Teacup at Manchester Museum

February: A betwixt and between month that faces the unenviable task of shaking off the remnants of jaded January. With days that don’t seem to ever get light and raging rainstorms that see furrowed brows and faces turned firmly down, it’s safe to say spirits can feel slightly dampened at this time of year. Resolutions may be slipping and the reality of the next set of deadlines already appear to be looming. But fear not! Warmth, comfort and cheer is much closer than you think. In fact, it is just around the corner.

Next time you are making your way through the dingy drizzle, be sure to turn your tired eyes and cold toes into the Manchester Museum and its newly refurbished cafe. Covered by the scaffolded walkway opposite University Place, it can easily be missed, but right on campus, the tempting ‘Teacup’ awaits. Sister to the popular Northern Quarter haunt, ‘Teacup’ has popped up in the Museum to satisfy cake and caffeine cravings. Although not quite the same quirky and cozy atmosphere that Northern Quarter provides, the Museum offers the perfect destination for a quick afternoon tea break or a soup/salad lunch.

Mouth watering pastries and scones are on offer, but, seeing the famous, proudly displayed, decadent cakes meant the flourless chocolate cake and carrot cake at £4.50-£5.00 each, had to be ordered. As for hot drinks, the extensive list of loose leaf teas posed a trickier decision with so many on offer. But recommended by the friendly waitress, we went for the cheering label of ‘Sunshine Earl’ and ‘Tippy Earl’ which, with names like that, were simply begging to be tried.

Arriving with a triple tea timer, your tea is brewed to the strength of your choice; weak, medium or strong; a simple yet excellent touch for the art of perfect tea which made all the difference. Whilst the ‘Tippy’ and ‘Sunshine’ infused, we devoted our attention to the sweet delights. A huge helping of carroty sponge and a dark gooey chocolatey slice accompanied by a scoop of clotted cream, lay before us on pretty afternoon tea plates. True to its description “the chocolate cake to beat all chocolate cakes”, a melt-in-your-mouth moment was experienced at every bite. It’s thick, indulgent texture was dangerously good; for any chocoholic this is the one for you; for anyone indifferent, this chocolate cake will convert you. Gluten free too, it is one for everyone.

The carrot cake on the other hand, although it looked deliciously moist from afar, was surprisingly gritty and a little dry to taste. The thick layer of cream cheese frosting scattered with coconut flakes slightly made up for this disappointment, but even so, it appears that Teacup’s display of deliciousness definitely pleases the eye more than the tastebuds. The display definitely runs the danger of being deceptive. However, you cannot fault the friendly service, generous helpings and free hot water top ups, there was no stinginess in sight. I would definitely recommend a visit for any tea lovers with the Sunshine Earl beaming with hints of perfumed and citrus fragrance, whilst the Tippy had a stronger edge and fuller body to it with the famous Earl Grey blend of bergamot.

If you are passing by, definitely pop your head into Teacup. A lovely alternative to the usual cafes on campus and an afternoon tea experience that will lift the spirits on a damp February day. Although, if you are looking for the proper deal, be sure to head to Teacup in Northern Quarter where the chirpy and cozy cafe atmosphere is certainly the icing on the cake.
Price £££

Food 3/5

Drinks 4/5

Service 4/5

Atmosphere 3/5

Value 3/5