Climat

A spacious, wine-led rooftop restaurant with spectacular views across the Manchester skyline, Climat is the second site from the team behind Covino in Chester. Light and airy, the elegant eighth floor dining space boasts floor-to-ceiling windows and an outdoor terrace (complete with its own rooftop beehives), as well as an open plan kitchen with counter seating for those who would rather watch the chefs than the city.

Executive chef Luke Richardson, whose CV includes stints at Gary Usher’s bistros Sticky Walnut and Wreckfish, has created a regularly changing menu of snacks and sharing plates which he describes as 'Parisian expat food'. This included a snack of light, fluffy gougères, fragrant with black truffle and dusted with Lord of the Hundreds - a ewe’s milk cheese with notes of caramelised hazelnuts. Two crisp, golden hash browns were topped with a gluten-free taramasalata made with smoked cod’s roe, dressed with zingy lemon zest and dill.

A sweet-yet-salty small plate of roasted carrots, homemade ricotta and smoked apricots came with a vegetarian-friendly version of sauce Américaine, while a summery dish of fresh pasta was served with courgette ribbons, tangy goat’s curd, wild oregano and shavings of heady English summer truffle. Our sharing plate of hogget leg with vibrant red piquillo peppers, artichokes and punchy salsa verde was served perfectly pink and juicy, while a hearty slow-cooked Dexter short rib dish came with creamy celeriac purée, yellow beans dressed with foraged wild garlic capers, and the glossiest of gravies. For dessert, a creamy toasted hay brûlée was deliciously oaty, accompanied by an aromatic purée made from English strawberries.

Drinks-wise, wine takes centre stage at Climat, with a huge, ever-changing list; hardly surprising since the name of the restaurant is the specific term used in Burgundy for a wine-growing plot. There are also some creative cocktails, as well as beers from local breweries. Along with the relaxed atmosphere, friendly service and top notch food, it makes for a truly convivial dining experience.

Climat is a chic, wine-led dining concept located at the top of Blackfriars House in the bustling city centre of Manchester. The restaurant opened in December 2022, the second venture from the team behind Covino, a Chester-based foodie hot spot, also with a big focus on wine. 

At the heart of Climat is an appreciation for French cuisine, borne out of Executive Chef Luke Richardson's time working in Paris. This is complemented by the team's love of French wine, hinted to with its name, which refers to a wine-growing plot found specifically in Burgundy. In their wine cellar, you'll find over 400 wines sourced from across France, from independent makers to the iconic. 

Dishes use fresh, seasonal ingredients and change daily. While there isn't an updated version available online, examples of previous dishes are sure to get your mouth watering. You might enjoy nibbles like beef fat hash browns with crème fraîche, seasonal oysters with plum hot sauce and malted sourdough loaf with Café De Paris butter. 

Smaller plates have included veal sweetbread, nettle, pine nuts, lemon and brown butter, as well as grilled leeks, butterbean, hazelnut and truffle. While, larger dishes might look like middle white pork loin with smoked clementine and mustard seeds, alongside whole john dory with chestnuts and salsify, or perhaps whole lamb shoulder with chicory and anchovy. Desserts are just as creative with combinations like brioche, muscovado mascarpone and bbq cherries.

As for the space, think marble-topped tables and sophisticated, dark-toned seating, complemented by a lofty ceiling, exposed pipework and huge, floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the restaurant with light. The vibe is casual but elegant, the perfect place for a date night or a catch up with friends. And, if you should be so inclined, speak to the team about private dining bookings, as they cater for events.