#DREAMBIGGER: ASIAN HIGH TEA @ GRAND PACIFIC, MANCHESTER

Whilst I was living it up in Thailand last month, it made me realise just how little of the world I have actually seen. I've been on holiday every year at least once since as long as I can remember, but apart from living in America for six months when I was in school, I rarely venture out of Europe. The Virgin Dream Bigger campaign was a perfect way for me to gather inspiration for my next exotic getaway. Simply choose up to 8 experiences bucket list style experiences, and your Dream Ticket destination will be unlocked. 

As much as I loved back-packing through Thailand, I do prefer the finer things in life so it was no surprise that my dream destination was Dubai! I would love to brunch in style at the incredible Burj Al Arab, overlooking the glamorous cityscape. However, until I win the lottery I will have to make do with the best that Manchester has to offer.

I decided to take my Mum for 'Asian high tea' at Grand Pacific in Spinningfields, Manchester. I have been lucky enough to dine at Australasia (the restaurant downstairs) before, and absolutely loved it, so I knew I was in for a treat. As you can gather from the name, it's an Asian twist on a traditional afternoon tea. The courses come in 'waves', the first consisting of savouries, and the second, sweets. The high tea also includes a glass of 'Spee Wah', which is Australian champagne.

As a HUGE fan of sushi I was in my element! The 'wave' included salmon, prawn and tuna nigiri, various California rolls, a delicious tofu dish, tuna tartar, prawn wonton, teriyaki (I think!) pork aaaaaaaaaanddd.... a PIGEON spring roll. The thought of eating pigeon does send a little shiver down my spine, but the waitress raved about it so much that I couldn't leave without having a little bite. I can confirm it was DELICIOUS and I ate the whole thing. I can't help thinking though- where do they get the pigeons?!!? I hope it isn't Picadilly train station!

Ladies who lunch

After we had inhaled the first wave, we had a little drink break. I ordered the 'lychee lemonade' which was incredible- not too sweet, and not too strong. I could have drank about ten, but I had to keep reminding myself it was only 1pm on a Sunday. My Mum went for the jasmine flowering tea, which came in the cutest little glass teapot so we could watch the flower 'blossom'.

Stunning!

The best part of the meal! Although I loved the first wave, I am the proud owner of the biggest sweet tooth in the North West, so I couldn't WAIT to see what little Asian delights were going to be presented to us. And I was not disappointed! Starting from the bottom tier, there was a lemon-choux-bun-thing, carrot cake, coconut panna cotta with citrus, frangipan, raspberry meringue, and finally..CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE. The richest, densest cake I have ever tasted. And the best part was, each dessert was so tiny that I didn't leave feeling like I needed to book myself in for a gastric bypass. It was just right. My favourite had to be the chocolate cake or the panna cotta- which I have never had before but was pleasantly surprised! 

We finished off our high tea by sharing an Irish coffee. You know- cos it goes so well with sushi :| (My Mums choice). Ignore my fluorescent face- I haven't fallen asleep on the sunbeds, we were sat under the heaters so it was hard to get a photo without looking like I've just had a chemical peel!

I would recommend the Aisian high tea to anyone wanting to try a unique dining experience. It's a great opportunity to spend some quality time with friends or family and the service, atmosphere and food is absolutely faultess.

Have a go at creating your own Dream Ticket and you could win the holiday of a lifetime to NYC! Click HERE.

Good Luck!