The January discount sales are bigger than ever across our food and drink destinations. Here's our pick of the bunch (sorry if we've left anybody out). Do note that terms and conditions and 'subject to availability' do apply as well as the need to book in advance. Red the small print!
ALBATROSS & ARNOLD 50 per cent off food throughout January at this unique Leftbank restaurant, which is also offering discounted rates on its hi-tech golf simulators at The Range – down from £75 to £50 per hour for up to six people. Booking advised here.
ALSTON BAR & BEEF January’s special offer from this Corn Exchange temple to juniper infused spirits and steak is two courses and a house gin for just £15 from the set menu. Valid Monday-Thursday, 12-6pm then Friday and Saturday, 12-4pm. Book here.
ASHA’S This glamorous Peter Street Indian is offering 40 per cent off all food throughout the month, excluding Fridays and Saturday, maximum six guests and subject to availability. Booking essential online here. Our main image, above, is inviting.
THE ANTHOLOGIST and THE REFINERY Drake & Morgan’s sibling bar/restaurants are offering their Reef, Beef and Bubbles deal throughout January – 4oz steak, half lobster, chips and a glass of prosecco for £19.95 or with champagne for £23.95 among other deals. Book for the The Anthologist in St Peter’s Square here … and here for The Refinery in Spinningfields.
ATLAS The veteran Deansgate bar specialises in gin and for its Ginuary Sale from January 4 it’s slashing prices on 50 of its juniper-infused gems, while a partnering1783 premium tonic is only £3. Tipple tip: it’s a stock-clearing exercise, so when they’re gone they’re gone. No booking required.
AUSTRALASIA For January the glam basement Pan-Asian is operating a sliding scale of food discounts, so from January 2-6 it’s 40 per cent off if you book here. After which the value lessens until from January 21-31 it’s down to 10 per cent off (and note the offers don’t apply to Friday and Saturday evenings.
BAB NQ gourmet kebab newcomer is offering 50per cent off its cool skewers throughout January, Monday-Thursday, you must book here in advance. Alternatively grab a beer ‘n’ a bab for just £12, Monday to Friday 4pm-7pm.
BAY HORSE TAVERNNQ modern take on a trad pub is selling food at half price throughout January, excluding Saturday and Sundays, booking recommended here. The same deal applies to both BLACK DOG BALLROOMS (NQ and New Wakefield Street) and Dog Bowl – book here – and at CANE AND GRAIN, Saturdays excluded. Booking is recommended here.
CARLUCCIO’S Different twist at the Italian chain, where until January 31 main courses will cost just £1 when you also buy a full-priced main. Simply download the £1 mains voucher from here.
CHAOPHRAYA Book in advance here to get 50 per cent off your food bill at the Chapel Walks Thai. Offer available Sunday-Thursday until January 31.
THE CHOP HOUSES Thomas’s, Sam’s and Albert Square are each offering 50 per cent off food throughout January, the discounts applying all day, every day, except Saturday evenings with certain menu exclusions applying. Tables must be booked online to qualify via Albert’s, Sam’s and Tom’s.
CIBO Yet another straight-up 50 per cent off the a la carte menu at this Italian eaterie, valid every January day for a maximum of four people. Must be booked in advance via [email protected] or call 0161 834 9741.
COTTONOPOLIS ToM fave Cottonopolis has dreamed up a special set menu for January. Choose a snack (prawn crackers or gyoza skins), either sea bass or red pepper maki, a soup (pork kimchi or wakame miso), crab or mushroom tempura and beef or tofu donburi. Available from Monday-Thursday at £18 a head. Bookings must be made in advance via cottonopolis-nq.com/booking, minimum two people.
DIMITRIS Happy hour is every hour in January (Saturdays excluded) – a £5 deal for all mezes. Plus there’s a four dips and tapas offer for £15, and all cocktails are £5. Booking recommended here.
DIVE BAR Daring to be different, the Tib Street bar has a 55 per cent off daily discount plus a 5pm-10pm happy hour (excluding Saturdays) where you’ll find all drinks included in the deal. Book in advance here.
