Today has been one of the nicest Sundays I've had in a while. Sometimes you have to make the conscious effort to take a step back from the hustle and bustle of every day life to indulge yourself in a moment of relaxation in whatever form suits you. Of course, you cant take this creative tea lover completely out of her comfort zone...therefore what better than to combine the two loves of my life – art and tea.
Nestled away in the leafy suburban town of East Didsbury in Manchester, lies a hidden treasure called The Art of Tea. With it's old couches and armchairs, high beamed ceilings and antique mirrors, this place resembles that of a 1940s living room, complete with mismatched chintzy china and teacups. The walls were adorned with the work of talented local artists and the bar displaying all kinds of delicious cakes and pastries to tempt your tastebuds. My friend Charlotte and I ordered two hot chocolates with whipped cream and marshmallows (there is no other way to have hot chocolate, correct?) and shared a piece of strawberry cheesecake which came beautifully presented with a little fresh strawberry on top.
But venture further back into the depths of the café and you will find a whole different trove of treasures...as one of the best second hand bookshops I have been to in Manchester lies tucked away just waiting to be discovered. We were welcomed by the friendly owner, humming Sinatra classics as he tidied and restocked the many books that filled the small space. The shelves are lined with old copies of Charles Dickens novels, Penguin Classics and the Bronte sister's best sellers...their dusty book jackets and gold leaf pages calling us over to thumb through. We resisted the temptation to purchase the whole set of Shakespeare plays and just enjoyed the feeling of being surrounded by all this lovely literature in such a warm and inviting place.
I can say with some certainty that I will definitely be returning to the wonderful place known as the Art of Tea, having finally found somewhere that I can enjoy – with or without the company of a good friend, book or my trusty laptop.
The Art of Tea, 47, Barlow Moor Road, East Didsbury, Manchester, M20 6TW.
Open 9am-11.30pm Mon-Sat & 11am-10.30pm Sun
tel. 0161 4489323
