Afternoon tea is such a treat, whilst we were there a group of twelve woman were also taking tea, we are not sure of the occasion but it was champagne all around and like us they were loving the luxury of it all.

As we enjoyed pots of afternoon tea, poured through dinky little tea strainers we took in the view of Exchange Square and the Wheel of Manchester, on such a miserable day it was nice to be inside. It was nicer when the tea itself arrived, a feast of finger sandwiches was demolished first ham, beef, egg, cucumber, smoked salmon and prawn each delicious and unique from each other. We particularly enjoyed the rare roast beef which was complimented by horseradish that didn't overpower the delicate taste of the meat.

On to the fancies, beautiful Pistachio macaroons, gorgeously green and deliciously chewy; we all agreed this was one of the real highlights of the tea. To follow we nibbled on warm miniature Eccles cakes packed with fruit, spices and orange peel. At this point we paused to enjoy another cup of tea. The waiter brought us a fresh pot so we could enjoy it at its best.

Scones next, still warm and fresh from the oven, smeared with Harvey Nichols own strawberry jam and clotted cream. Then finally a visit from the cake trolley, dessert cakes all round, custard choux buns, carrot cake and chocolate brownies yum yum! We were well and truly stuffed.

Afternoon tea at Harvey Nichols is the perfect antedote to a winters day, the perfect place to have a girlie gathering, the perfect solution for aunties 70th birthday. It is not however the perfect place for anyone on a diet.

Afternoon tea is £14.50 per person £22.50 with a glass on Harvey Nichols Brut champagne. It is served daily between 3pm and 5pm.

This competition is now closed

Home grown tea with a distinctive Cornish flavour is premièring at Harvey Nichols Manchester this January.

Loose leaf Tregothnan tea is now available as part of the luxury store's deliciously popular afternoon tea. Tregothnan is internationally renowned for it's English tea range and rightly so as they are the only producer actually growing tea in England.

The company use a production process that has little changed over 4000 years. The first flush is picked by hand at dawn, with just two leaves and a bud taken from each teabush. The delicate nature of tea means that each plucking can vary in taste so the tea is specially blended to maintain consistency. Just thirty six hours after picking the tea is ready for drinking and reaches the customer a few weeks after plucking so is really fresh.

There are a number of teas to choose from at Harvey Nichols depending on your mood. Select a light and exotic blend of the finest Darjeeling with rare hand-plucked leaves, Earl Grey, or Green tea or perhaps a herbal tea of Chamomile, Peppermint, or Lemon Verbena. Each tea is served with a lovely selection of cakes, scones and sandwiches all served on elegant silver stands. For those seeking added luxury a champagne afternoon tea is also on offer.

Customers who enjoy afternoon tea will be able to enter an exclusive competition in which one lucky winner will receive a luxury Tregothnan hamper. With their afternoon tea, every customer will be invited to continue the Tregothnan experience at home with a complimentary tea sample to take away and enjoy at leisure. A small selection of Tregothnan teas is also available to purchase in the Second Floor Foodmarket.

Afternoon tea is served daily from 3pm – 5pm priced at £14.50 per person. Champagne afternoon tea is £22.50 per person.

For more information please contact Second Floor reservations on 0161 828 8898 or email secondfloor.reservations@harveynichols.com

This is not a sponsored post all opinions are our own.