The Refuge

Winning small plate fusion in an iconic and glamorous setting. Housed in Manchester’s iconic The Refuge Assurance Company dating back to 1858, this DJ-run restaurant and bar is large and sassy.

There’s a Winter Garden; an enormous bar; a restaurant; and a subterranean ballroom. The venue (as opposed to the wider Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, of which it is a part) is run by Luke Cowdrey and Justin Crawford AKA DJ duo The Unabombers who were given the job on the coattails of their success with West Didsbury bar and restaurant, Volta.

The dining room is all soaring ceilings and bright tiles, while service is friendly without being pushy. Food-wise, think Middle East small p[lates meet Manc via India. Highlights could include sticky cubes of Gloucester old spot pork belly with cumin and chimichurri, crispy lamb shawarma with harissa and yoghurt or slow cooked ox cheek, egg and sriracha.

A pleasingly succinct wine list and six taps dedicated to regional craft beers offer plenty of opportunities for fun and games. Sunday roast sharing boards are the stuff of legend, as are puddings like rhubarb and custard doughnuts, chocolate fondue and homemade Eccles cakes with Lancashire cheese. A truly enjoyable experience, day or night.