I had to go to Manchester today. Usually when I go to Manchester city center I don’t have fun. I can’t exactly explain why, but I just never have a good time (although going to the Trafford Centre is a totally different story). Anyways, I decided to make it fun by doing afternoon tea at Harvey Nichols. Harvey Nichols is a huge luxury department store in London that rivals Harrods (though not in my books, I am without a doubt a Harrods girly, Harvey Nichols doesn’t even sell Krispy Kreme *gasp*). The store later branched out into several smaller stores in other parts of the UK. The one in Manchester is actually pretty nice. Usually I find that these satellite department stores are a pale comparison to the original. Well, suffice it to say it is the realm of the fashionista… and that will explain the size of the scone I got…
Ever since I went to Bettys in Harrogate last month, I decided it would be my mission to try teas all over the UK 
… ah, its a hard life. I just adore afternoon and cream teas now.
I was seated in this most wonderful spot, right next to the window with a great view of the central square. Yeah, I could see all the plebs, all the better to enjoy my afternoon tea with my dears. First came my tea, a nice pot of Earl Grey. Ok, whatever, lets get to the goodies right? Ok, well then comes the three tiered tower of confections … woo hoo.
On the bottom layer were three little finger sandwiches. I got 2 smoked salmon with cream cheese, and one cucumber sandwich. They were nice, nothing amazing, but pleasant. On the second tier was a teeny weenie barbie size scone. Look at it!!! Yes, get out your magnifiers darlings. Funny, there was the same amount of clotted cream as there was scone. It came with a small jar of strawberry preserve. It was yummy. Finally on top were 2 petit four sized deserts. One was a rich chocolate mousse type cake that had little nuts and a bit of fruit. The other was a flapjack type of treat with currants, citrus peel and almonds. Lovely, but neither were earth shattering.
I was surprised that the bill for this, including tip, was less than £10. Despite the supermodel size portions, I still felt it was value for money. I mean, I was in a nice restaurant with amazing views, and the tea set up was really quite darling. Though I would not rush back there, I would recommend it if you are not that hungry but want a fun little snack in a great location, or if your name happens to be Skeletor (see previous post).
