January is the month of food offers with 50 per cent off, 2-4-1 and all sorts of deals to explore. The offers are so good that we might just abandon December next year and have it in January instead. So if youve been sensible and still have pennies left in the piggy bank, here are a few ideas.
Volta - 50% off
The Electriks team have taken over the old Rhubarb in Didsbury. Theyre offering 50 per cent off this month. The terms are that you must buy a drink as well ie no tap water only types. Go for: Dexter rib on the bone for around £10 with a pint of one of the Electrik house ales.
167 Burton Road, West Didsbury, M20 2LN. Tel: 0161 448 8887, www.voltafoodanddrink.co.uk
Smoak - 50% off
Malmaisons steak house has 50 per cent off food this month. If you've been to Hawksmoor in London, this is probably as close as Manchester gets to that kind of gourmet meat fest - at around 1/8th of the price. Go for: Rump steak frites or a T-bone to share, with a jammy bottle of Malbec (this is the MalMaison afterall) on the side. Book here. MalMaison Hotel, 1-3 Piccadilly, M1 3AQ. Tel: 0161 278 1000, www.malmaison.com
Artisan - 50% off
One of Manchester's most spacious restaurants was subject to a minor kicking from the Guardian's Marina O Loughlin last year - but don't let that put you off what's got to be one of the most genial, pleasant and downright fun restaurants in town. The menu is like a brasserie: we like pork and duck cassoulet, or the pork and apples for winter. The pizzas aren't so hot. Book online to receive 50% off your food bill. Terms and conditions apply. 22-28 Bridge Street, Spinningfields, M3 3AB. Tel: 0161 832 4181, www.artisan.uk.com
Lucha Libre - spend £5 locally, get 50% off
Having recently checked out London's famous Mex, Wahaca, we think this Liverpool-grown new arrival is actually better than Thomasina Mier's celebrated chain. See for yourself with 50 per cent off your food bill this January. Simply spend £5 or more with a local independent business or charity and bring in a receipt to the new Mexican restaurant to prove it. Offer excludes Friday and Saturday evenings. Go for: Street Food Tray with red rice, black beans and one of a choice of intense salsas. Great Northern, off Deansgate, M3 4EN. Tel: 0161 850 0629, www.facebook.com
The Lime Tree (pictured) - early bird £15 menu
This independent restaurant in Didsbury gets consistently high ratings from national critics. Classic French influences are combined with a commitment to local food and meat, much of which is grown and reared by the restaurant owners. Although this isn't a strictly January only offer, diners can take advantage of their excellent value early bird set menus. Between 5.30pm and 6.30pm you can enjoy two courses for £15 or three for £18. Go for: Cheshire goats cheese fritters, Thai spiced belly of local pork with a choice from the extraordinary French-leaning wine list. 8 Lapwing Lane, West Didsbury, M20 2WS. Tel: 0161 445 1217, www.thelimetreerestaurant.co.uk
The big chains are in on the January sale thing too: Carluccios for example is offering 50% off across its many outlets (our favourite is the light and airy one, in the heart of Spinningfields Hardman Square) and Pizza Express is doing a two-for-one offer too. Obviously, more terms and conditions apply, so check their websites for detail.