Proper Tea

From the people who brought you Teacup on Thomas Street comes Proper Tea at Manchester Cathedral, which unlike its hipster and trendy brother, is a quieter, more relaxed, and traditional affair, facing Manchester's grand cathedral, and occupying the space that was partly taken up by the cathedral's visitors centre. As you walk in, you're greeted by a grand airy and open space, shabby chic décor, and a striking black and white tiled floor. Gentle 1940s music plays, and on each table sits a jar of fresh flowers. The counter is made up of reclaimed doors, doorhandles, and doorknockers, which is a lovely unique design feature. Behind the counter stand shelves holding large tea caddies and tea making accoutrements.

Perusing the menu, I decided upon the cream tea, and although the listing mentioned a few teas that came with the cream tea, the friendly waitress had no problem in me having Earl Grey instead. She did inform me that sadly they had no clotted cream at the moment, but would substitute it with butter if that was okay with me (which it was).

Whilst I waited for my order, I asked where the toilets were as I couldn't clearly see any signage. I was told they were "out this door, across the bridge, down the stairs, and along the corridor", which seems a bit of a trek, but due to the nature of the building when it was a museum, it's understandable. Not ideal, but not a deal breaker by any stretch.

When I returned, the waitress smiled and said she was waiting for me before serving up. I was brought a lovely spread for my cream tea. I was pleased to see that the butter offered as replacement for the cream was actually in an individual high quality pack rather than café style butter blocks, and the jam came in a ramekin rather than a little pot, or plastic container.

I loved that the milk came in a little old-school milk bottle, what a cute touch! Also the home-made scone was massive! A timer came with the tea, to give you the ideal brewing time, but by the time the sand ran out, I felt my tea was merely very-warm rather than hot. I could've mentioned this to the staff, but it really didn't make much of a difference, as it was very tasty tea, and still very enjoyable. The scone was a touch dry due to the fact that I had butter rather than cream, but it was very tasty and very filling! As a taste preference, I prefer sweetener in tea rather than sugar, but sadly only sugar was available, in tube packets. With the nature and style of this venue, I was surprised not to be presented with sugar cubes, which would top off the "cream tea" feel. The cream tea came to just £4.90, which for Manchester City Centre is very reasonable indeed!

The selection of teas on the menu was vast, and included several variants of my favourite, Earl Grey. As I paid up, I mentioned how I liked this, and that I'd have to try the different varieties next time, and the friendly staff passed over the various tea caddies of Earl Grey varieties for me to see and smell, which was a lovely touch. The 'rosey' blend smelled wonderful, and as I'll definitely be returning, I will have that next time! :)

The venue also does Afternoon Teas, sandwiches, toasted sandwiches, soups, and a lovely array of home-made cakes, which sit on the counter looking seductive. Damn sexy cakes. Next time.... next time!!

I will definitely be returning here, as it gives the other Manchester City Centre tea rooms a run for their money, whilst maintaining good value, and a relaxed, quiet, and friendly atmosphere, which can be lacking in said other venues due to the resurgence in popularity of tea rooms.



Proper Tea
Manchester Cathedral Visitors Centre
10 Cateaton Street
Manchester
(0161) 832 3220
www.properteadeveloper.com