Literary Afternoon Tea: We Have Always Lived in the Castle

A literary-themed afternoon tea at The Portico Library inspired by Shirley Jackson’s "We Have Always Lived in the Castle", served alongside the Witches & Healers programme.

Literary Afternoon Tea: We Have Always Lived in the Castle

A unique afternoon tea experience from the Portico Kitchen team, inspired by Shirley Jackson’s novella We Have Always Lived in the Castle and the Portico’s Witches & Healers programme. The menu explores the role of food in this gothic classic.

Ticket price includes a full afternoon tea service with bottomless Brew Tea Co loose leaf tea or Adam’s and Russel filter coffee. Optional add-ons include a glass of prosecco for £6 or a bottle for £25.

Tickets may be booked individually or in groups; individual ticket holders may be asked to share a table. Dietary requirements should be provided at booking; vegetarian catering is available and other needs may be accommodated where possible.

Sample menu (subject to change):

• Gloucester rarebit
• Mushroom vol au vents
• Scones with cultured butter and tomato chutney
• Sandwiches: Summer preserves; A little luncheon meat
• Rum cakes
• Peanut brittle
• Cousin Charles’ untouched pancake
• Blackberry tartlets with “powdered sugar”

Date & time:
Saturday, 7 November 2026
3.00pm - 5.00pm
Doors at 2.50pm

Location:
The Portico Library
57 Mosley Street
Manchester M2 3HY

Refund policy:
Refunds up to 7 days before the event