Manchester’s fanciest afternoon tea reviewed

Ready for Manchester’s most upmarket afternoon tea?

The Stock Exchange Hotel’s new Afternoon Tea has been created by the hotel’s executive chef, Niall Keating, offering you the chance to bask in the baroque 19^th century trading hall setting, while indulging in the culinary expertise of the UK’s youngest Michelin star winner.

Keating secured his stars at Whatley Manor and his own restaurant, Lunar, in Stoke on Trent, before moving to Gary Neville and company’s central Manchester hotel in 2024.

His main menu offers desirable dishes to share. Think whole lemon sole, pork and beef tomahawk steaks, root vegetable wellington, chocolate dessert boards – and more. His trademark style is simple, British and stunning. And when it come to afternoon tea, he ticks all the traditional boxes and a whole lot more.

Expect five fabulous ‘courses’ including truffled egg and salted beef sandwiches, followed by slabs of peppery sausage roll with melting yet crisp flaky pastry and homemade brown sauce. Enjoy a contemporary prawn cocktail (prawn Marie Rose) in a delicate milk roll,  and the most perfectly textured fruit scones I’ve tried, complete with an elegant citrus flavour.

More sweet treats make for an occasion to remember. There’s a tiny waffle cone, with praline of Vahlrona chocolate inside, plus a ‘Tender’ coin, which is Keating’s gourmet take on a Jaffa Cake. I loved the Eccles Cake macaroon, and the Manchester Tart-flavoured Choux Bun, with a retro coconut dusting.

Drinks include 12 exquisite teas, sourced from award-winning blenders, PMD. We tried the house ‘1906’ option and a classic Earl Grey. If you’re in a celebratory mood, choose from Champagne (the rose is a treat) from Collet Brut or a cocktail.

The soundtrack is pure class too. Enjoy Adele’s hits and more, reworked into perfect, classical melodies. For the ultimate experience, there’s the chance to enjoy Afternoon tea accompanied by musicians from the Halle Orchestra once a month too.

Tender at the Stock Exchange Afternoon Tea is £35 per person, with Champagne pairings from £45 per person.