Lobster crumpets! VIVA checks in to the Midland Manchester
| 23rd June 2021
Lobster crumpets! VIVA checks in to the Midland Manchester – it’s on our doorstep and has been for over a century!
So, VIVA was delighted to check into the Midland Manchester and check out the changes to this Mancunian icon which is undergoing a £14 million make over.
Our first destination was the lobby where the Midland Bar has been beautifully transformed, all green bottle tiles, leather banquets, foliage and more than a little cane to create a tranquil perfect pitstop for whatever your favourite tipple is.
There’s live music at the weekends and it’s a gorgeous spot for a catch up, with a bright atrium lighting the view and a circular bar.
Cocktails are from a stunningly reasonable £10 and as well as the classics there is more than a nod to Madchester and even further bygone times. We tried the Mad for it Margarita mixed with Vimto, which if you love the purple nectar is perfect for you and a fruit Calico Mojito, a fresh tingling taste.
Next on our stop and named after its railway roots is the Mount Street restaurant & bar which has taken over what was Mr Cooper’s.
The menu is a mix of pies, which looked fabulous, grill and a bistro food. Starters (from a reasonable £6.50) featured the tempting lobster crumpet, two of our most favourite things and this did not disappoint as tender lobster, hollandaise and doughy crumpet were worth the visit alone.
We also tried the salmon, suggested by our lovely server, and this was a proper bit of chunky smoked salmon, so fresh and also most ceviche whilst a pulled spring lamb roll was historic, a much better alternative to a sausage roll and simply gorgeous.
Onto mains (starting from £14.50) and you can go posh or go burgers, feeding all taste. We opted for a superbly grilled sirloin, again a lovely piece of meat which was expertly cooked and fabulous with sides of red cabbage and spinach.
A lemon sole with samphire was cooked in paper which created a wonderful aroma and a steamed, tender dish, that was right up our street.
We were too full for puds which start from £6.50 and range from the traditional Yorkshire rhubarb and custard tart to a honey pudding with lavender.
You can stay in style as the Midland Manchester is open to guests and COVID secure. The rooms too have been given a lavish make-over and look just the thing is you are celebrating. Our hosts said they are full most weekends so book in plenty of time.
The hotel also boasts a beautiful tearoom, ideal for afternoon tea and of course the award-winning Adam Reid at The French, so there is plenty to do if you fancy a mini break in Manchester, without evening leaving the grounds.
VIVA verdict: A lovely place to drink in style in the bar and some great dishes at Mount Street bar and restaurant. Well worth a visit.
Mount Street Dining Room & Bar at The Midland Hotel is located in 16 Peter Street, M60 2DS