Manchester is famed for the quirky eateries and vintage-inspired tearooms of its Northern Quarter, but this retro charm has begun to trickle its way closer to the main area of Deansgate.

All monochrome floors, filament lightbulbs and pale woods, Proper Tea is a beautiful tearoom serving, you guessed it, proper loose-leaf tea alongside a great menu of light bites and sweet treats.

The tea experience harks back to the days when this humble drink was a luxury, and not so humble after all. On the menu you’ll find everything from everyday Earl Grey to ‘Jasmine Fairies Performing Flower Tea’, an elaborate treat full of blooming flora. I kept things a little simpler, however, and opted for Vanilla Cacao with a scone accompaniment. I wasn’t prepared for the meticulous experience to follow!

Arriving in a cafetiere, along with a little glass jug in which to pour your fresh brew (to stop it from stewing and getting bitter), I also received a timer set at the optimum brewing time for my specific tea. I must admit, I usually find this kind of thing a little too fussy, but the taste of my tea made me drink my words. It was rich, deep and fragrant, and had a subtle yet unmistakeable taste of chocolate running right the way through.

The scone didn’t disappoint either – fluffy and moist, it just melted in my mouth and, accompanied by the tangy jam and rich clotted cream, quickly stole the mantle of most delicious scone I’ve ever tasted.

Images by Charlotte Varela