MANC BBQ pioneers Southern Eleven have reopened their Spinningfields restaurant after refurbishment, celebrating with a new seasonal menu and a lifesize bandana-toting front of house bear called Hercules.
The decor is all rustic backwoods chic with caged lights, evergreen trees, furry animals, portraits of pigs and pugs and a big emphasis on timber.
The re-fitted kitchen stays true to the American-style smoked barbecue dishes it has been serving up since its 2010 launch. So locally sourced meats are coated in house rubs and slow cooked in an Oklahoman wood burning oven.
The new menu focuses on a selection of BBQ plates that combine succulent meats, juicy ribs, fries and slaw. Diners can also choose from Fried Chicken with Cajun sauce and garlic mayo, Quesadilla short rib burnt ends with spicy jalapeno and cheddar cheese or the Cowboy Pie with braised beef, BBQ beans and cheesy mash potato.
Southern 11 Spinningfields Unit 26, 3 Hardman Street, 0161 832 0482. http://www.southern11.co.uk. Open even days a week, 12pm-midnight.