Opening Times: Mon - Fri: 9.30-4.30 Sat: 9.30-5.00 or 6.00 Location City Center SK586045

Nearby places to visit: St Martins shopping area Shires Shopping Center The Guildhall The Cathedral

Every city should have a character tea room and Mrs Bridges definitely falls into that category. Clarice Cliff, the Art Deco ceramics entrepreneur would have been pleased to note her designs boldly displayed on a wall freize, in vivid oranges and greens. I might point out that it's probably not been up there since the 1930's, but it looks very authentic, matching the other pre war ceramics on display.

I often pop in for a well earned drink and a natter with a friend. Either side of lunchtime you can sit over a pot of tea or coffee at your leisure, but during lunch food must be ordered, in addition to drinks. The mid day menu is very varied, ranging from hot dishes, including daily specials, and lighter snacks. The sandwich list is extensive with traditional fillings happily rubbing shoulders with more exotic concoctions eg "Stilton, apple, mango, lettuce and tomato" or "chicken, bacon, avocado and honey mustard dressing".

As you might have guessed by now, the ultimate for me is afternoon tea and cake (weight watchers will make a fortune out of me when I'm finished researching this book!) All Mrs Bridges cakes and scones are homemade. I sampled the "chocolate flapjack" - rich, but heavenly. However all the cakes look tempting. So it's a good job I had a friend to restrain me!

With two floors, you should find a seat fairly easily. The window seat upstairs is nice. In warmer weather you can relax outside in the court yard after a hot shopping trek. In winter snuggle up in the cosy atmosphere of Mrs Bridges, you won't be disappointed.