The hotel is celebrating its 10th anniversary with some very special treatsFestive Afternoon Tea at King Street TownhouseFestive Afternoon Tea at King Street Townhouse(Image: Manchester Family / MEN)

Afternoon tea is always a treat, but at this time of year, Manchester’s offerings are more special than ever.

The luxury four star hotel that is King Street Townhouse has pulled out all the stops for this year’s Festive Afternoon Tea, which features all kinds of culinary delights.

We were among the first to sample the menu when it launched earlier this month as part of its 10th anniversary celebrations.

Served inside the hotel’s cosy Afternoon Tea Lounge, which has been given its own subtle festive glow, it’s described as ‘a contemporary twist on Christmas nostalgia’, with savoury and sweet treats ‘crafted to delight the senses’.

As soon as it arrived, with a full plate of sandwiches each and a beautifully arranged three-tiered display of desserts to share, we knew we were in for a treat.

Festive Afternoon Tea at King Street TownhouseFestive Afternoon Tea at King Street Townhouse(Image: Manchester Family / MEN)

And my sister – who usually draws the short straw when requesting the gluten free option – was amazed that on this occasion, hers didn’t look much different to the standard one. By all accounts it didn’t taste much different either. The chef’s determination to not make diners with dietaries ‘feel like an afterthought’ has clearly paid off.

There’s a wide range of sandwiches, from roast turkey, cranberry and stuffing on cereal bread, to brie and mulled wine onion marmalade on spinach bread. Don’t expect me to pick a favourite.

But it was the artisanal handmade desserts that really had our eyes popping and super impressed with just how much attention to detail goes into them – each one a work of art on its own.

King Street Townhouse in Manchester King Street Townhouse in Manchester (Image: Manchester Family / MEN)

The shimmering eggnog and clementine macaron is quite magnificent – to look at and taste – and nothing quite says Christmas on a plate like the Belgian chocolate and pistachio tart.

For me, the playful mulled winter berry roulade topped with a miniature gingerbread man was a taste sensation and when my mum almost left hers behind – struggling to finish such a plentiful lunch with some rather large cranberry scones – I quickly made her see sense.

Unsurprisingly my sister needed no further encouragement with hers. So rare to have such a luxury offering on the table, she wasn’t leaving any behind.

The gluten free offering was just as impressiveThe gluten free offering was just as impressive(Image: Manchester Family / MEN)

After enjoying a glass of Laurent-Perrier Champagne with the food – you can have this whenever you like – we were then able to make the most of unlimited tea or coffee, choosing from a wide selection of teas from luxury brand Newby.

I stuck with the traditional English breakfast, but my fellow diners sipped on some fruit teas including strawberry & mango and ginger & lemon, which proved a particular favourite.

The Festive Afternoon Tea is just one example of the ‘indulgent experiences’ including in the hotel’s ‘A Decade of Magic’ celebration.

An ‘ultimate winter indulgence’ is promised in the form of The Decad’ant Ritual, a new limited-edition treatment from the hotel’s spa and the venue is also home to its own intimate screening room showing a number of Christmas films this festive season including Love Actually, Home Alone and more.

You can upgrade to include a glass of ChampagneYou can upgrade to include a glass of Champagne(Image: Manchester Family / MEN)

You can book the cinema and afternoon tea together as one of the various packages available.

Falko Lukesh, general manager at King Street Townhouse, said: “This year is not just about celebrating Christmas, but about celebrating a decade of memories, moments, and the wonderful guests who have made King Street Townhouse Hotel their home.

“With ‘A Decade of Magic’ we wanted to create something truly special. Every detail, from our Festive Afternoon Tea to our curated cinema screenings, has been designed to capture the warmth and wonder of the season. We are looking forward to sharing the magic of the season with all our guests.”

The eggnog and clementine macaronThe eggnog and clementine macaron(Image: Manchester Family / MEN)

Commenting on the gluten free menu, group head pastry chef Danny Lockwood said: “With this gluten free offering we aim to make it as close to the standard offering as possible – be it flavours or decoration, substituting where required – so someone with dietary requirements do not feel as if they are an afterthought and have an equally special experience .

“All items are prepared on the day separately to the standard afternoon tea to prevent cross contamination. All items are prepared in house on the day.”

The Festive Afternoon Tea is available daily, noon till 6pm, from now until January 4.

Afternoon Tea and Savoury High Tea costs £35 per person with tea, £47 per person with a cocktail and £49 per person with a glass of Champagne. Book via the website. Gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian and vegan options must be pre-ordered.

The Festive Afternoon tea is available until January 4The Festive Afternoon tea is available until January 4(Image: Manchester Family / MEN)Festive Afternoon Tea

Sandwiches

  • Roast turkey, cranberry & stuffing Cereal bread
  • Honey glazed ham & spiced fig chutney Tomato bread
  • Brie & mulled wine onion marmalade Spinach bread
  • Smoked salmon, lemon & dill cream cheese Farmhouse bread
  • Grilled aubergine & red pepper pesto wrap

It's served inside the hotel's Afternoon Tea LoungeIt’s served inside the hotel’s Afternoon Tea Lounge(Image: King Street Townhouse)

Sweet

  • Eggnog & clementine macaron
  • Mulled winter berry roulade
  • Belgian chocolate & pistachio tart
  • Spiced pear & mascarpone cake
  • Cranberry scone, jam & clotted cream