When you are in Manchester city centre, this is the place to go for a really nice brew. Catering for tea and coffee lovers alike, it is rated as a great place for a coffee but from a tea drinkers perspective this place is ace. Listing all the teas served on a big board behind the counter, your order is taken and delivered to your seat and on both visits I’ve always been advised how long to leave my tea for before plunging and then decanting into my cup.
I enjoyed a nice pot of Rooibus and also a pot of White Monkey tea, very light and delicate and the temperature was low enough to bring out the flavour of the tea just perfectly.
It can get really busy here so think about when you want to visit but there are chairs and tables outside and it is sheltered and is elevated above street level, ideal for people watching.
I’ve yet to try their food but perhaps on the next visit I will and the teas they have are also available to take away which is a really nice touch, if you enjoy drinking it then you can take some home with you.
Oooooh what to say about Teacup. My first visit was for a birthday treat and we splurged out on the afternoon tea package and I have to say it was spot on, Reasonably priced, lovely sandwiches and a divine selection of cakes. I had this with a pot of Rooibus and the service was very attentive and when we couldn’t finish off the scones they were boxed up for us to take away.
A second visit at lunchtime was less spectacular – ordered a fish finger sandwich and a pot of Assam, the tea itself was nice as was the food but it all just felt a little pretentious, it’s too clever for it’s own good. Price wise it isn’t cheap either and for a pot of tea you are looking around £4 upwards even just for breakfast tea.
I would go back to Teacup for the afternoon tea but for just a brew I would frequent North Tea Power or the newer Fig & Sparrow, both within walking distance of Teacup.
A nice place to visit – just remember its not cheap!
N.B Reduced down to three stars in 2014 due to many more excellent and reasonably priced establishments close by. It’s still worth a visit – it’s just not the same anymore
