Afternoon tea treats at the newly renovated Parr's Bank

Owners Pavan and Yaad Johal bought the Victorian venue on Winwick Street in March last year, opened the ground floor coffee shop in April as lockdown restrictions eased and the impressively renovated banking hall is due to host its first wedding this weekend.

As well as the homemade toasties and fresh soups that are served daily and evening sharing platters enjoyed on the heated terrace, afternoon tea is the perfect treat.

Canapes served on a wooden board

Delicate canapés topped with tomato and fresh basil, cream cheese with green olives and cream cheese and smoked salmon were served on a wooden board, beautifully garnished with edible flowers and we opted for the added luxury of a cold glass of prosecco in addition to our unlimited tea and coffee, served in matching cups and saucers.

Sparkling prosecco adding a little fizz

Finger sandwiches freshly prepared on white bread came with ham and tuna, as well as the vegetarian options of cheese and pickle, egg, and cream cheese and cucumber.

Finger sandwiches with a range of fillings

Serving these on a platter, again with colourful violas, before the sweet treats meant we weren’t over-faced with too much food.

The final course arrived on a traditional tiered cake stand which was a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach.

There were miniature one-bite cupcakes and perfectly chewy macaroons on the top level, slices of Victoria sponge cake and Counter’s speciality forest moss cake on the middle tier and then perfectly soft scones with jam and clotted cream.

The fresh, ripe strawberries were a tasty extra and they would surely count as one of your five a day.

The traditional afternoon tea priced at £24 is the perfect treat for a special occasion with the sparkling prosecco option costing £27.