This awesome hotel from the heyday of British Transport oozes a romantic, faded grandeur and a new restaurant from Michelin-star chef, Simon Rogan of L'Enclume fame. It was where Charles Rolls is said to have met Fredrick Henry Royce leading to the formation of the Rolls Royce company. The Octagon Lounge, with its magnificent Moorish ambience, however, is the place for afternoon tea, offering the chance to sample a mouth-watering menu amid real glamour. Booking ahead is absolutely vital and your order could include salmon symphony on pumpernickel bread, cucumber, cream cheese and apricot finger sandwiches, fresh sultana scones with clotted cream, organic preserves and compotes, cakes, pastries and hot drinks (£19.95). Add a glass of Champagne for £25.95.

This venue is listed in our Taste of Manchester Taste Charts: