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James Martin Manchester
Tasting Menu Preview

A perennial resident in our Top 10 restaurants in Manchester, the fabulous James Martin Manchester are currently running their tasting menu plus complementary matched wines promotion.  We paid a visit last night to remind ourselves first hand of just how much of a bargain it always is!

The kitchen is now headed up by the talented Craig Sherrington, who until recently was in charge at Fold in Marple following stints at Gleneagles and Lumley Castle Hotel, plus an appearance at the Great British Menu finals in 2018.

The menu on the evening was;

Hoisin Duck, paired with Vitelli Prosecco got things out of the blocks quickly. No dainty pre starter or cost cutting soup course here, just a hefty slice of well rendered duck breast, paired up with that classic combo of sweet, rich Hoisin sauce.  A big punching start to the menu.
NB. Rhubarb sauce on dish pictured due to plum allergy.

Thai Crab Risotto is a James Martin signature, and came matched up with The Paddock Chardonnay from Victoria, Australia.  The risotto's spicy kick and creaminess worked so well with the aromatic notes of the wine.   There's a reason why James has had this dish on his menus for decades. 

King Orkney Scallop was a superb plate, paired with a zingy Statua Pinot Grigio Rosata.  The scallop was sweet, juicy, and its substantial size defied the price point.  The bright green sauce was packed with flavour and looked stunning upon serving. A dish of this standard would usually set you back well over £10 on its own.

Yorkshire Beef Fillet was a proper main course and was teamed up with a similarly beefy Gran Hacienda Merlot from Chile's Central Valley.  Perfectly cooked beef fillet, with a stunning oxtail bonbon, a truffle potato terrine, and an unctuously classical sauce. It's safe to say that no butter was scrimped in the saucing section here.

Dessert was James Martin on a plate but with a Chef Josh Mallalieu twist. James’ apple dessert has been transformed into a Summery delight by Josh with his take on Escoffier’s iconic "Peach Melba". Peach parfait moulded into a peach shape, filled with compote and enrobed in white chocolate, garnished with some amaretti biscuit crumb for texture, then finished with a textbook sorbet on the side. Pastry of this level at these price points is pretty much unseen to be honest.

On the evening we we're taken care of by the charismatic and knowledgeable Fabio whose enthusiasm for the menu was evident from the moment we sat down. With this kind of service on front of house, combined with the kitchen being headed up by the talented Craig, you can be sure of a fantastic dining experience.

So, 5 courses plus bread, paired with 5 full sized glasses of wine for just £65!  It's an offer which for me is usually the best value that you'll find anywhere in the city. It's quite simply a deal which cannot be missed and is available until August 9th.  

** Our experience was gratefully comped **