So I’m back in Manchester and it is nearing lunchtime. My belly is rumbling and I have been craving tea for two all morning. Whilst traipsing round Tesco doing a big shop with Mark I decided to go online and use the super simple booking system at Tea 42; 1:15pm… it’s a lunch date!
Smoothies all round.
We hurried home, put the shopping away and immediately headed out towards the city. This was to be our first time at Tea 42 and to say I was excited was most definitely an understatement. A restaurant that caters better than anywhere I have ever seen for us gluten dodgers and haters.
The Tea 42 website sums up what they stand for perfectly:
“We believe that we’ve created a concept that people can completely engage in whilst enjoying some of the finest in light dining while they do. Whether you are able to eat a full range of foods or have a severe gluten intolerance we will have amazing food and drink for you.”
A place where you can go with your gluten eating friends and family or your other unfortunate gluten hating buddies definitely gets a huge thumbs up from me.
We arrived right on time and as we entered I knew we were in for a treat. The décor was amazing. The interior is stylish and very chic. From the marble tables to the classy yet comfy leather chairs, this place politely screams perfection to all my senses. What’s more, the pictures (or what seemed like pictures) on the walls are actually alive! One minute you think you are being watched by a semi serious man, the next… he’s laughing at you! (You’ll see what I mean when you visit, just watch out!)
Loving Life at Tea 42
The next aspect of the elegant Tea 42 that sprung to my attention was the incredibly friendly and efficient staff. Upon informing them of who we were, every member of staff was very clearly aware of our specific needs and intolerances. The staff were exceptionally knowledgeable without any sort of prompting on intolerances, which is very comforting, as I am sure anyone with an intolerance can relate to! Even when I was attracted and seduced over to the cake stand, a lovely member of the team came and informed me of all the different flavours… I’ll take everything please!
My first but certainly not my last trip to Tea 42
You might have noticed I am yet to mention the food. Well just wait a little further as I just have to comment on the brilliant selection of drinks first. A huge assortment of aptly named teas is on offer as well as shakes, cocktails and champagne; but what Mark and I went for were smoothies. We both went for tropical sounding ones combining coconut, pineapple and many other delights. They came presented very sophisticatedly in hurricane glasses and tasted even better than they looked. I couldn’t wait for our food now!
Although it might be a crime to go to Tea 42 and not order Afternoon Tea, we decided to commit the crime. I already knew we would be coming back again so we decided to just have whatever we fancied, for both of us that ended up being, a Crayfish, Avocado and Lime Mayonnaise sandwich. Mine on gluten free bread and Mark’s on regular
Delicious Crayfish, Avocado & Lime Mayonnaise Gluten Free Sandwich
bread. I must say it was a difficult decision however as the menu is full of sandwich fillings that I adore, the New York Deli sandwich will be mine next time. Alongside the sandwiches on ‘The Fast and Fabulous’ Menu (where food is guaranteed to your table within 15 minutes) is a selection of gluten free tapas dishes; from Thai Beef Noodle Salad to Lemon, Thyme & Garlic Chicken Wings, there is literally something for everyone, however long you have for lunch.
Our sandwiches arrived swiftly and looked a real feast for the eyes as well as the stomach. They came with a cocktail stick through the centre, as the sandwiches were essentially club sandwiches, with two layers of filling separated by 3 pieces of bread. The gluten free bread was delicious. Not crumbly in anyway and very fresh. To me it tasted as good as any bread I have ever had and with the crayfish filling, my mind was blown. The lime mayonnaise we both agreed was a great addition to the avocado and crayfish; it lifted the flavours so much and provided a refreshing citrus vibe to the dish. It will be hard to beat this sandwich.
As I gazed around the busy restaurant I saw many people indulging in various other dishes. I saw one customer getting stuck into the most glorious gluten free pie I have ever seen. Beautifully presented with a dish of mashed potato, mushy peas and a jug of gravy, the pie even had ‘42’ engraved onto the top; I deliberated with my brain as to whether the body could consume another meal immediately, and reflected this will have to wait for another day… soon.
Lemon Polenta, Dairy Free as well as Gluten Free!
I also saw many tables of contented customers faced with 3 tiers of Afternoon Tea goodness. From delightful sandwiches, to scrumptious scones and finished with a medley of loveable little cakes and treats. I was jealous immediately!
Fairly full from our lunch we asked if we could take a couple of slices of cake away with us, which they were only too happy for us to do. Mark went for the lemon polenta and I opted for the beastly carrot cake. Unable to wait any longer Mark ate his cake last night and regularly asked the cake as if it were human, how it could taste so great. He received a happy and warm feeling from the cake but as yet, no reply. The cake was incredibly moist and flavoursome. I think for both of us, the best part of the lemon cake was the icing. It reminded us of the soft meringue that you get on a lemon meringue pie, I wish we had bought another slice. The lemon polenta cake is also dairy free too, which of course is a bonus!
Carrot Cake!
On the other hand I had slightly more restraint and left my cake until lunchtime today. When lunchtime arrived today I was so glad of my decision. This carrot cake was to die for. The cream cheese frosting was just divine and went perfectly with the deliciously dense yet moist sponge – the perfect combination for any carrot cake. The outside icing of the cake was coated in chopped walnuts which really topped the cake off and made my lunch as good as lunch at Tea 42 the day before, I was so sad to finish it.
I’m pretty sure by the time you get to this part of the post you should be sitting at a table in Tea 42 having rushed there in utter excitement, if so well done; if not, hurry along now, they are open seven days a week. And with an All Day Brunch menu, as well as a 5 course evening menu I haven’t even mentioned yet, there really is something for everyone, even the gluten free brigade!
Thanks for having us!
I have been told it is preferable to book so if you do fancy it, the booking system is very straightforward; I would highly recommend it to avoid disappointment. Overall our first trip to Tea 42 was an epic one. It was just so great to wander into a sophisticated, gluten free paradise in the centre of Manchester. I urge you to try it out if you’re in the area, the cakes are to die for. It really is a gem in a gem filled city.
Thanks for reading,
Love Becky xxx
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