One of the best things about entering the festive season has to be the festive food. From turkey and cranberry to gingerbread men and mulled wine, ‘tis the season to indulge on your favourite christmas foods.
Local eateries tend to pull out all the stops as they embrace festivities in the build up to Christmas and for one canal-side café in Greater Manchester, you even get to dine out in an igloo.
Grandpa Greene’s is famed for its luxury ice cream, however this month they will be launching their Festive Afternoon Tea which can be enjoyed by family and friends in their popular heated Dining Domes.
READ MORE: Inside the tiny bakery serving up some of the best sausage rolls in Manchester
Ahead of its official opening Monday (November 13), we headed out to the picturesque village of Diggle, in Saddleworth, Oldham, to see what their festive take on afternoon tea was all about.
If you’ve never been to Grandpa Greene’s at this time of year, there are two dining options for this afternoon tea - the Indoor Garden Room and Café or the extremely in demand Dining Domes.
These igloos are very cosy and quite spacious, and one of the best things about eating in these heated domes is that you get to soak in the gorgeous outdoor scenes with none of the bitter winter chill. It’s also decked out with a few Christmas decorations and blankets adding to the relaxing vibes.
As part of the Festive Afternoon Tea offer, you are served a delightful selection of homemade festive luxury treats and open sandwiches, however these treats can vary on what is baked that day. As well as that, all bookings include a festive milkshake, homemade Glühwein (mulled wine), luxury hot chocolate and unlimited coffee/tea.
The presentation of all the food was absolutely gorgeous. It felt very luxurious and for £26 for adults (for children it’s £16), there was a huge selection and a vast amount of food to get through.
While afternoon tea is known for its light bites, you definitely won’t leave Grandpa Greene’s festive tea hungry. The food is so fresh and absolutely to die for.
The mulled wine was like Christmas in a cup - warm and full of festive flavours. On top of that, the hot chocolate was hands down one of the best I’ve ever had. The staff here are extremely friendly and obliging, which always adds to the dining out experience.
If you’re looking for something to do this winter, the Festive Afternoon Tea has to be on your list. They are very popular and high in demand, so booking in advance is a must in order to avoid disappointment.
