Bar area and outside space perfect for a drink
YOU might think that Lebanese canteen Comptoir Libanais is just for eats – and it is the go-to place for authentic Middle Eastern classics and Beirut-style street food. But equally well, Comptoir Libanais is a great choice to pop into for a drink. There’s a big bar area, with a great atmosphere, and a sheltered outside space, with colourful flower-adorned planters and decorations.
As well as fresh coffee, special cinnamon-infused steamed hot chocolate or rose mint tea, served in a silver teapot, there’s an extensive beer, spirits and wine menu.
Lebanon has been producing wine for many years, and at Comptoir Libanais you can pick both Lebanese and European and World wine by the glass (175ml or 250ml) or the bottle. Of the Lebanese wines, there are four whites, five reds and even a rosé to choose between, plus Comptoir’s own-label Sirine wine, named after the Arabic actress Sirine Jamal al Dine, who smiles down from the restaurant’s wall. Bursting with mandarin and lemon flavour, this Lebanese white is a Clos St Alphonse from the Bekaa Valley.
With all this choice, then, Comptoir Libanais is a perfect alternative to the pub if you fancy some after-work drinks before you head home or on to dinner. What’s more, there’s an interesting cocktail list, with some unique takes on the classics, using authentic Middle Eastern flavours and ingredients such as crushed pistachios, pomegranate juice and pomegranate molasses, and sweet rose syrup. The Lebanese Old Fashioned caught our eye, combining Wild Turkey 81 bourbon and American Honey with orange bitters and orange blossom syrup. With two cocktails for just £10 all day on Sundays through to Thursdays, we’ll put that on our list for next time.
Click here to see the full drinks menu
Comptoir Libanais, 18-19 The Avenue, Spinningfields, Manchester M3 3HF
Tel: 0161 672 3999