ELECTRIK The Chorlton bar is are running three different offers in January – the Pizza Punch Up with all 10in pizzas £5, 5pm-9pm every Monday; Pizza Giro which will be unlimited pizza 6pm-8pm announced on the @electrikbar social media each week. And the 5 o’clock drop Mon-Fri, 5-7pm with £5 cocktails, £10 house wine and £15 prosecco.
ELNECOT The delightful Ancoats bar and kitchen is offering 40 per cent off food and 20 per cent off drinks in January, but you have to book in advance here to clinch the deals.
GRAFENE Just a third off food at this smart Chapel Walks establishment throughout January – but what food from chef Ben Mounsey. Diners can pick from his 'grafets' small plates menu, as well as the three, five and seven courses set menus, which homemade bread and ‘surprises’. Available from Sunday to Friday. Book online here.
GRAND PACIFIC Book through the Grand Pacific January Sale booking link to get 50 per cent off food, subject to availability (not Friday or Saturday evenings from 5pm).
GRILL ON NEW YORK STREET The Blackhouse website is your portal to 50 per cent off the steak-based menu. The deal can't be used in conjunction with any other offers and isn't available on Sunday roasts – still there is a 20 per cent discount on these, too.
IBERICA Sunday-Thursday throughout the month enjoy 50 per cent off food from the Spanish restaurant’s a la carte or specials menus. The offer’s not valid on drinks, paella and cured meats and cheeses. Minimum pre-discount food spend of £15 per person with a maximum four people dining per table. Book here.
KING STREET TOWNHOUSE and GREAT JOHN STREET HOTEL Both hotels’ signature afternoon teas for 25 per cent off, so just £17.50 per person. Booking is essential via this link.
THE LAUNDRETTE, CHORLTON Once again (it’s becoming a habit) 50 per cent off total food bill, not including any steak dishes, at the Beech Street bar, available Mondays to Thursdays all day. Essential to book in online.
THE LIVING ROOM Their January special is two courses and a drink for £12 (12pm-5pm) or £16 (5pm until kitchen closes) throughout January, no booking required.
MARBLE ARCH The classic Manchester ale pub makes the walk up Rochdale Road worth it for the food alone with 50 per cent off the menu 12pm-6.30pm, Monday to Friday.
MASONS Another 50 per cent off offer throughout the month at this welcoming spot in Manchester Hall, available off the a la carte menu from 12pm onwards. We recommend the woodland chicken of the posh fish stew. Book by emailing [email protected] or by ringing 0161 359 6852
MR WHITE’S ENGLISH CHOPHOUSE Customers dining at the Canal Street restaurant will receive 50 per cent off when eating from the a la carte, subject to availability, Wednesday to Sunday only, until 6pm on Saturdays, maximum six guests. Bookings must be made online here.
MUGHLI The Curry Mile’s coolest stalwart is offering diners 30 per cent off food all month and anyone signed up to the mailing list before December 31, will get half price. The discount applies to charcoal pit dishes such as tava rolls stuffed with spiced minced lamb; malai broccoli with butter sauce and tandoori chicken as well as its small plates and curries, but is subject to availability. You have to reserve online in advance here.
RIVER RESTAURANT, LOWRY HOTEL The Lowry Hotel’s River Restaurant has a special January menu offering two courses for £16.95 and £19.95 for three. Booking is recommended here.
THE PEN AND PENCIL 50 per cent off food at this Northern Quarter bar and restaurant, Monday to Thursday throughout January, but you must pre-book here.
PIER EIGHT, LOWRY Get two three course meals and a bottle of prosecco for £39, saving 55 per cent off set menu prices. Offer available Thursday-Saturday from 8pm and Saturday lunch (12pm–2.15pm). Payment is required in advance – book here.
RED’S TRUE BBQ The barbecue and ribs joint on Albert Square is offering a 51 per cent discount on food in January, but you have to book a table in advance here.
THE REFUGE Choose a selection of six Voltini dishes (for £15 per person) and you can add a carafe of house red or white wine, or two Seedlip non-alcoholic ‘spirit’ cocktails for just £5. The January offer is available Monday-Thursday, 12pm-2.45pm and 5pm-9pm and Friday 12pm-6.45pm. Must be booked online here in advance.
