Review on James Martin Manchester
The latest venture from BBC Saturday Kitchen celebrity chef James Martin has a unique setting within the Manchester 238 Casino, occupying a 19th century former Great Northern Goods Warehouse in the city centre. Previously known as the Linen restaurant, the interiors have undergone a complete refurbishment, set on a spacious mezzanine area above the main gaming floor with windows overlooking the Square at Great Northern. The décor has a rustic ambience, featuring an open viewing meat market and crisply laid candlelit tables, whilst exposed brick walls and cast iron vaulting from the original structure have been incorporated in the design, that's as cosy and inviting as it is stylish. Friday and Saturday evenings there's a pianist tinkling in the background adding glamour to the proceedings.
James Martin's menu showcases his classic British style of cuisine which emphasises first-class ingredients from trusted local suppliers, delivering dishes reflecting imaginative cooking with a focus on simple yet robust flavours. To help him with this he has appointed Douglas Crampton as Head Chef, who previously plied his trade at the highly esteemed Anthony's in Leeds and James Martin's Leeds Kitchen.
A popular starter is the Thai crab risotto or for meat lovers there's British Wagyu beef with rapeseed and mustard dressing. Main courses usher in Red Hill belly pork, roasted langoustine, fricassee of peas and watercress emulsion or grilled cod loin, charred spring onions, potato puree and red wine tartar sauce. Vegetarians are well catered for with their own menu. When it comes to desserts there's white chocolate and whisky croissant butter pudding paired with single malt ice cream or vanilla panna cotta, warm doughnuts, apple and blackberries.
Please note that as the restaurant is located within a casino, and it over 18's only, you might be required to produce documentary proof of your age.
Cuisine
Modern British
Chef
James Martin and Doug Crampton
Restaurant Opening Times
Dinner: 5.00 - 11.00pm
Accepted credit cards
Visa, Master Card, American Express
