Looking for some seriously good food in Manchester’s Spinningfields area … without the spin? Then look no further than the very stylish Albatross & Arnold – a proudly independent bar and restaurant, serving a new summer menu that is refreshingly fuss-free, yet infused with a great grasp of excellent cooking.
This is thanks to rising star in the culinary world and local leading chef Curtis Stewart (originally from Bury, Lancs). Curtis and the new summer menu won us over with its flair for such a delicious flavour offerings that began with a fab mix of starters that included an exceptional, warm (!) rosemary and garlic focaccia bread and a really superb charcuterie board for us all to dig into.
The new menu is really simple and doesn’t require a stretch of time reading over – choose from starters, then on to three clear mains – meat, fish or vegetable (ideal of vegetarians).
Our big recommends were the pork with caramelised miso (the best my very discerning TV producer guest has tasted), an insanely good chicken main – sensationally tender, with smoked swede, wild garlic, pickled carrots (everyone wanted to sample it) and wisely, the new menu has a simple veggie cauliflower dish our plant-based diner has ever tasted!
Wines: The wine list is excellent and well curated for these dishes and more. It was great to discover that the owner of A&A Andrew McLoughney, not long back from a magical honeymoon in South Africa, has a great palette for wine and SA wines in particular, which were great choices according to my SA companion!
In addition to this superb new menu and fantastic wine list with some rare finds such as 2014 Rancho Zabaco Sonoma Heritage Zinfandel and FMC Chenin Blanc. A wide range of exclusive whiskies, cognacs and cocktails are also available.
Desserts: talking of cocktails, if you wish to combine pudding with a cheeky boozy flourish, we were all a bit giddy at the ‘dessert cocktails’ that included a Salted Caramel Cream and Rhubarb and Strawberry Fool. However, hands down, the Bannoffee Pie with its perfect shortcrust pastry and fluffy whipped cream, is a real A&A winner!
Ambiance and interior: Albatross & Arnold has an atmosphere that is elegant, yet warm and inviting, made all the more so by the very engaging and well-informed staff.
The interior is really fab – again, smart, classic but some very clever nods to the owner Andrew McLoughney’s passion for golf, including a beautiful lighting installation as you enter, a very impressive bespoke stairway with branding and some wonderful artwork all around, including The Range, a state of art exclusive indoor golf range that’s located conveniently next to the restaurant.
Verdict: a shining star on Manchester’s restaurant scene. Albatross & Arnold has developed a clever summer menu that’s both exciting and yet classic. Dishes are very reasonably priced for such outstanding ingredients (mains cost from £10 to £19). By far one of the best restaurants in the fashionable Spinningfields area of this thriving city.
Curtis told Shine magazine: “Naturally our aim is to produce consistently outstanding food, so our focus is on creating small, seasonal sharing plates enabling everyone to have the opportunity to explore a range of dishes and flavours, or to order one or two dishes to enjoy individually.
He added: “We are passionate about supporting other independents and largely use regional suppliers – always of the very best quality. We also ensure that our menu offers a variety of delicious options to suit every requirement so nobody will miss out!”
Review by editor – Collette Walsh – award-winning journalist who has written for most of the UK’s national newspapers and magazines, as well as being a regular commentator on the BBC and SKY TV – www.collettewalsh.com
To book a table at Albatross & Arnold and to find out more about The Range go to: https://www.albatrossandarnold.uk.com
Albatross & Arnold, Leftbank, M3 3AN
0161 989 7050
