Manchester's Midland hotel launches afternoon tea room

The four-AA-silver-star, 312-bedroom Midland hotel in Manchester has opened the Tea Room, dedicated to its new afternoon tea experience.

The space features a chefs counter where guests can watch the pastry team preparing the sandwiches and pastries.

Brian Sparks, the hotel's executive chef, has designed the menu, which features a range of sandwiches with a modern twist, including prawn and crayfish Rockefeller on spinach bread, and English cucumber with Hendrick's gin and apple compote on dark malt bread.

Alongside freshly-baked scones, served with Mrs Darlington's jams and clotted cream, a selection of pastries includes Valrhona Guanaja chocolate torte with feuilletine and gold leaf, and roasted pecan tart with maple syrup jelly and caramel mousse. Guests can also choose from a range of bespoke loose-leaf teas.

Christopher Wayne-Wills, who recently became general manager at the QHotels-owned property, said: "We've combined the best of tradition, such as uniformed waiting staff, with modern twists to the menu and exclusive tea blends, to create a truly special afternoon tea experience. Our aim is for the Tea Room at the Midland to become renowned for afternoon tea not just in the North but nationally."

Afternoon tea at the Midland costs £25 per person or £32 with a glass of Champagne.

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