Grand Pacific, Manchester

I had bloody pleurisy. Over Christmas. Before that, my pal Ellie had some sort of bubonic plague type thing during her 30th birthday week. Luckily for us, we had a window of opportunity between both lurgies where we were able to have an idyllic afternoon being pampered in Grand Pacific in Manchester.

We had been invited to try the afternoon tea, which was Christmas themed throughout December. I'd not been in this building since it was Room a few years ago, so was an eager beaver to see what the magic touch of the Living Ventures fairies had created. Pineapples, that's what. If you've ever been to my gaff, you'll know that I love a golden pineapple! They're everywhere in Grand Pacific, from beautifully styled cocktail receptacles, to the cake stands. It feels opulent yet comfortable, and the bar team are warm and friendly, despite one suggesting my green Christmas dress was an elf outfit... I told him I can get him off that naughty list, if he behaved.

We were seated quickly and offered drinks almost immediately. I'm really rubbish at picking cocktails, because I'm the type who gets over excited by everything I read, so we asked our waiter for surprises. Not a single drink was a disappointment, and one even had a peacock feather in it! Bonus points. 

I love the idea of serving the savoury and sweet items separately. When I spoke to the manager, he said it's much more of a faff this way, but they feel it adds something to the dining experience. Afternoon tea is one of those things where I always think 'ah that doesn't seem like too much food', only to be corrected mid way through a scone whilst gasping for air, and almost choking on some jam.

There was a lovely selection of savoury treats, ranging from the usual sandwiches, to blinis, savoury scones, and sweet salads served on spoons. The variety tricks your subconscious into thinking you haven't really eaten that much after all, and limits the amount of bread.

After a short break (and another cocktail), we were presented with the sweet platter. Feeling a little cocky from our successful first round, we still decided to pace ourselves with the sugary stuff. Beautiful home made meringues, Lamington lollypops, trifles, Irish cream truffles, mince tarts, Christmas cake... can you see where this went wrong for us?  Minor death seemed to occur somewhere between the lollypop and the Christmas cake. Truffles were taken home.

We were presented with a medicinal pot of reviving tea, however my feet felt like lead as we were taken through to the bar to enjoy the rest of our day, people watching on King Street.

What a beautiful afternoon of lovely food and delightful service in decadent surroundings. I can't wait to go back to try the dinner menu at some point. I'll wear something stretchy next time...

Disclaimer: I was invited to the restaurant to complete an honest review. I was under no obligation to say nice things!