The Vimto trifle is the star of a new Manchester afternoon tea.

The Robert Owen Brown favourite made with the classic Manchester 'vitamin tonic' is one of the star puds on the Mercure Piccadilly’s Manchester Afternoon Tea menu, designed to incorporate some of the flavours, foods, and brands that have made the city famous.

Hosted in The Brasserie, the traditional treat also includes Bury black pudding Scotch eggs with a Kellogg’s Cornflake crumb, Boddingtons Ale chutney, jam from Manchester preserves maker Duerr’s, and the iconic Manchester tart.

The full menu features finger sandwiches with ham and tomato relish, Cheshire cheese and Boddingtons chutney, and Prawn and tarragon mayonnaise, plus a Pataks coronation chicken wrap.

There’s a Jaffa cake on the desserts list, too, as well as the essential fruit and plain scones with clotted cream and jam.

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Loose leaf teas include Egyptian Mint, and prices start at £38 for two people, rising to £50 with a glass of prosecco, or £60 with a glass of champagne. Bookings can be taken on 0844 815 9024 or online .

We’re certainly a city that loves an afternoon tea, so here are a few of our city centre favourites.

Richmond Tea Rooms

Serving up feasts fit for a Mad Hatter’s tea party in whimsical, Alice in Wonderland-inspired surroundings.

Prices: Alice Tea £6.50 per person, Hatter’s Tea £10.50, Queen’s Tea £18, Richmond/Gentleman’s Tea £23.50

Address: Richmond Street, M1 3HZ

Sugar Junction

With its charmingly chintzy, retro styling, this Tib Street tearoom looks as sweet as its tempting treats. There’s a gluten-free option here, too.

Prices: Cream tea £7.45 pp, cake platter £7.25, traditional/gluten-free £15.95 (£20.95 with prosecco, £21.95 cocktail)

Address: 60 Tib Street, M4 1LG

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Annie’s

(Image: Andy Lambert)

Winner of the People’s Choice Award for best tea room at the Manchester Tourism Awards, and opened by Corrie star Jennie McAlpine (aka Fiz, pictured above), Annie’s feels like being round your favourite auntie’s house.

Prices: £19.95 pp, £24.95 with champagne

Address: 5 Old Bank Street, M2 7PE

The Midland Hotel

The historic hotel has long been known for having one of the most indulgent afternoon teas in Manchester, served in its opulent Octagon Lounge.

Prices: £22 pp, £28 with champagne

Address: Peter Street, Manchester, M60 2DS

Great John Street Hotel

Ladies’, gentlemen’s and children’s afternoon teas are served here and you’ll get unusual bites such as fish and chip skewers, prawn dumplings, chicken and leek pies, and mini burgers and fries.

Prices: Classic ladies is £23 pp, £30 with champagne; Gentlemen’s tea £25 pp or £30 with a Gentleman Jack cocktail; children’s tea £12.50 up to 13 years old

Address: Great John St, M3 4AW

(All prices are correct at time of publication)