December is the one time a year that we can gorge on mince pies for every meal of the day – and not a single person can say a thing about it. And that’s exactly what we’re going to do. Or start early in November if you so please! Starting with the city’s finest mince pies served up at some of the best bars and restaurants in Manchester, we’re so ready to turn into a giant, sugar-dusted shortcrust, before, of course, turning to our trusty British supermarkets on Christmas Eve and scooping up any (and all) discounted boxes. Here’s our guide to the best mince pies Manchester has to offer right now.
1. Miracle on Cross Street
Popping up especially for the festive season, Miracle on Cross Street is the perfect (and probably the most Christmassy) place to wind down with a mince pie this month. The bar, which resides below Salt Dog Slims, is serving up the delicious seasonal treats alongside Christmassy cocktails, mulled wine and more, with grotto-style décor to accompany the bar’s Christmas theme. Miracle on Cross Street, 17 Bow Ln, M2 4FW.
2. Bundobust
Fancy an Indian twist on a British festive classic? At Bundobust you’ll find a mince pie paratha to bring a festive and sweet finish to your meal, which Bundobust describes as “what peshwari did next” and see parathas stuffed with sultana, raisin, cinnamon, clove, star anise and coconut, for the perfect sweet-savoury crossover hit. The mince pie parathas join wonderfully Christmassy dishes as part of the Bundobust festive menu, which includes their much-loved sprout bhajis. Bundobust, 61 Piccadilly, M1 2AG and St James Building, 61-69 Oxford Street, M1 6EQ.
3. The Ivy
Launching as part of a tasty Christmas menu, The Ivy is serving up plates of mini mince pies this Christmas, served with a delectable hazelnut and brandy cream that makes for the perfect, luxury finishing to the classic pud. Accompanied by an array of festive flavours, guests can order The Ivy’s mince pies from the dessert menu now. The Ivy, The Pavilion, Byrom St, M3 3HG.
4. Bar Hütte
Returning for the festive season once again, Bar Hütte has gone all out with the festivities – including, of course, mince pies. Available to scran at the Christmassy bar which consists of plenty of private karaoke huttes, the little treats are perfectly accompanied by mulled wine, boozy hot chocolates and so much more. Bar Hütte, 235 Deansgate, M3 4EN.
5. Revolución de Cuba
Revolución de Cuba is combining the classics of Christmas with the flavours of Cuba, and guests can choose from Mince Pie Empanadas (homemade spiced rum mince pie pasties with rum caramel sauce), Christmas Tree Brownie and Chocolate and Clementine Torte for a sweet finish to their meal. Also bringing a fiesta to the festivities this year is the bar’s Christmas cocktails, with four brand new drinks to choose from including Chocolate Orange Espresso Rumtini, Mistletoe Martini, Cuban Christmas Colada and the Hot Mulled Cider, all sure to get you into the festive spirit. Mince pie empanadas and Christmas cocktails sound like a celebration to us! Revolución de Cuba, 11 Peter St, M2 5QR.
6. Slattery
One of Manchester’s finest bakeries (and the famous chocolatier) has brought back their delicious mince pies for Christmas, featuring their signature chocolate round stamped with their logo. Filled with a succulent vine fruit filling, guests can enjoy the delicious treats at the cafe once again, with a less Instagrammable version (for better travelling!) available to order online. Slattery, 197 Bury New Rd, Whitefield, M45 6GE.
7. The Refuge
Christmas at The Refuge is all about feasting with family and friends. The Gather Round bar menu features festive plates designed for sharing as well as a mince pie menu featuring three Refuge takes on the classic mince pie. The menu from the Manchester restaurant includes mince pies celebrating the flavours of a traditional Eccles cake, a savoury cheese custard mince pie tart as well as a mince pie ice cream sandwich– all possibly enough to sway those who tend to dislike the OG mince pie. The Refuge, Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, Oxford St, M60 7HA.