HOW to conquer that Seasonally Adjustive Disorder? Take advantage of some amazing food and drink deals throughout January (and in some cases into February). Nearly every establishment has some kind of offer one, so our pick of the best below is merely scratching the surface.
THE RIVER RESTAURANT The 5-star Lowry Hotel is re-introducing its Chef’s Choice menu, sourcing the pick of British seasonal produce. It will be served in the newly refurbished River Restaurant and includes either a full three courses or two courses and a glass of wine for just £19.99 per person. Or, get the full three courses and a glass of wine for an extra £4 per person. Look out for Jerusalem artichoke with a slow cooked hen’s egg, artichoke crisp and apple or cured salmon and cod with yuzu gel, barley tuille and seaweed, a choice of mains – caramelised pork collar (above) with piccolo parsnip, Braeburn apple and cavolo nero, or poached loin of cod with Muscat grapes, grelot onions, clams and chervil oil. And the savings don’t stop there. The River Restaurant is also offering a complimentary dessert when you buy a starter and main from the a la carte menu throughout January and February. To book a table call 0161 827 4046 or e-mail [email protected].
TATTU There’s 30 per cent off the winter à la carte menu this January at contemporary Chinese restaurant Tattu. Dine out on starter such as Seared Tuna with Ponzu, truffle aioli and caviar and Chilli, mains such as Ginger Miso Black Cod with hoba leaf, pickled lime and daikon salad and to finish the decadent Chocolate Brownie Pagoda, layered with mascarpone and winterberry. Simply sign up at www.tattu.co.uk to receive access to the booking link. The offer is available from January 2, 12pm-10:45pm Sunday-Thursday and 12pm-4:45pm on Fridays, subject to availability, must be booked in advance and excludes all wagyu beef and lobster dishes.
BILL’S SPINNINGFIELDS This newcomer to the financial district has a real money-saving offer. Lunch is £12.95 for twocourses and £15.95 for three, Mon-Fri 12pm-5pm; dinner is £17.50 for two courses and £20.50 for three, Sun-Thur 5pm-close. Booking is recommended. Bill's are also launching a vegan menu – add a dessert for £5 when you purchase a main course.
REFUGE The stunning bar/restaurant inside The Principal Hotel has a ‘menu introduction’, offering a chef’s selection of 6 Voltini, a carafe of wine plus a sharing chocolate fondue dessert for £20pp, in two people, max eight. Offer must be booked online, selected from dropdown menu. It’s available January 6-31, Mon-Thu 12pm-2.45pm, 5pm-9pm and Fri 12pm-2.45pm and 5pm-6.45pm.
ALBERT’S SCHLOSS From Monday to Friday, January 6-30 there’s 50 per cent off Cook Haus Classics only when you book in advance, maximum group size eight people, subject to availability. Since it’s Veganuary we’d eschew all the hearty Alpine fare and go for the Cauliflower Salad, featuring roasted cauliflower florets, cauliflower purée, cauliflower crisps, pickled sour cherries, apple, endive chicory and coriander oil.
WOOD The eponymous Simon is inviting you to bring a friend throughout the month to order either the five or the seven course tasting menu – and only one of you pays. Valid from January 2, it applies to food only, excluding drinks, Tue-Thu lunch or dinner and Fri lunch. Book here.
ALSTON BAR & BEEF To introduce new menu dishes the Corn Exchange restaurant is offering a set meal deal exclusive to January, starting on Monday 6th – from one course at £12 to three courses for £18. They are also bringing back their butcher’s cut offer each Friday, including a bottle of wine for £50 for two. As a bonus, any Alston gin is included when ordering two courses from the set menu.
COTTONOPOLIS Trust the Northern Quarter bar with the wicked take on Japanese fusion to come up with a five courses for £18pp offer. The set menu is available Monday to Friday and advance booking is required.
BILL’S SPINNINGFIELDS You can get yourself a free main course throughout the month courtesy of Bill himself. Just order two main courses and the cheapest one will be free. It’s available from January 5 until the 30th, Sunday to Friday. You must book.
HARVEY NICHOLS 2ND FLOOR BAR AND BRASSERIE January 7 marks the launch of the posh store’s new menu with the choice of two courses and a cocktail for £19 or 3 courses and a cocktail for £23.
TAST CATALA The Catalan culinary aces are offering a £15 set menu throughout January from 12pm-4pm, Tuesday to Friday. Each day there’s a different option available, such as the Burger Tast on Tuesday, Pork Ribs on Wednesday, Poussin Chicken on Thursday and Squid and Rice on Friday. Must be booked.
Let’s go halves
50 per cent off is a popular tactic for many restaurants during January, but each may operate it differently and terms and conditions apply. Here is a recommended selection: TNQ, The Bay Horse Tavern (check out their Manchester Egg, above), Grand Pacific, Cane & Grain (their ace ribs are our main image), Trof, Deaf Institute, Gorilla, Evelyn’s, Black Dog NQ, Dog Bowl, Almost Famous, Manahatta, BLVD, BAB, Alvarium, Cibo and Get Chucked Urmston.
To get your 50 per cent off at the Individual Restaurants stable, which includes Piccolino, Gino D’Acampo and The Restaurant Bar & Grill your have to be a member of their Club Individual lifestyle and rewards club with its points back rewards apparently. Finally, Australasia in Spinningfields is not being quite so generous, offering just 30 per cent off if you book via this special link.