Chicago deep-dish pizzeria American Pies has launched a new deep-fried Manchester afternoon tea, and we are a little bit obsessed.
Taking a turn away from your standard crustless sandwiches and strawberry and cream-loaded scones, this is not your typical afternoon tea – not by a long stretch.
Instead of delicate cakes and dainty triangles filled with cucumber, cheese and ham, the new ‘mate date’ afternoon tea at American Pies features the likes of Wotsit mozzarella wedges and a 7 inch deep-dish Chicago pie of your choosing.
Image: American Pies
And that’s not all. Think deep-fried dauphinoise potatoes wrapped in prosciutto, ranch chicken tenders and smoked cheese lollipops with sweet chilli.
Served with a homemade red pepper and oregano ketchup for dipping, you’ll also tuck into deep-fried duck lasagne bites and pepperoni garlic knots with vodka sauce in what is sure to be one of the most naughty yet satisfying afternoon tea combinations we’ve ever seen.
They’re not messing about here, that’s for sure. Even if you hate afternoon tea, (or perhaps, especially if you hate afternoon tea), you can’t possibly turn your nose up at this feast.
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Yes, it’s rather beige, but it’s deliciously indulgent all the same.
Image: American Pies
Available from 21 February, details of how much the new ‘mate date’ afternoon tea has yet to be revealed – so make sure to keep an eye on American Pies socials for further updates.
The first deep dish Chicago pizza restaurant in Manchester, American Pies was launched during lockdown 2021 by the Brewski team and has since taken over the group’s Moseley street restaurant, which had previously specialised in poutine.
Using parmesan and garlic butter in its dough to create a signature crust, its pizza bases are loaded with marinara and a signature cheese blend to give each pie that oh-so-satisfying cheese pull.
The new afternoon tea menu takes some of its most popular starters, like the cheesy garlic knots and deep-fried duck lasagne bites, and combines them together for one fixed price. What more could you possibly want.
Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
Georgina Pellant -
1st February 2022 
