Review: Artisan, Manchester

When it comes to the Spinningfields area of Manchester, I have to confess I’m not an expert. A fairly new and upmarket area of the city I sometimes feel a little out of place and like I would have to be dressed up just to be admitted entry. I’ve heard rumours of people being turned away for wearing jeans and this certainly isn’t the place I would frequent mid week. So when invited to try Artisan by the lovely people over at Manchester Confidential I was a little apprehensive; would I have to don a party dress on a Tuesday night?

In a plain black dress and flat pumps (I was late leaving work so didn’t have time to get changed) we were greeted warmly at the door and sent up the stairs to meet Hollywood Dave. When I mentioned how excited I was to hear that my ultimate man had dined here he showed us around the private dining room and ushered me into the exact seat where David Beckham’s bottom had graced. Like an excited school girl I squealed and nearly had to be surgically removed, I said nearly.

The room is quite dimly lit hence the dark pictures but it is a fabulous space. Dominated by a huge table with some grand armchairs at both heads and lots of vintage inspired decorations, it would be the perfect place for a large family get together or even a posh Christmas do. I’d have happily stayed here all night but I would have had to do a fair bit of shouting to have a conversation with my friend so we adjourned to a regular table in the main restaurant. The restaurant itself is a vast space with a large bar that is busy at weekends with revellers enjoying the cocktail and wine list.

I decided to start with a cocktail and chose the Apple Pie Cooler which mixed Zubrowka bison grass vodka, vanilla schnapps, apple juice and lime juice with gingerbread syrup. The vanilla and gingerbread syrup gave this the lightly spiced ‘pie’ like flavour without the need for lots of added creaminess. Instead it was light and refreshing, the perfect pre starter option.

For starters I really fancied the scallops but allowed my friend to order them and went for the prawn salad. I knew my instincts were spot on when I saw the scallops on their way to the table. Served with curry butter and a cauliflower puree they were cooked perfectly, still soft and no rubberyness in sight. The cauliflower puree was a lovely accompaniment with a slight heat from the curry butter. My prawn and avocado salad was fairly large in comparison with a row of fat juicy prawns. They, too, were cooked well and still beautifully soft. The avocado was a little lost in my opinion; I think the dish either needed more of it or it needed a bit of a spice kick to stand up to the fresh prawns.

Onto our mains and I went for the lamb shank whilst my friend couldn’t resist the pig sandwich. The lamb was tender as you would expect from its slow roasting and the jus complimented it well. The vegetables were plentiful with a good bite still. The colcannon mash was more a ‘smash’ as it was fairly chunky. I like mash with substance but felt it needed a little more seasoning. That said it could be because I am so used to salty mash the way my Mum makes it.
The pig sandwich came with kitsch crinkle cut chips which were crisp on the outside and soft on the inside with just the right amount of seasoning. The pig sandwich was huge with lovely and soft pulled meat that packed a light punch from the BBQ sauce.

I love the dessert menu here; anywhere that sells arctic roll and baked Alaska is a sure fire winner for me! This time I took my lead from our lovely waitress who recommended the hot chocolate pudding. My friend couldn’t manage a dessert so left me to indulge alone. We were advised it would take around 15 minutes to cook so we enjoyed a glass of wine and a gossip with Hollywood Dave whilst we waited. This is what makes Artisan unique, the staff are so welcoming and friendly. I felt like we were old friends of Dave before we left hearing stories of his career so far, his Swedish girlfriend and how much he loves his job here. If this hadn’t been so honest and natural I would say it was too much, too ‘in your face’ but it really wasn’t.

My hot chocolate pudding was well worth the wait, a wibbly chocolate centre showed it had been cooked for just the right amount of time and the coconut ice cream was the perfect accompaniment. It had texture from the biscuit basket, richness from the pudding and creaminess from the ice cream. What more could you want?

I didn’t take photos of the toilets, it didn’t feel right to, but this place has the best toilets in the city. The controversially named ‘bitchin’ room’ is a haven for ladies to apply their make up, lounge on the soft sofas or even have a good old chin wag with a cocktail. So the name isn’t great amongst feminists but the idea is inspired. How many times have you huffed and puffed behind a woman who is applying her full face whilst all you want to do is wash your hands in the sink she is hogging? Every bar should have one.

And with that we bid Hollywood Dave farewell with a hug (yes it is that kind of place and he is that kind of guy) and made our way home. And I didn’t need to don a party dress, what a bonus! And to be able to say my bottom has touched David Beckham’s, I’m a happy girl. Make sure you pay them a visit

We dined as guests of the restaurant but paid for our own drinks. This has in no way affected my review which is an honest account of my dining experience.