Adam Reid at The French

Culinary rock and roll from Simon Rogan’s protege, Adam Reid. Enjoy fine-dining in Grade II Listed Victorian surrounds – with a side order of Mancunian attitude.

The soundtrack (which could include The Beatles and Oasis) is drawn from Reid’s personal playlist and sets a cool scene for pin-sharp creations.

The tasting menu could include salt-aged duck with acidic cherry sauce, or soft raw scallops with buttermilk gel and flowers plucked from the roof-top garden. Upscale comfort food is another trend while desserts could include Reid’s blown-sugar clementine with white chocolate leaf and sea buckthorn sorbet. Reid won the Great British Menu dessert round with a similar creation called ‘Golden Empire’.

The wine list is brilliantly expansive and dining here feels like an occasion – no matter what time of day you visit. A draped-off lounge area with its own reception creates the illusion of an independent restaurant rather than one shoe-horned into a bustling hotel.

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