Manchester’s largest four-star hotel, the Manchester Marriott Piccadilly, has unveiled its latest dining concept – Loom & Ladle Bar and Bistro. Situated on the ground floor just steps away from Piccadilly Station in the emerging Mayfield neighbourhood, the bistro nods to the city’s cotton mill heritage while delivering a menu that blends comforting classics with contemporary flair. At the helm is Head Chef Thomas Gardner, a seasoned Marriott veteran with 27 years of experience, who champions locally sourced produce and seasonal flavours.
Starters that set the tone
We began with the home-cured lemon and herb salmon (£15), elegantly layered atop toasted sourdough with a horseradish crème fraîche that balanced freshness with a delicate bite. Light, zesty, and refined, this was a confident opener.
For something heartier, the pan-fried chicken livers (£9) offered a rustic indulgence. Rich and velvety, the livers were lifted by a smoky pancetta jus – an ideal starter for those who enjoy bold, savoury depth.
On the lighter side, the tempura sprouting broccoli (£7) was crisp and vibrant, its gentle crunch given a punchy lift by a chilli-almond pesto. Equally moreish were the tempura prawns (£12), whose airy batter gave way to sweet, plump prawns, complemented by a lemon-dill mayonnaise that struck just the right balance between sharpness and creaminess.
Mains with Manchester heart
The Wingman Fish & Chips (£19.50) stood out as a local homage, with haddock fillet encased in a Wingman IPA batter from the Irish Sea. Served with thick-cut chips, mushy peas, tartare sauce, and charred lemon, it’s a dish that straddles comfort and craft. A classic, but one that feels distinctly Mancunian.
For something more refined, the pan-seared hake (£27) brought together white beans, chorizo, and a mussel broth. The hake was perfectly cooked, flaking gently under the fork, while the broth was deeply savoury with just enough smokiness from the chorizo to give it character. It’s a dish that speaks to Chef Gardner’s ability to elevate bistro dining with subtle sophistication. This was by-far the best dish we tried.
Sweet endings
Desserts are no afterthought here. The sticky toffee pudding (£7) was indulgence in its purest form – a rich sponge drenched in toffee sauce, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream providing the cooling counterpoint. For those seeking something a little more adventurous, the Chocolate, Clementine, Cranberry & Fudge Slice (£7.50) balanced richness with citrus brightness and tart cranberry notes, delivering a layered, festive finish to the meal.
The setting & experience
The dining room itself strikes a fine balance: contemporary yet cosy, polished yet unpretentious. Much like the menu, it’s designed for both relaxed suppers and lively gatherings. The service is warm and well-paced, and the carefully curated wine list and Mancunian-inspired cocktails - including a playful Vimto-based concoction - round out the experience.
Verdict
With Loom & Ladle, Chef Thomas Gardner has crafted a dining space that feels distinctly Manchester: rooted in comfort, elevated by craft, and underpinned by a genuine sense of hospitality. Prices range from £6 to £32, making it accessible without compromising quality. Whether you’re a local in search of a new neighbourhood favourite or a visitor craving a taste of the city, this bistro is set to become a welcome addition to the Manchester dining scene.
Find out more here.