Scones, sandwiches and cakes galore - and maybe a glass of bubbly too - afternoon tea has become quite the occasion.
The quintessentially British tradition dates back to the seventh Duchess of Bedford who enjoyed taking tea with her girlfriends in the mid-19th century.
Now it's enjoyed by just about everyone, with kids' and gentlemen's (that is, pies in place of cakes, usually) versions now popular too.
Here are a few of our favourite options in and around Bury. Know of a great tearoom that isn't on this list? Let us know if there's somewhere else you think we should try by leaving a comment, tweet us @CityLifeManc or join in the conversation on Facebook.
Reservations are usually required at most of these venues. Details and prices were all checked at the time of publishing but are subject to change, so make sure you check when you book.
Slattery, Whitefield
Whitefield patissier and confectioner Slattery's afternoon teas are legendary.
As well as a traditional Lancashire afternoon tea (from £16.50), with all the usual finger sandwiches and scones, there's a luxury chocolate version too.
Guests can choose a hot chocolate, mocha or Belgian chocolate milkshake to enjoy with a chocolate dipped scone, chocolate profiterole, Baileys slice, raspberry and white chocolate pot and a pot of liquid Belgian chocolate with marshmallow and strawberry, all for £19.50.
There's also a smaller cream tea for £6.50 and a children's afternoon tea for £8.50. The standard afternoon teas can also be upgraded with a glass of champagne, pink rose lemonade or a G&T.
197 Bury New Road, Whitefield, M45 6GE | slattery.co.uk
Dining with Distinction, East Lancashire Railway
The East Lancashire Railway's Red Rose Diner takes passengers on a steam train trip back in time with its themed Dining with Distinction experiences.
Served on board a classic Pullman style carriage during a journey through the scenic Irwell Valley, its afternoon teas include a selection of traditional sandwiches, savouries, scones and cakes, together with tea and coffee and a glass of fizz.
The trips cost £39 per person and run on selected Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from June to October, departing from Bury Bolton Street Station.
A full list of dates and menus can be found on the website.
Bury Bolton Street Station, Bolton Street, Bury, BL9 0EY | diningwithdistinction.co.uk
One 88, Whitefield
From brunch through to dinner, esteemed chef David Gale's neighbourhood restaurant in Whitefield serves up reliably good grub for any occasion.
That includes afternoon tea. Their take on the tradition includes a selection of sandwiches, cakes, fancies, scones with clotted cream, jam and freshly brewed tea and coffee (£15).
Guests can also upgrade with a glass of prosecco (£20) or a gin and tonic (£22), and there's a gentlemen's version available too.
Booking is required.
188 Bury New Road, Whitefield, M45 6QF | one88whitefield.co.uk
Eagle and Child, Ramsbottom
This award-winning Ramsbottom gastropub is best known for its stupendous Sunday roasts.
But its afternoon tea is equally worth of your attention, made using locally-sourced produce and homegrown ingredients from its beer garden allotment.
Served from 3pm on weekdays, a typical sandwich selection includes Bowland beef, homegrown tomato and watercress; cucumber, dill and horseradish cream cheese; Manchester Smokehouse salmon, garden herb mayonnaise and yuzu; and soft boiled egg from its own chickens with Lancashire sauce mayonnaise and mustard frills.
Sweet treats include freshly-baked scones, clotted cream and homemade seasonal jam alongside the likes of classic lemon drizzle sponge, chocolate brownie with creme fraiche and raspberries, and carrot cake with orange glaze.
There's also a gentlemen's version, swapping out cakes for savoury bites such as a Cissy Greens dinky pork pie, ham hock and apple bon bons, spicy chicken wings, snag bangers, Lancashire cheeses and pickles.
Booking is required.
3 Whalley Road, Ramsbottom BL0 0DL / eagle-and-child.com
Leckenby's, Bury town centre
Town centre tea room Leckenby's is an award-winning, family-run establishment in the middle of Millgate shopping centre.
The traditional Leckenby's afternoon tea (£15.95) includes egg mayo, tuna and cucumber, roast chicken and roast ham sandwiches, served alongside a mini quiche, cakes and a fruit scone with a choice of Tiptree preserve and cream, and either tea or coffee.
There's also a vegetarian version for the same price, including brie and grape, houmous and red pepper and cream cheese and celery sandwiches instead.
If you fancy some fizz, there's also a prosecco afternoon tea (£21.95) which includes a more premium selection of sandwiches: roast beef and red onion, ham and tomato chutney, prawn mayo and avocado, and smoked salmon and cream cheese.
A kids' afternoon tea is also available (£8.95).
27 Minden Parade, Bury, BL9 0QG | leckenbys.co.uk
Tina's Tea Room, Bury town centre
Based inside Bury Art Museum, Tina's Tea Room is the perfect place to relax and refuel after your culture fix.
Served on quirky vintage tea sets in the elegant surroundings of the building's ring balcony, its afternoon teas include a traditional selection of finger sandwiches, scones and sweets.
If you're after something less dainty, there's also a gentlemen's version with doorstopper sandwiches, savoury snacks and a wedge of cake.
Booking is required on 07538394530.
Bury Art Museum, Moss Street, Bury, BL9 0DR | buryartmuseum.co.uk/Tea-Room
Park Farm Tea Room, Walmersley
With a farm shop that sells some of the best local produce around, and a tearoom that puts it on the table, Park Farm in Walmersley is worth a visit for any food-lover.
Served on fine bone china, its afternoon teas include homemade bakes including sausage rolls and mini pasties, made with ingredients sourced from the farm itself or nearby, where possible.
The platters also include dainty sandwiches such as roast ham with Mrs Darlington's tomato chutney and their own free range egg mayonnaise and cress, along with scones served with jam and the farm's own dairy cream, homemade Canadian malt loaf slice and other sweet treats.
It costs £13.95 with tea or coffee, £16.95 including a glass of Folkington's juice, or £19.95 with a glass of cava.
Manchester Road, Walmersley, Bury, BL9 5NP | parkfarmshopramsbottom.co.uk
