So a chance to chill out for a bit with friends and get away from the madness is definitely in order right about now, and King Street Tavern have got just the ticket with their Festive Afternoon Tea. On Saturday I escaped the crowds for a little while and enjoyed their hospitality.
Replacing the usual offering over the Christmas period, the Festive Afternoon Tea differs from a standard one with a few seasonal adaptations to the food, as well as the chance to enjoy a steaming glass of mulled wine with your meal. I took the opportunity with both hands, I’d quite happily enjoy every meal with a mug of gluhwein for at least 5 months of the year to be honest.
To get things started though, a hot teacup of golden Darjeeling and five little finger sandwiches. All certified British classics, I was treated to the Christmassy combination of turkey & stuffing then brie & cranberry, following that roast beef & horseradish, egg mayo & watercress and smoked salmon with cream cheese & dill.
Having never enjoyed an afternoon tea before I have to admit to being a little confused as to why they’re so popular, it is just posh sandwiches and cakes right? The answer of course is the overall experience, you couldn’t do a decent tea just anywhere in Manchester, and the afternoon tea room at King Street Townhouse definitely fits the bill, it’s a nice place to be. The space manages to be properly comfy without feeling too stuffy, and serves as the perfect backdrop for all those dainty bites to eat.
Speaking of dainty, the cake stand arrived next with each little treat looking delicate and glamourous. As nice as the sarnies were, everyone knows we’re here for the sweet bits right? Most interesting of the lot for me is the mulled wine trifle, a spiced boozy jelly served in a shot glass topped with cream – it’s exactly what afternoon tea should be really, light, sweet, tasty and a little bit of fun. Arranged around the rest of that stand you’ll find a perfect pumpkin spiced latte macaroon – fragrant, tenderly chewy and topped with popping candy, ginger white chocolate cheesecake with candied orange and a lovely little creamy layered carrot cake. Arguably my favourite though was scone with cream and jam, you can’t mess with a classic, and the scone had a perfectly crunchy crust with a slightly crumbly moist centre, delicious.
As it happens I was supposed to be enjoying my meal with a friend but ended up going alone, so there were no arguments over any food at least, I got the whole thing to myself. It did also give me the chance to take in the experience a bit more, enjoy the surroundings and have a joke with the staff too. Just as the setting is important for afternoon tea, service has got to be just right and I was really well looked after.
It’s the perfect season to enjoy a bit of a break with your pals and the seasonal offering at King Street Tavern is spot on really, giving you a little bit of Christmas without being another big turkey dinner to get through. The Festive Afternoon Tea is available every day of the week 12:00pm – 4:00pm up until Christmas.
King Street Tavern
10 Booth St, Manchester M2 4AW
0161 667 0707
Festive afternoon tea £24 per person
Festive afternoon tea + mulled £30 per person
Festive afternoon tea + Champagne £32 per person
Other afternoon tea options:
Children’s Afternoon Tea £12.50 per child up to 13 years old
Gentlemen’s Afternoon Tea £25 per person
