Well hello, cute li’l pop-up! As Anyonita says, there are more and more of these things springing up here there and everywhere. First we had Hey Little Cupcake, now a permanent fixture in Spinningfields. Also in Spinningfields, there was Pin-Up Bowling. Also this Black White Denim shop which I keep passing on my way to Pret in… ya guessed it… Spinningfields. Moose Bar. Spinningfields. But hark! right outside the tramlines on Mosley Street? Awesome. Near Krispy Kreme and Subway? Brave. This is virtually the only independent in the area, and I’m glad to see it. It takes a plucky bunch to set up shop here, and I’d expect nothing less from Scruff and crew. I was welcomed warmly into Drink Tea Eat Cake, and told I could sit absolutely anywhere. The waitress said, ‘One of those booths might be nice and cosy for you.’ Yep, the cute little MDF quick-made booths are like huts, and I couldn’t resist. Plus, how nice is she?!? It gets better. Once I was sat down, I got out the laptop and kicked myself for not bringing my charger. Two bright white sockets right under my table, just waiting to juice up my Mac. The same girl walked by and said, ‘I’ll get you the wifi passcode if you don’t know it.’ She was back instantly with a slip of paper for me, all details included. I nearly hugged her, but offered lots of smiles so as not to scare her(not creepy ones before you say anything). I ended up in a rush due to an impromptu meeting so I didn’t end up ordering food, more’s the pity, but grabbed a smoothie instead. They’re not the same blended ones you can get at the flagship Teacup shop, and there are two options alongside fresh juice — I think they may be from a carton but they’re still tasty. I was happy enough glugging away at a few of my five-a-day. I perused the menu to get an idea of what I might want upon my next visit, and as well as a few recognisable Teacup staples, there are several dishes that must be DTEC’s own. English muffins topped with a variety of omelettes? Hello. Mental note, must eat next time. Especially after seeing that they’re serving waffles now via their Facebook site. I nipped to the bathroom before I went but noticed the engaged sign on the door and hovered around — that same lovely girl said, ‘Oh, the door’s a nightmare, I bet there’s no one even in there.’ Then she opened the door and proved her theory. Seriously. She is. Awesome. I’m hoping this spot is here to stay. Its pop-up nature means you might get a wee bit chilly in there in the winter months, but generally it’s pretty well-heated and there’s a great variety of food on offer, each and every item available to take away too. Another hope is that this is a sign of things to come in Manchester — more indies infiltrating the chain-heavy areas. It happened in Spinningfields, could it happen in Piccadilly Gardens? Watch this space…
