Hawksmoor Manchester

Londoners and visitors to the capital will surely know the Hawksmoor drill: great steaks, banging cocktails and the epic dessert that mustn’t be called a giant Ferrero Rocher. With this in mind, it’s only fair that Hawksmoor has branched out to other major cities, starting with this one in Manchester, which already feels like part of the city’s fabric.

The dining space is split into several sections thanks to the layout of the old courthouse on Deansgate, making space for cosy corners as well as raucous Friday-night gatherings. A separate bar is ideal for pre-prandial sips such as Clear Carré – a mouth-watering combination of gin, pisco, Cocchi Americano, Yellow Chartreuse and bitters – or an ‘anti-fogmatic’ (said to banish fatigue) such as a lip-smacking Marmalade Cocktail.

To eat, start with gooey, fatty bone marrow or perfectly cooked plump scallops with fragrant tarragon and garlic. Steak cuts are priced by weight, and the friendly staff are always happy to advise on what’s available and suitable for your appetite. If you’re feeling hungry (and flush), go for the decadent 1kg chateaubriand with a side of dripping chips or, if you’re looking for something a little less extravagant, go for a rump or the Hawksmoor hamburger. For those who don’t fancy steak at all – a bit controversial, but we’re not judging – there are plenty of fish and seafood dishes, including south coast monkfish and cod, plus a token vegetarian dish.

Be sure to leave room for dessert, whether it’s the Ambassador’s Reception (that dessert), or the much-loved sticky toffee pudding. Wine drinkers will feel very well looked-after, thanks to the spectrum of labels that includes a number of safe bets, and some rarities that range from around the £100-mark to over £4,000. The set lunch and pre/post-theatre menus are a steal, with three courses for under £30.

Hawksmoor Manchester is a modern and inviting bar and restaurant serving a range of fresh fish, meat and vegetarian British dishes.

Open daily, Hawksmoor Manchester is located in a late Victorian courthouse on Deansgate. The interior has been sympathetically modernised and restored, featuring a beautifully installed parquet floor, and panelling from Birmingham’s famous Sandwell College. The bar and restaurant is ideally located for those visiting Spinningfields, looking for a pre/post theatre dinner, or those stopping off for a mid-shopping break.

Hawksmoor Manchester serves lunch and dinner, alongside a bar menu, all of which are available at various times throughout the week and weekend. There is also a Sunday roast option, plus cocktails, sharing dishes, and a 2/3 course set menu available. If you’re looking for something special there is also a private dining option.

The main menu features lots of tempting-sounding dishes such as the Hawksmoor smoked salmon served with soda bread and the ash-baked beetroot salad served with pickled fennel, horseradish and hazelnut.

Main courses include dishes such as the whole native lobster served with garlic butter, and a herb-fed chicken dish served with bearnaise & lemon. There is also an impressive large-cut steak menu featuring a bone-in prime rib and a 350g ribeye, all of which are available with a choice of sauces and sides.

When it comes to dessert you will find plenty of favourites on the menu such as sticky toffee pudding and Bramley apple pie, as well as the option to go for ice creams, chocolates or Neal’s Yard cheeses.

Hawksmoor is ideally located close to all of the city’s theatres and popular venues. If you’re looking for an express-menu you can also ask for their pre/post theatre menu which features dishes such as potted beef & bacon with Yorkshires, and a 35 day aged rump steak.