If there is something I enjoy more than cakes, it is cakes with tea. Tea was pivotal when I was growing up with tea being served with every Chinese meal. There were many types of teas and my curiosity for tea widened when I grew up and was able to try different varieties of tea from specialist tea shops and abroad.
When I found out Leaf had a pudding club which pairs pudding with tea, this massively peaked my interest. Here I will review the evening. *
I’ve been meaning to try Jamie’s Italian ever since it took over the old HSBC building on King Street. This HSBC was actually my bank when I first came over to Manchester for studies and I’ve not really been back since. I grabbed two friends and headed over to try their Super Lunch menu.*
Grand Pacific opened up on the site of the old Reform Club on King Street in Manchester. The menu alluded to East Asian cuisine with a Western twist. I went to the launch party, taking my friend with me for the evening.*
I grew up in Northern Ireland and these no-bake treats were a staple in the cake section of any cafe, alongside British classics like the Millionaire’s shortbread and flapjacks. It was only on leaving to come to England did I realise that they don’t exist across the water. Indeed, it appears they’re not even popular in the Republic of Ireland.
They are called fifteens as are made from three main ingredients of which you need 15 of each: digestive biscuits, marshmallows and glacé cherries. I share with you this easy classic recipe that kids can also help out in. Make these the day before you wish to serve them so they can chill in the fridge. I sometimes make these for St. Patrick’s Day.
Use vegetarian marshmallows if you wish to make them veggie friendly. Examples of brands include Dandies Marshmallows if you’re in the States or Freedom Mallows in the UK.
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Richmond Tea Rooms has been one of my favourite places for cake and tea in Manchester for ages. Hidden away on Richmond Street, just a stone’s throw away from Manchester Piccadilly train station and China Town. It is a place where you may not think of venturing down unless you knew it was there; the alley leading to the tea room is dark and littered with industrial bins.
When my friend came back from Singapore to visit, I knew I had to take her to one of Manchester’s best place for Afternoon Tea.
I was delighted to attend Zouk’s Spring Showcase recently which offered a preview of some of their Spring cocktails as well as food from their menu including their March specials. Here I will talk about what I tried.*
