Manchester Food & Drink Festival is a highlight of any foodie’s calendar and this year there’s plenty to tuck into.
In their own words, Manchester’s finest foodie event originated as a means of: “showing the rest of the nation that there was more to Manchester than meat pies and gravy.” Now, in 2019, Manchester’s dining scene has been completely transformed and there’s plenty to sample no matter what you’re in the mood for. Taking place between 26th September and 7th October, there’s still time to book your favourites.
But where to start? Luckily, our friends over at Bookatable by Michelin have rounded up some of the best offers of the festival so you know exactly where you should be heading. They’ve kindly sent us a huge list of every single deal going on at the festival, or keep reading for our special top picks.
James Martin Manchester
Brought to you by one of the UK’s best-loved celebrity chefs, James Martin’s eponymous restaurant is found within the glitzy Manchester235 Casino. During the festival, dig into the 5-course tasting menu for £30 per person (add matching wines for £17.50) featuring everything from Tempura Soft Shell Crab to Sweetcorn Mousse and Wood Roast Pork Loin. Here are all the details.
Hawksmoor Manchester
Headed by a range of door wedge-thick ‘large cuts’ ordered by desired weight (and ideal for sharing), the Hawksmoor menu offers premium steak cuts, fresh fish and an array of luxury sides. Obviously, you’re going to want to try the steak. Pair it with another course of your choosing for £25 or go all out with 3 courses for £28 per person. What’s on the menu? Think roast scallops with tarragon & garlic or the must-try peanut butter shortbread. Everything you need to know here.
Peter Street Kitchen
It’s not just a meal you’ll be able to sample at Peter Street during the festival but an entire experience. For £65 per person, tuck into a 6 Course Omakase Experience featuring some of the best Japanese dishes in Manchester. Expect clean and sophisticated authentic flavours in dishes that include Yellowtail sashimi with spicy yuzu soy and Warm Wagyu beef Japanese flatbread with dried chilli & yuzu mayo. Make sure to save some space for their signature cocktails, too! Feeling hungry?
Gaucho
Three courses and a glass of champagne for less than £30 is all we really need to tell you for Gaucho’s generous offering during Manchester Food & Drink Festival but, if you’re not convinced, we’ll give you the rest of the details anyway. Taking inspiration from Latin American restaurants and culture, Gaucho combines signature dishes with delicious cocktails and plenty of live music. On the menu are the likes of pan-seared bream or wild mushroom tagliatelle to wash down with your glass of Domaine Chandon Brut. Find out more here.
Chez Mal at Malmaison
Within the exclusive Malmaison Manchester, Chez Mal restaurant serves stunning local delicacies with an adventurous edge. Every dish features bold, wholesome flavours including the tasty vegetarian options, succulent fish dishes and, of course, sublime New York strip steak cuts. Come along during the festival for 2 courses and a glass of Champagne for £25 per person. Book it here.
Wood Manchester by Simon Wood
Offering modern interpretations of classic flavours, WOOD Manchester sees MasterChef winner Simon Wood bring his unique culinary style to his first restaurant opening. Try a bit of everything with Bookatable’s 3 courses for £27.50 per person deal. The WOOD Manchester menu changes with the seasons, so you can expect new flavours each and every time you visit. Don’t forget to sample the impressive wine list for the full experience. Here’s what you need to know.
LEVEL 3 at Mercure Manchester Piccadilly
Cocktails more your thing than wine? Head to Level 3 for striking floor-to-ceiling windows framing spectacular views over Piccadilly Gardens and 3 courses & a cocktail for £25 per person. The menu offers a varied choice of classic British and internationally-influenced dishes like delicious beer-battered haddock to tempting curried sweet potato. Find out more here.
Cloud 23
Come down (or should that be…up?) to ultra-fashionable Cloud 23 on Deansgate for bottomless punch and a set menu for £35 per person. The cocktails here are inspired by the city (and what more reason do you need to visit?) like the crimson-coloured Vertigo- a mix of Bombay Sapphire, pomegranate juice and lychee liqueur. Check out the panoramic views of the city with a drink in hand and feast upon the quintessentially British set menu. All the details here.
This article was sponsored by Bookatable. The Manchester Food & Drink Festival runs from 26th September and 7th October. Find out more about the festival here.