A couple of weeks ago, a group of us from our WI went for afternoon tea in Manchester at Annie’s. Annie’s is co-owned by Jennie McAlpine of Coronation Street fame & her partner, Chris Farr. It is based right in the City Centre on Old Bank Street. This is just a short walk from Manchester Victoria station (and also the Christmas Markets which started just a few days after we were there). Deansgate is just a few streets away so this is a great location if you need some sustenance after a hard day shopping.
We had to book quite a while in advance for a Saturday afternoon which is testament to how busy Annie’s can be. They had no problem accommodating a group of 15 of us though given plenty of notice. My first impression on arrival was how traditional the interior is. I don’t know why I was so surprised & why I was expecting it to be much brighter and lighter. I did like the decor though – it definitely adds to the warm and welcoming feel of the place.
We were greeted like friends and escorted downstairs where there is a whole world of eating and enjoyment going on. Our attendee for the afternoon was fantastic (I am so sad that I have forgotten his name). A real traditional area where your coats are hung for you then a short wait in a seating area.
Drinks ordered were taken where it felt only right that we ordered cocktails and fizz. I thoroughly enjoyed my peach bellini although it did feel a little steep at £8.50 for such a tiny glass.
The choices of afternoon tea were explained to us clearly. £19.95 for a traditional afternoon tea with unlimited tea/coffee or £24.95 for Prosecco Afternoon Tea & £27.95 for Champagne Afternoon Tea. It’ll be no surprise to you that most of us opted for the Prosecco. 3 variations of sandwiches, Ham & Mustard, Beef & Horseradish and Cheese & Onion. And then… we could change the sandwiches that we didn’t like. The patience of a saint with all us ladies, springs to mind! I opted for double Beef & Horseradish and Ham & Mustard. The results were great – we also had a choice of brown or white bread.
We had 3 mini cakes – Mini Chocolate Eclair (rich and light), A Mini Victoria Sponge (so cute) and the crumbliest strawberry tart which I adored. A huge fruit scones finished our feast – slightly heavy on the bicarb but deliciously homemade. Annie’s pride themselves on their homemade cake which was evident on the day.
There were plenty of other parties enjoying afternoon tea but we really didn’t feel rushed to leave. The customer service was first class and their knowledge of the menus was fantastic.
From reading other reviews it would seem that breakfast are a particular strong point of Annie’s which I would love to explore soon. More details of Annie’s menus, opening hours (late nights every week night & Saturdays) and gift vouchers can be found on their website
I was not asked to write this review or compensated in any way. I’m just doing it because we had a lovely afternoon!
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Sounds lovely! Afternoon tea with fizz ticks so many boxes x
We need to do it in the New Year! Cinema trip was just the beginning of the Sunday afternoon fun! x
Oh it looks lovely. I went about 5 years ago and loved it. I have been meaning to go back ever since
Sounds like you had a lovely afternoon
Looks delicious. I would have gotten the Prosecco too as my choice. I’ve never had afternoon tea before in a setting such as this but it’s on my to-do list with my kids. Thanks for linking up with me #BlogmasLinky