Afternoon Tea at the Radisson Blu Edwardian, Manchester
Having already sampled the evening offerings in this hotel for Valentine’s Day in the Opus One Bar and Restaurant, I was keen to find out how the restaurant would be transformed during the daytime, for its afternoon tea service.
We were served by Ashley who showed us straight to our seats despite our early arrival. The rotating chairs allow us an almost panoramic view of the conservatory area that runs along the front of the hotel. With large globe lighting, mirrors and hard wood floors- the conservatory is light and spacious- a very pleasant place to spend the afternoon indeed. 
All the tables were dressed in crisp white table cloths with polished silver cutlery and delicate china taking us back to an era when people took their time over drinks and food and savoured the social time and the surroundings.
We were served with a spritzer to start- cocktail of apple liquor, soda, orange juice with a slice of fresh orange. Ashley told us that only way to enjoy the drink was to savour if before the food arrived and she was right- drink it fast and afternoon tea might turn into an afternoon nap!
There three tiered cake stand had a selection of sandwiches cut into triangles on the bottom layer including tuna, beef, egg, cheese and picked and prawn in both white and brown bread.
This was followed by fruit and plain scones, with a pot of jam and clotted cream. The top was adorned with chocolate brownies, fruit tarts, orange jelly and meringue nests with cream and strawberries. This was all washed down with two large pots of Earl Grey.
The food was bite-sized and prepared to perfection- it looked spectacular and very inviting indeed. It may have only been for the afternoon, however we were very full by the end of it- you won’t need an evening meal and if you insist- then wait untill later. 
Ashleigh did ask if either of us has any food intolerances before we began and offered us the alternative of a Gentleman’s’ Afternoon Tea (not exclusive for men) had we preferred more savoury accompaniments. This would have included another layer with mini fish and chips and pork pies.
The whole experience was a real treat- there we people there who were clearly celebrating an occasion- brought by their loved ones for their birthday perhaps; a mother with her daughter, a gentleman with his pregnant wife and many couples who were enjoying the peace and quiet of the escape from the rush outside.
If you are in the city and are looking for some afternoon respite then this is the place to sit back stuff yourself with delicious sweet and savoury treats and enjoy watching the world go by. Great as a gift idea for the person that has everything!