Sugar Junction

Manchester's Northern Quarter isn't short on quirk, both in its venues and those who frequent them, but Sugar Junction's attention to detail has to be applauded. Antique furniture and delicate ornaments surprise from every corner; the perimeters of old-timey wallpaper and exposed brickwork encasing you in a bygone era.

Afternoon tea is what they do best, with an impressive collection of custom loose-leaf tea blends (25 of them) including combinations you never thought existed. Brews are rustled up in vintage china, their golden rims glowing. Go for the Pucker Up Lover, a rainbow of delicate hibiscus flowers, rose petals, orange blossom, rosehip, strawberry, apple and elderberries (£3.10 for a pot). Afternoon tea is £15.50 per person with the optional addition of prosecco (£19.95) and champagne (£21.50) and comes with layers designed to impress. Forget the standard slivers of cucumber sandwiches, afternoon tea here is served with dainty muffin sandwiches, well-balanced scones and more than enough clotted cream and jam to share. Gluten-intolerant customers are well looked-after, too.

Things take a turn for the trendier in the evenings, with chunky hot dogs and paninis lining up alongside novelty milkshakes.