Thursday 24 October 2013

Radisson Blu Edwardian Manchester Autumn Afternoon Tea Launch - Allthat Jazz


Last weekend we were invited to a special afternoon tea launch at the Radisson Manchester. With Earl Grey on tap and a Jazz trio to set the scene, it's safe to say that we were in for a delightful afternoon...


If you're an avid ATC reader, then you might remember our visit to Manchester's Radisson Blu Edwardian Hotel last spring - if not, be sure to read all about it here. Safe to say, we had a fab experience and couldn't wait to return, so when their lovely manager Ryan got in touch last week inviting us to their autumn afternoon tea launch, we jumped at the chance.

Pic taken by the lovely Sarah of Sequin This

Bright and sunny, with a hint of music in the air, the Opus bar was exactly how we remembered, but with one notable difference - a Jazz band. Playing all of the standards and more, this little trio were the perfect accompaniment to our mini feast, really setting the mood for the afternoon ahead.


Although quite similar in its composition, the new autumn afternoon tea offers a few notable changes from its summer sister - particularly on the cake front. Moving away from the delicate fruit tarts, this new menu offers an abundance of good old fashioned comfort food, with delicacies such  as carrot cake and chocolate éclairs playing a starring role.

For us the gentleman's tea was another big highlight of the afternoon, offering a quirky take on the traditional tea with mini fish and chips, a yummy Yorkshire pudding and pork pie, crowning the top - If you're not in the mood for a sugar rush, then this is definitely one to try!


All in all we had a fantastic time at the Radisson Blu Edwardian Manchester and can't wait to go back again soon for more of their fabulous food.

Afternoon Tea at the Radisson Blu Edwardian Hotel Manchester start at £18.95pp. Please visit their website for more information and booking.
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Sunday 13 October 2013

Charlotte in the City: The Fish Market Afternoon Tea Review, London

Last month our City Gal Charlotte Vowden headed off to London's Fish Market to sample their special afternoon tea with a twist. Here's how she got on:

Fish Market Afternoon Tea

Normally I take my Tetley with two sugars, but when I went for an afternoon tea fix at Fish Market my cuppa came chilled, scooped and topped with two wafers.

On paper, Tetley tea and milk flavoured ice cream doesn’t sound that delicious, I can’t stand a luke warm brew let alone one at minus degree temperatures, but as part of the East London restaurant’s £12 afternoon tea deal I was obliged to give it a go. A few spoons in and I’d made up my mind – it worked.

Housed in the capital’s oldest surviving warehouse built by The East India Trading Company, Fish Market serves produce solely from British shores and it’s menu is exceptional - the sharer platter overflows with seafood and is just as impressive to taste as it is to look at. But until very recently, one thing was missing – afternoon tea.


Served between 2pm and 6pm Fish Market’s mid-afternoon meal comes with the quirky Tetley tea sundae as well as an ‘FLT’ fishwich and a cup of absurdly delicious pink lemonade (or tea served caff style in a mug if you prefer).

After an evening of cocktails the day before the ‘FLT’ fishwich was just what I needed, the bread was doorstop thick with extra crusty crusts and spread with rich yellow butter. Filled with crispy fishfingers of the homemade variety it was satisfyingly stodgy yet mayonnaise-free, making it the poshest fishfinger sarnie I’d ever had. If I’d wanted to though, I could have smothered it in mayo or ketchup because the condiment tray was laden down with different sauces.


The white and blue striped crockery reminded me of deckchairs and predictably the coastal theme didn’t stop there. The interior of the restaurant was a little trawler-esque with large metal pillars and exposed piping, while the courtyard outside was a little more delicately done with pretty white garden furniture. It was warm enough to sit outside when I visited but its location down a narrow lane meant that the view, of the building opposite, was far from breathtaking. 

Grumbles about the lack of city vistas aside I thoroughly enjoyed tea at Fish Market. It was a no-frills affair but the unusual and simple fare made it a tea to recommend. And, the service came with a smile. 

For more information please visit: 

Charlotte Vowden is a travel & lifestyle journalist who is as happy in the mountains as she is sipping champagne and indulging on cake. Writing for The Sunday Times and other national publications keeps her busy but she’s always looking for her next adventure or afternoon tea destination.
Twitter: @charlottevowden
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Sunday 6 October 2013

#CosmoBlogAwards: The Ceremony, The Cocktails and of course, The Cupcakes.

Well after 43,000 nominations, six months of voting and one panicked, last minute outfit rush, the Cosmo Blog Awards are all over - and what a fabulous night it was!


It felt absolutely amazing to be greeted at the door of the OXO Tower by the famous pink Cosmopolitan logo and there were plenty more girly surprises to be found inside.

OXO Tower

The Vintage Cosmetic Company were on hand to give our eyelashes a touch of Hollywood glamour and Electric Hair were at the ready with the straighteners for any pre-awards hair touch ups. We loved dressing up in the photo booth and posing in front of the Best British Bloggers board too! 

Cosmo!

Of course it would be wrong to be at a Cosmo event and not indulge in a Cosmo cocktail or two and there was a constant flow of these amazing cocktails and of course cupcakes, all evening. In true ATC style we treated ourselves to several miniature cupcakes which were sprinkled in glitter dusting and topped with strawberry buttercream - yum! 




But on to the important part - the awards!  We were nominated for Best Food Blog. Unfortunately we didn't get our hands on an award this year but to all the fantastic bloggers who did, well done! A huge thank you to all of you who voted - we really do appreciate your support. 



Awards time!

Moving on to our favourite bit - the goodie bags! All bloggers went home with a Cosmo goodie bag filled with tonnes of stuff from cookies to fake tan and jewellery to PhotoDirector software. But by far our favourite item, which we can't help but feel we inspired (ahem), was Gizzi Erskine's latest book - amazing!

Pinky Vodka - Yum!

It was great to meet all of the other bloggers and catch up with some blogging friends too like Ann from A Quirky Lifestyle - be sure to check out her site! 

Laura with Ann from A Quirky Lifestyle

'Best British Bloggers' - Oh why not?

We had an amazing time and would like to thank all of our readers for getting us there. Roll on next year! 

Laura and Caroline x


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