Make your way down through Manchester's historical quarter, past the churchyard, opposite the Cathedral and you'll find this quaint English tearoom. Housed in the nineteenth century Hanging Bridge Chambers and already wrapped in history and heritage, Propertea is the newest venture from 'Teacups' Gary McLarnan with the help of TV Personality Yvette Fielding. Opening in late 2013, the establishment boasts a traditional English tearoom serving loose leaf teas, cake sand lunch options.

On first entering you'll feel an open fresh ambience, partly due to the glass windows that envelope the whole of the building, but its mainly the subtle whitewash walls that create a calm, laid back atmosphere, this calm, serene feel contrasts to the hustle and bustle outside. The palette is kept muted with white, pale wood and grey tones to keep an altogether fresh décor. Almost immediately the flooring catches your eye, a bold pattern resembling a herringbone and chequerboard design engulfs the whole floor space, the design beautifully reflects the era of  the building in-keeping with it's heritage.

The tearoom is pouring with heritage and history which is highlighted through the use of antique accessories and furniture whilst the exposure of the ceiling stripped back to reveal piping and vents reinforces the buildings history. To the left is the main counter area and tea making station, twenty four solid oak reclaimed wood doors were used to create the counter and kitchen area including all the tables, this unique idea adds a quirky element to the place. A hint of art and design can be seen through the use of patterned screen printed designs a top the oak wood surfaces. More antique elements can be seen through the brass finished door knobs and handles which have been left on the doors and at the end of the counter an assortment of tea pots and jars ties up the sweet quaint tearoom element. Every table features a vintage style jam jar containing pretty wild flowers wrapped in a quaint ribbon adding to the antique element.

Lighting is minimal which adds to the laid-back charm of the tearoom but what little light they have does justice to the heritage of the building, simple antique decanter pendants dangle over the counter area in a miss-matched fashion whilst a long track of white spotlights illuminates the display unit behind, highlighting an array of cream tea leaf and rose pots.

To get the look keep colours muted, focus on white and soft wood tones. If you must use pattern then opt for a feature wall or an exaggerated floor design. Choose accessories with character such as quirky jam jars. An earthy element should be present so add a vase of wild flowers to your interior, this will also offer a sometimes needed pop of colour. For lighting, mix practical with decorative, for task areas opt for white spotlight, recessed or on a track and for decorative areas go for decanter glass style pendants and shades.