SAN CARLO FUMO All January the stylish Italian bar has a half price offer on food every day with limited availability Friday evenings and only until 5pm on Saturday evenings. Lobster is excluded from the offer. Book online here.
SECOND FLOOR, HARVEY NICHOLS ‘Winter Dining’ returns, featuring two seasonal courses and a feelgood cocktail from £18, or three courses and a cocktail from £22 instead. Book here but you can be patient – the offer extends to the end of February (excluding Valentines Day).
SCENE Spinningfields’ self-styled Indian street kitchen has devised a special winter menu with 50 per cent off all dishes, including signature treats such as lamb karahi gosht and chicken makhani. Book online here.
SCHOOL FOR SCANDAL A fresh approach here. This new restaurant and bar on First Street has teamed up with fashion brand fearlesss.co.uk to give away £50 in real cash to every 100th customer dining with them throughout January as part of its ‘Dine in to Win’ campaign. Diners will also have the chance to win 31 amazing prizes ranging from beauty products and concert tickets, to the latest fashion accessories. To be in with a chance, book here or call 0261 236 1616. Terms and conditions apply.
1761 Traditional British food is the calling card of this Booth Street restaurant and you can get 50 per cent off their pies, steaks and more from Monday to Friday throughout January. Book here.
SILK ROAD, BRAMHALL 40 per cent off food, Sunday to Friday all month at this globally influenced chain. Book here.
STORE STREET EXCHANGE Sign up for special offers inside The DoubleTree By Hilton Hotel, PIccadilly. Sign up to their database and receive 50 per cent off food Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, subject to terms and conditions. Check these and book here.
TATTU Sign up to the glam Spinningfield restaurant’s website to receive the booking link enabling you to 30 per cent off its contemporary Chinese cuisine and winter a la carte menu throughout January, Sunday-Thursday and Fridays until 3pm.
TAMPOPO Our own authentic South East Asian restaurant chain is offering 30 per cent off mains throughout January, at all three of their Manchester sites. Plus East Street, Tampopo's street food concept at Piccadilly Gardens, will be doing mains for just a fiver all month, to eat in or take away.
20 STORIES The panormaic restaurant has a created a special menu for January that showcases a selection of delicious dishes, but also suits a January budget. Two courses are available at £25 or three at £30 – both feature a complimentary glass of Chandon sparkling wine. The menu is available Monday-Friday, 12pm-2.30pm and Monday-Thursday, 5.30pm-7pm ( up to nine guests). Advanced booking required here.
VOLTA Check out the Volta Golden Ticket at £10 per person (better than 50per cent off!) where you choose one dish from three different sections, including chicken skewers, flatbreads and charred cauliflower, caraway and pomegranate. Available from 12pm Monday until 7pm on Fridays throughout January. Pre-booking is essential at [email protected]
WOOD Guests at the First Street restaurant project from Masterchef winner Simon Wood will receive a two for one offer on their tasting menus between Tuesday and Thursday in January. The two for one tasting menu is available Tuesday-Thursday 12pm-230pm and 5pm-9.30pm. You have to book in advance online here. or call 0161 236 5211. In addition order from their special theatre menu, and right through the month you’ll be treated to a free glass of wine, fizz or Estrella beer.
TAKE A JANUARY FOODIE BREAK AND DINE FOR FREE MASTERCHEF STYLE
Further afield we’d recommend a special offer from another Masterchef hero, Oli Martin (above), who made it to the final three in the recent ‘Masterchef: The Professionals’ grand cook-off on BBC 2. He’s head chef at HIPPING HALL, near Kirkby Lonsdale. To celebrate, the hotel has launched a new tribute menu with an overnight stay, so you can truly appreciate the Lytham lad’s talents (and the Hall’s sumptuous wine list!) Visit Hipping Hall on a B&B basis between January 2 and April 4 and they'll give you a complimentary upgrade to include dinner. That means from just £199 you could enjoying dinner from Oli's tasting menu before retiring to one of the lovely bedrooms. Note that weekend supplements do apply and this promotion only applies to rooms booked using this link or by calling the hotel on 015242 71187.