Where to get the best Christmas food and drinks in Manchester
Tis the season to be merry, and by merry we mean toasting Christmas cocktails and tucking into all of the festive food!
Manchester’s food and drink scene is buzzing at this time of the year. Whether you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy a tipple or two with friends or have a pre-Christmas catch up with family over a bite to eat, look no further!
Read on for our guide to where to get the best Christmas food and drinks in Manchester…
Albert's Schloss, Peter Street
Winter awaits at the ultimate party venue that is Albert’s Schloss. With live entertainment and music performances seven days a week plus several dining options it’s not to be missed.
The chefs have created a three-course alpine-inspired winter menu for £35 per person. Standout Christmassy dishes include starters such as roasted beet & chevre salad and chicken liver pate, followed by mains of roast Cheshire turkey with roast potatoes, stuffing & pigs in blankets, mushroom & cranberry strudel and baked hake with a herb crumb & truffled white bean cassoulet.
There’s also a royal breakfast to start the day right as well as smorgasbords for groups of nine or more. Think glühwein, schnapps, and lots of dancing on tables.
Be at One, Deansgate
The decorations are up at Be at One where Santa’s little helpers are promising to help you shrug off the winter blues with its new boozy brews. The Go Coo-Coo For Clementini is sophistication in a glass - the simplest way to look elegant and professional at your Christmas work party! Pull Up Your Christmas Stocking is a gin-based cocktail that will have you singing Christmas songs right up until January, while Run Over For A Ruby-Rum Fashioned is a festive take on the classic old fashioned. We’re sure you’ll have a favourite, or two…
Grand Pacific, Spring Gardens
Gather friends, family and colleagues for an indulgent Christmas experience at Grand Pacific. Taking inspiration from around the globe, this opulent bar and restaurant is adding a festive sparkle to its cocktail and dining menu. With the option to dine from its three course Christmas menu for either lunch (£25.95) or dinner (£30.95) you’ll be spoilt for choice with mains such as leaf baked Malaysian salmon, traditional roast turkey and curry roasted cauliflower plus mouth-watering desserts including Christmas pudding cake, butterscotch & miso chocolate mousse and apple & pineapple compote. For those who are more into the sweet treats, it’s also shaking up its famed high tea with seasonal additions – yum!
Gaucho, St Mary’s Street
This year Gaucho are doing things a little differently, stripping back what some people see as the cringe-worthy aspect of Christmas. If you’re looking to escape the festive frenzy then this is the place for you – no Jingle Bells playing, fanfares or over the top decorations in sight!
The ‘toned down’ festive menu includes three specially created, limited edition welcome cocktails including the Gingerbread Sour and a Mince Pie Manhattan, paired with a choice of starter – roasted sweet potato soup and ham & manchego croquettes with pine nut and cranberry salsa. Main courses feature your choice of several signature cuts of steak, as well as a take on the tradition – turkey milanese, red cabbage and celeriac puree, to be followed by the all-important desserts which include a delicious bread pudding spiked with orange and cinnamon, served with vanilla ice cream, and churros with cinnamon sugar and dulce de leche.
20 Stories, Spinningfields
It wouldn’t be Christmas without sipping on a cocktail in an igloo, right?! 20 Stories has launched its very own enchanted terrace where you can sit in one of its giant snow globes and enjoy a special Moët & Chandon cocktail high over Manchester. The winter garden-themed rooftop will offer seasonal drinks, plus a new cocktail menu created by bar manager Stuart McLachlan, with both hot and cold cocktails as well as a dedicated Moët & Chandon menu.
The Botanist, Deansgate
Adding a seasonal twist to its famous hanging kabab speciality, The Botanist is well and truly feeling festive! With the option of a two course (£23.50) or a three course (£29.95) dining experience, you can choose to start with sweet potato & celeriac soup, baked goat’s cheese on cranberry & pistachio bread or king prawn skewers. The main courses include the one and only turkey hanging kebab, baked salmon with parmesan, butternut squash, sweet potato & cashew nut en croute or a 10oz sirloin steak. Those who want to end on a sweet note can pick from honeycomb cheesecake, chocolate & orange marmalade tart and lemon tart. You also know that you’re guaranteed a perfect cocktail to wash it down with too!
Oh, not forgetting, our residents get 20% off their total food bill all year around!
Manchester Christmas Market, Albert Square
How could we not mention Manchester’s Christmas Markets! Celebrating its 20th year, it’s a haven for delicious international dishes, festive drinks and delicately crafted Yuletide foodie gifts. It may be famous for its traditional bratwurst but you can also treat yourself to foods from around the world like Spanish paella, Hungarian goulash and American grilled cheese sandwiches before washing it down with a mug of glühwein or Christmassy cocktail. There’s also plenty of vegetarian and vegan options (woo!) and mouth-watering desserts – think Belgian waffles, crepes and cookie dough.
We ho-ho-hope that you have a fantastic time celebrating Christmas in the city!
