The Rivals Bar & Restaurant

When The Rivals opened in 2017, it was the first time in a long time that The Royal Exchange Theatre had a restaurant which lived up to the stunning setting. 

Gone was the bland professional catering outfit who’d serviced it before, and in came a local team including head chef Anna Fysh and co-owner (and former Corrie actor) Rupert Hill, who also looks after champion pubs The Eagle in Salford and The Castle on Oldham Street.

The menu is British verging on Modern British. Think really good gastro-pub food with ample-sized portions and an emphasis on seasonal ingredients. A typical main could be braised feather blade of beef, triple cooked chips, burnt onion ketchup, and greens.

There are lighter options on the cafe and bar snack menus – sandwiches, salads, homemade cakes and so on. But dine from the restaurant menu to really get a taste of what makes this place a favourite. 

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