Popular Monton village eatery reopens with a grown-up cocktail menu, homemade eats and treats

Move over M20. M30 is in the building. Monton is up and coming and is destined for great things. There’s a real buzz about the place, with indie cafés, tea rooms and bars popping up all over the show. Locals are saying that Monton Road is the new Burton Road.

When we think of café culture or cocktail central we tend to think of places like the Northern Quarter or places like Chorlton or West Didsbury where they seem to have new bars and restaurants cropping up left, right and Manchester Central.

Well, sorry to throw a Beetham Tower sized spanner in the works, but Monton has undergone a major transformation in recent years and its up and coming café scene is starting to rival the likes of those hip south Manchester neighbourhoods. They don’t call it Monton Carlo for nothing.

One such café is the quirky and independent watering hole Vintage Ambience, which is reopening with a cocktail menu which will put your average gin and tonics to shame. It has just reopened with a grown-up cocktail menu to go along with its homemade eats and treats.

The décor is classy and clean cut, complete with a white wood waxed bar, cosy seating area, and handmade wall art.

Whatever you decide to go for, you can be sure the food is top notch and made using only the finest locally sourced fare.

Open from 10am daily, they serve up a simple but delicious breakfast menu throughout the week including the Blissful Breakfast board consisting of smoked streaky bacon, Bury black pudding, Cumberland chipolatas, free range eggs and a side of mushrooms, beans and homemade hash browns (£7.50).

If you’re in the mood for something a little lighter, Vintage Ambience is your saving grace. Try the avocado eggs benedict (£5) which is served on a toasted artisan bloomer or maybe the streaky smoky bacon sandwiches (£4.50) are more up your street?

The main menu serves up plenty of hearty options that are kept simple but done well. You’ll find it stocked with eats like the grilled lamb chops with a feta risotto (£15.50) or the hickory infused steak burger (11.50) which is brought to the table under a glass cloche which allows for the smoky flavours to marinate in preserved perfection. Definitely one for meat lovers out there.

When we asked founder and owner Dan Borza about his favourite item from the menu, he didn’t hesitate to say: “Our identity is, and always will be, our signature afternoon tea.”

So, we can’t talk about Vintage Ambiance without talking about their tea selection. They specialise in loose leaf brews and have everything from Green Gunpowder to hearty Rooibos.

Kick back and enjoy a cream tea with a home baked scone and clotted crème or make an afternoon of it by opting for the Vintage Royale (£19), which caters to those more with more sophisticated palates. It includes a selection of freshly made sandwiches, miniature cakes, macaroons, home baked scones, a glass of prosecco and a pot of loose leaf tea.

There’s a separate selection of sweet treats and a roster of flavours that will quash every creamy buttery chocolaty craving. The white chocolate and passion fruit tart (£5) is a killer mix and makes the trip to Monton well worthwhile.

Behind the bar there is a list of libations as long as your arm. Choose from prosecco cocktails (£5.50) like the Classic Peach Bellini or the Botanical Garden to satisfy your sweet tooth craving.

If you’re in the mood for something a little stronger, the cocktail menu is flush with treats like the Salted Caramel Espresso Martini (£7) and the Matcha Margarita (£7.50). A selection of gin infused concoctions feature combos like the Citrus (£6.50) – Beefeater 24 and grapefruit – or the Savoury (£7) – Gin Mare combined with rosemary and olive. If you’re feeling adventurous, ask for the Drive In Movie. It won’t disappoint.

If happening hotspots like Vintage Ambiance are anything to go, the Monton Mile really is the new place to be.

vintageambiance.co.uk