10 Tib Lane

'Classic cocktails, natural wine that doesn’t scare you off, beer that matters and seasonal food with the best produce we can get our hands on,' declares 10 Tib Lane’s website – and that perfectly sums up the dining experience at this laid back yet sophisticated gem of a restaurant in a tall, narrow Grade II-listed building tucked away near Manchester’s Albert Square.

As well as the ever-popular Cumbrae oysters with piquant mignonette sauce, seasonal small plates on our visit showcased some stunning summery produce, from a light, zingy, beautifully presented dish of monkfish crudo with oyster leaf, zesty orange, lovage oil and chilli, to a mustardy steak tartare served with an intense beef fat mayonnaise and huge, lightly salted crisps to scoop up the tender chopped beef.

Larger dishes included a juicy French trimmed pork chop with sharp, crunchy apple slaw to cut through the richness of the meat, while a hearty onglet steak was served perfectly rare and dotted with salt flakes, the thick, beefy slices served simply with a jug of glorious glossy red wine sauce. A side of crushed pink fir apple potatoes soaked up the meaty juices nicely, with a herbed butter adding a welcome hit of freshness. Dessert was a raspberry and thyme crème brûlée, and it delivered the desired blend of crunch and custardy comfort to finish dinner in style without being too heavy.

The reasonably priced menu also features a superb value light lunch option as well as a simple Sunday roast, while a concise, France-heavy wine list offers ample choice by the glass as well as bottle along with a small selection of draught and bottled beers. An enticing cocktail list that encourages guests to linger into the evening includes classics alongside more inventive creations.

With its friendly service and a confident, fuss-free menu devoid of any gimmicks, 10 Tib Lane manages to feel both informal yet special.

10 Tib Lane is a bar and restaurant in Central Manchester that specialises in small plates, organic wines, cocktails and Sunday roasts. Expect classic cocktails, natural wine, and seasonal big dishes of sharing food that is made with the best produce that the chef's team can get their hands on. The Grade-II townhouse that 10 Tib Lane calls home is full of nooks and crannies - the ground floor is home to a bar and counter where guests can enjoy cocktails and snacks, whilst a first floor dining room hides up a narrow set of timber stairs. 

Many positive column inches have been written about 10 Tib Lane's relaxed, modern European plates - a style that is common in cities all over the UK, but that 10 Tib Lane does particularly well. Starters include dishes such as bitter leaves adorned with pickled walnuts and caramelised figs, a steak tartare with mushroom mayonnaise, raw mushrooms, pickled onions and sourdough, and taramasalata served with crumpets and adorned with cured egg yolks.

Mains stay true to quality British ingredients, albeit elevated with a dash of European technique. Dishes include rainbow trout swimming in a sea of clam and white wine sauce, as well as a more left-field mushroom porridge, served with girolles, Jerusalem artichoke crisps, and porcini, showcasing some smart creative thinking. 10 Tib Lane also does meat and potatoes cooking well too, as shown but an ex-dairy sirloin steak, served with peppercorn sauce and caper butter.

Save room for the grand finale – desserts like pear and apricot crumble with cardamom anglaise, chocolate cremeux adorned with cherries and pistachios, or a Basque cheesecake crowned with macerated blackberries.