[caption id="attachment_86" align="alignleft" width="400" caption="The Art of Tea - Natasha Al-Atassi"][/caption]

In one of our very first posts from Sioned Bannister on Plentyonyourplate, she enlightened readers of the ingenious ways that Britain's favourite national non-alcoholic tipple could be used in food recipes.

ALTHOUGH us Brits are said to be a nation of binge drinkers, (or at least that is what the papers report time and time again,) we love our tea. For some, it really is an addiction. A good one though, mind.

Sometimes, it's nice to enjoy a cup of Rosie Lee with friends, in a quaint little tea room in the country, and just relax.

There's nothing better to get away from the hustle and bustle of urban life, the gross urbanity of binge drinkers. When there's a problem, people always say that a cup of tea will solve it, or, at least, put your problem into perspective.

Tea is big business. There are now hundreds of different varieties. So in our latest post on Plentyonyourplate, roaming foodie Natasha Al-Atassi, takes us into the magical world of tea in South Manchester, in a post-modern tea room called, the Art of Tea.

So get the kettle on, and enjoy....

The Art of Tea - Natasha Al-Atassi

There are many reasons to love a cup of tea. It is almost a national treasure for us Brits: we drink it on its own, we drink it with cake; we drink it before bed, when we wake up, at 11, at 12, at one; in the winter, in the summer. But the best way to drink a cup of tea is definitely with friends.

And that’s why The Art of Tea is so special.

Sometimes, the best places to eat are right on our doorsteps and this is something I’ve most certainly discovered since moving to Didsbury.

The bohemian village in South Manchester is well known for its student-vibe (albeit of a rather sophisticated kind), its laid back atmosphere and an abundance of independent cafes, restaurants and shops. But none are quite like this.

The Art of Tea is a cute little cafe just off Didsbury’s main strip where if you’ve been, you’d definitely remember. Scattered with an array of miss-matched furniture of dark wood stools, white wicker chairs and a deliciously comfy sofa, The Art of Tea’s interior is nearly as memorable as its food!

Each table is set with a tea light and the single stem of a freshly picked flower; fairy lights are hung delicately over the counter and assorted mirrors and pictures by local artists are placed together on the wall. Indeed, its vintage brick-a-brack furniture is just one of the reasons behind its charm.

But once you’ve settled into your post-war seats of a 1950s European cafe, you’re bound to feel hungry from all the excitement. This is my favourite part as The Art of Tea boasts a multitude of tasty treats from delicious home-made cakes, scrumptious lunches and the all-important, neither lunch-brunch-nor-dinner, snacks. However, needless to say, the best thing about this little establishment of course, has to be its tea.

White Tea, Green Tea, Rooibos and Chai. Assam, Peppermint, Earl Grey and Lady Grey. And all the fruit teas your healthy heart desires (£1.40). The black board of chalked names are overwhelming but not intimidating. On many occasion have I asked what on earth that tea was and should I have it with milk, and each time the staff have been friendly, helpful and suitably, tea-knowledgeable.

And everyone knows that with a soothing cup of afternoon tea (however healthy the tea might be) comes a delicious slice of afternoon cake. Its cakes, biscuits and bites are more than just tempting – they’re unavoidable. My joint-favourites (on alternate weeks) are the Carrot, Walnut and Banana Cake and the Chocolate Crunch. The surprising addition of banana to the carrot cake adds a natural sweetness that works effortlessly well with its frosty icing, and the chocolate crunch is an exceptional combination of chocolate, biscuits....and all things crunchy.

If, like millions around the country, you’re throwing your New Year’s diet to the wind today, then please, do it in style. I give you: The Triple Chocolate Brownie served with warm Vanilla Icecream and (wait for it!) Baileys (£3.90). Now that’s worth every extra pound on the scales in my book.

The lunchtime and evening snacks cater for multicultural Britain with olives, bagels, focaccia, meze, soup and homous all being tasty options. It even has an alcohol licence and late-night opening so you can pop in after work for a chat and a mug, or catch up over dinner and a drink.

The Art of Tea is also a master at catering for cosmopolitan foodies who like to take a break at the weekend. Customers take particular joy in its heavenly brunches (bagels, tea cakes, fruit and yoghurt etc.) whilst casually flicking through a newspaper or scouring through its eclectic range of second-hand books in the bookshop round the back.

Everything about this place is random, unmatched and distinctive. Nothing makes sense and that’s why local patrons and newbies alike keep going back for more – whether for a festive helping of its cranberry loaf or to sip from its diverse collection of tea cups.

The reason why everyone (including myself) loves The Art of Tea is because, with the clatter of china and the smell of home-made cakes we’d love to say we could make, it’s really a home away from home. Or at least, the home we’d love to have.