Things sure have changed since my last visit to the
Victoria and Albert Marriott in Manchester. Don't get me wrong, we had a pleasant experience last time, but I had suggested a few areas for improvement. Just before Christmas, they got in contact and asked me to come back to sample their new menu.
Perched on the banks of the River Irwell, there's something distinctly industrial about the setting for this afternoon tea, and I think their new offering reflects this urban feel. With so much competition in the city centre, a large hotel like the Marriott really needs something unique in order to pull in the crowds. That they have done.
We sat by the window watching numerous knackered rowers and the odd cyclist concentrating hard on not falling into the drink!
My husband is a long suffering type. He's not really a fan of afternoon tea, and doesn't really share the same sweet tooth that is my affliction. Imagine our excitement when we found out that the Marriott were offering a gentleman's afternoon tea?
We were offered hot drinks, and settled on a nice English breakfast tea and an Americano whilst we perused the menu.
Gentleman's afternoon tea - mini Marriott burger, individual steak pie, fish goujons with chunky chips, cheese scone with cream cheese and red pepper relish, chocolate brownie, mini Manchester tart: He won. This was fantastic! Nothing was gimmicky and everything delicious. The portions were man sized too, with the fish and chips element being as large as some lunch options. Highlights included the mini burger and that fantastic red pepper relish.
Afternoon tea - selection of open sandwiches, wraps and bagels, homemade scones with clotted cream and jam, Eton mess, chocolate mousse, salted caramel macaroon, Victoria sponge: Nice touch with the variation of bread items, but the cakes stole the show. I cannot fault a thing. I could have eaten a full portion of that Eton mess, and the mini Victoria sponge was as light as a feather.
At £16.95 we both felt that either option was an absolute bargain. Everything is made in house from scratch, and the service we received was friendly yet professional. We'll definitely be back to the Victoria and Albert Marriott. I know just before Christmas they were doing a special festive afternoon tea, so I'm interested in any other seasonal variations they may be offering.
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