Red’s True Barbecue Manchester Reviewed
- Written by Chris Greenhalgh
- Last updated 8 years ago
- Food & Drink
Leeds’ massively popular barbecue joint opened a branch in Manchester earlier this year. In the building that was once the Dome on Lloyd Street, Albert Square, and then the fish place Livebait – Red’s True Barbecue now gloriously serves up steaks, burgers, ribs and chicken.
“If you’re brave and have the appetite of a wild boar, un-cross your knife and fork…”
We attended the theatrical, all-hands-on-deck, flash-mob-singing, shindig of a press launch. Difficult to make a fair assessment of the normal Red’s experience under such conditions, we went in after it had settled down a bit.
Upon entrance to Red’s, you get the instant smell of barbecue. There’s a hard-back Bible-like menu and a tremendous array of in-house made sweet sauces awaiting you at your table. Let there be meat!
The interior has been beautifully done with zany neon signs, exposed brickwork and loads of little nooks, crannies and separate rooms surrounding the open plan and caged off kitchen.
The place is shrouded in religious connotation: a picture plaque of a nun lit up with ‘I believe’ and knife & fork crucifix symbols. You could say Red’s is a new religion – a religion of meat. And a vegetarian’s version of hell.
Red’s take their meat pretty seriously. Imagine you’re on death row and you’re allowed one last meal. That’s how you eat here.
If you can’t choose just one meat to have slow grilled, try a combo BBQ plate. Combo One (£16.95) we had is the Baby Backs & BBQ Chicken – four-hour hickory smoked Baby Backs plus half BBQ chicken smothered in their ‘unholy’ BBQ sauce alongside one or two sides. (The chicken is served with a deliberate pink tinge, so don’t worry – it is cooked properly.)
Sides are divine, humble and (mostly) fit for vegetarians. BBQ Pit Beans (£2.95) hit the spot – sweet, smoky beans finished in the smoker for 12 hours, laced with burnt ends, pulled pork, onions and spices. Also the BBQ corn-on-the-cob (£2.95) and the sweet potato fries (£2.95) are equally divine.
If you’re brave (and frankly, have the appetite of a wild boar) un-cross your knife and fork crucifix, say grace and order the Donut Burger. Yes, we said DONUT. BURGER. That’s two steak patties, smoked peppered bacon, double cheese and deep fried onions nestled between a pair of sweet-glazed doughnuts – served with spicy hush puppies (£12.95). You’d probably die if you ate two but it is delightfully tasty.
By the end of your mighty meat feast, all you want to do is nod off. Or take a cold shower.
Amen to that.
Location
22 Lloyd Street, Albert Square, Manchester M2 5WA
Contact
0161 820 9140
[email protected]
- This article was last updated 8 years ago.
- It was first published on 8 April 2014 and is subject to be updated from time to time. Please refresh or return to see the latest version.
Did we miss something? Let us know: [email protected]
Want to be the first to receive all the latest news stories, what’s on and events from the heart of Manchester? Sign up here.
Manchester is a successful city, but many people suffer. I Love Manchester helps raise awareness and funds to help improve the lives and prospects of people across Greater Manchester – and we can’t do it without your help. So please support us with what you can so we can continue to spread the love. Thank you in advance!
Got a story worth sharing?
What’s the story? We are all ears when it comes to positive news and inspiring stories. You can send story ideas to [email protected]
An email you’ll love. Subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest news stories delivered direct to your inbox.
Champion boxing trainer tips Manchester to reclaim ‘boxing crown of Europe’
Step into David Hockney’s world and experience art like never before
Transform lives this Christmas with Spinningfield’s magical vending machines
Take the stress out of cooking this Christmas Day with these fabulous festive feasts
Lowry shares the gift of live theatre with young patients this Christmas
