NEW to the Spinningfields fold, sophisticated dining space The Refinery is all set to fit seamlessly into the mix of bars and restaurants when it opens on Monday 28 November.
There's even talk of chocolates in the ladies loos
With ‘all-day drinking and dining’ on the cards, London-based group Drake and Morgan have gone for major comfort appeal across the large venue based in the new XYZ building on Leftbank.
And true to its name, The Refinery is refined; plush fur throws, flickering candlelight and homely, Kinfolk-esque furnishings fit the bar and restaurant as if it ripped from a hip Scandinavian interiors guide. Modern yet welcoming, the new 80-cover restaurant, with large outdoor terrace, is very a la mode; from the chic monochrome tiled floors to the Pinterest-approved cushions and a 'wipe-your-feet-before-entering' fluffy carpet in the large living room-style lounge area. There's even talk of chocolates in the ladies loos.
Manager Jo Hazlewood insists The Refinery will be accessible to everyone: “When you first walk in it should feel homely. It’s an informal, all-day casual spot and we’re family orientated - you'll even find board games in the lounge area. We have very subtly mapped out zones so the different areas can be used in various ways; whether you’re at lunch with the girls, having a business meeting, or on a date. It’s one shoe fits all.”
With a focus on all-day brunch, the menu also spans burgers and seasonable dishes such as braised beef shin and butternut squash risotto. The cocktail menu is expansive with twenty or so to choose from. We had a quick sip or two of the La Magia - Don Julio tequila, butterfly pea tea and agave syrup. Very good it was too.
The Refinery is the first of two new Manchester ventures for the Drake & Morgan restaurant group, who will launch their second in St Peter's Square next year.
Here's how it looks:
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