Eats

The Chinese afternoon tea in Leeds with dim sum and cocktails

Afternoon Chi from Mans Market is redefining afternoon tea in Leeds and it's the perfect booze-fuelled experience for all foodies.

Sophie Smith - 13th January 2022

If you thought you knew afternoon tea, think again.

Mans Market is known and loved in Leed for its amazing bottomless brunches, instagrammable cocktails and creative flair of brightly coloured decor inside its underground location in Leeds city centre.

Having been highly recommended by the Sunday Times, we're convinced that Mans Market has received nothing but glowing reviews since its opening, but it's their Afternoon Chi concept that's got us talking non-stop about dim sum in 2022.

Based on the traditional afternoon tea, Mans Market have replaced those boring finger sandwiches and petit fours with all your favourite dishes to create the ultimate afternoon experience- with plenty of booze included.

Upon arrival, guests are welcomed into the underground restaurant with a glass of fizz, but have plenty of chances to grab cocktails galore during their stay. Think signature boozy mizes like Mans 75, made up of Tanqueray London Dry, Lychee, Lemon and Prosecco or even grab a Bubblegum Daiquiri just an extra fiver.

Miami Splice cocktail. / Image: The Hoot Leeds

If you're doing Dry January or just don't fancy getting boozy in the afternoon, there are loads of non-alcoholic options for you to choose from too. Not only can you get three varieties of tea: Yorkshire (obviously), Jasmine or green tea, but there's soft drinks and a whole range of mocktails on offer too.

The Kobe Tai can be made as a non-alcoholic option and we're obsessed with how much it looks like its boozy predecessor- it even comes with a little shot of lemonade. The Bubblegum Daiquiri and plenty more can be made upon request too- just ask at the bar.

Bubblegum Daiquiri mocktail. / Image: The Hoot Leeds

In classic Mans Market style, the menu is there to guide guests through the choices they make before you clip your 'Feed Me' sign to the rope on the ceiling to get the waitress' attention.

Aware that the way to people's hearts (and stomachs) is to give us our favourite foods, every dish on the menu comes with a multiple choice of toppings. Guests are invited to choose a bao bun- with crispy roast duck or Panko tofu, before selecting from four different dim sum options.

Think handfuls of Chicken Gyoza, Pork War Tip Dumplings, Mushroom Corn and vegan-friendly Bamboo Dumplings, each swirled and dunked into sweet chilli or soy sauce before making your way onto vegan spring rolls and snack on Lotus Crisps with chilli and spring onions.

This really is the epitome of a unique afternoon tea, perfect for all Chinese food connoisseurs and those that love a bit of dim sum after a few drinks with respective interest.

Desserts are even included as part of the package- there's Matcha Moochi with strawberries, Yuzu and Vanilla cheesecake or a vegan-friendly brownie to choose from- each of which come as highly recommended as the next.

If you're still hungry, extra dim sum is available for just £3.50 extra, this time replacing dumplings with Salt and Pepper Chicken or Tofu, Satay Chicken dishes or four more Chef Mans Spring Rolls.

Given the entire menu comes to £16.50 per person, it's an absolute steal. Given Mans Market's non-stop glowing reviews and their steady stream of foodies coming through their doors, make sure you book yourself in well in advance to avoid disappointment.

The Afternoon Chi is available every Wednesday - Friday from 2 - 5pm each day. If you want to beat the January blues, make sure to quote JAN30 upon booking for 30% off the entire menu every Wednesday and Thursday (max table of eight people per booking).

Feature Image- The Hoot Leeds

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