The ultimate festive dining experience.
As Lightopia gears up for its grand, festive return this winter, organisers of the award-winning experience are dropping teasers left, right and centre, proving that no fan – new or old – will be disappointed come November 18th.
Taking place at Heaton Park for the third year running, the family-favourite illuminated trail will be bringing a whole host of new features along with it this year, including a stunning new dining experience. Aptly named ‘Dine in the Light’, the new experience will allow guests to snuggle up in their very own private dining dome, amplified by ambient lighting to make the experience extra special. Nestled in the park’s woodland and surrounded by lanterns, the unique pods seat up to six or twelve, with ten exclusive pods available to book.
Boasting exciting surprises at every turn – including in the dishes – guests can expect fun touches such as smoke, sparklers and much more, with a host of seasonal dishes on offer by three-rosette chef Chris Holland and The Life Cafés & Resorts Culinary Team.
Available to book either before or after the Lightopia experience, guests will receive 90 minutes in their dome, with three courses of winter-inspired grub to feast on. To start, guests can warm up with a choice of Roasted Pumpkin Soup with a parmesan and sage crumble, Swiss cheese & riesling fondue served with torn ciabatta for dipping, vegan buffalo cauliflower wings or sriracha hot dip and a confit duck terrine with zingy orange and cranberry salad – followed by a range of filling mains, too.
Mains include a choice of hanging kebabs (including lamb marinated in harissa, mint, cumin and served with toasted flatbread and dips or smoky barbecued mushroom and celeriac served with flatbread and preserved lemon), as well as sticky glazed short rib of beef with pureed potato and grilled tenderstem broccoli, or slow-cooked free-range chicken rubbed in Middle Eastern spices served with pilaf rice and crisy onion.
Finishing on a Manc-inspired high, guests can tuck into the Manchester Trifle for dessert, consisting of layers of Vimto jelly, vanilla sponge and mulled blackberries, or a Heaton Mess Meringue loaded with fresh cream, baked peaches and raspberries, with a dark chocolate and orange mousse up for grabs for the choccy lovers among us. Those with a savoury tooth can opt for the Lancashire Cheeseboard, a selection of locally sourced cheeses with biscuits and a local chutney. Beverages include mulled wine, a selection of festival cocktails, wine, craft ales and lager.
Also joining Lightopia this year will be The Stables Courtyard Bar and Dining, where guests will be able to enjoy a more casual dining experience, complete with food, music and ‘festive spirit’. Placed under a stunning heated canopy in the Courtyard, guests will be able to choose from a variety of food and drink outlets popping up in vintage horseboxes, with tacos, pizza, cocktails and plenty of festive grub available.
Lightopia will take place between 18th November and 3rd January 2022 at Heaton Park. Find out more and book here.