From festive brunch to turkey taquitos, celebrate Christmas in style at Manchester’s Corn Exchange

Christmas is a time to indulge and to treat yourself a little bit. To tuck into hearty roasts with your nearest and dearest and scoot round the shops picking up thoughtful presents to show them how much you care.

Tradition dictates that we’re all (pretty much) on board. So the only question that remains: where to go?

Manchester’s Corn Exchange sits in the heart of the city, close to the Christmas Markets and to the main shopping districts at Manchester Arndale and St Ann’s Square. 

It’s the perfect spot to stop off for a festive feast or glass of fizz after a busy day Christmas shopping. Whether you’re after a traditional roast or something more adventurous, you’ll be well catered to here. 

Read on to discover our top picks to be found within this drinking and dining mecca this winter. 

Cosy Club

From festive brunching to vegan Christmas dinners, the Cosy Club has got you covered for home comforts away from home. 

Their festive brunch is quite the feast. Think grilled smoked back bacon, Cumberland sausages, field mushrooms, grilled tomato, potato rosti, baked beans and fried or poached egg served up with fat slices of sourdough toast. 

For just £13.95, wash it all down with a hot drink and a glass of fizz. 

Equally, vegans can rest safe in the knowledge that they won’t be going hungry this Christmas thanks to a new dedicated menu.

Options here include a Cosy festive flatbread with thyme-roasted butternut squash and balsamic beetroot and thyme tarte tatin served with creamy mash, roasted carrots, parsnips and sprouts in a sage and chestnut butter with lashings of gravy. Sign us up. 

Alston Bar and Beef

Glaswegian steakhouse Alston Bar and Beef is also upping its game this Christmas. And whilst they’re known for their beef, there’s plenty more to get stuck into. 

For just £25, you can get your hands on a three-course menu with smoked salmon bon bons or  duck terrine, roasted parsnip and celeriac soup, and turkey roulade – which comes stuffed with festivities like braised kale, sweet potato and parsnip rosti and turkey gravy.

Banyan

Another festive brunch, and this one’s bottomless.

For just £31 you can choose from dishes like chorizo or vegan breakfast hash, smashed avo and poached eggs on toast, steak frites or a festive ciabatta melt with a deep-fried brie wedge, turkey, bacon and cranberry sauce.

Drinks options range from aperol spritz and prosecco to beer, red wine and bloody marys.

And for those who fancy showing off their cocktail skills this Christmas, the bar and kitchen is also offering gin cocktail masterclasses with a personal bartender.

Wahaca

Feast Mexican style at Wahaca with a board of guac and chips followed by a wide selection of authentic street food favourites. 

This comes followed by turkey and stuffing taquitos, slow-cooked beef brisket tacos and duck croquettes for the ultimate alternative festive feast. 

Finish off with a festive mince pie empanada and brandy butter ice cream. Cheeky. 

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