Celebrating ten glorious years of Hawksmoor Manchester

A decade ago, Hawksmoor Manchester set out on a journey to redefine the British steakhouse, with a vision built on quality, sustainability, and a deep respect for both fantastic food and people.

Today, as it celebrates its tenth anniversary, it does so not just as a top drawer restaurant, but as a symbol of resilience in an industry that has been tested beyond measure.

The past ten years have been anything but smooth for the hospitality sector. Economic turbulence, political uncertainty, and the unprecedented crisis of a global pandemic have forced many restaurants to shut their doors forever.  Yet, through it all, Hawksmoor Manchester has remained standing. And Hawksmoor didn’t just survive, it thrived

It has not only weathered these storms but emerged stronger, setting an industry benchmark for excellence, integrity, and adaptability.

Ten years of Hawksmoor Manchester

When Hawksmoor Manchester first opened its doors ten years ago, the restaurant landscape was a different world. The industry was booming, consumer confidence was high, and dining out was an indulgence many could afford. But over the years, the hospitality sector has seen its fair share of upheaval, from rising food costs to staff shortages and, most recently, the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite these difficulties, Hawksmoor has remained a steady success. Founders Will Beckett and Huw Gott envisioned a restaurant that would prioritise not just great food, but also a workplace culture that valued its employees as much as its customers. Their vision was clear: to create a dining experience that combined impeccable steak, exceptional service, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

“There’s no greater praise for Hawksmoor in Manchester than to say that Mancunians treat it as theirs,” said Will Beckett. 

“Hawksmoors in London? So what? Open up in New York or Chicago… look what our restaurant did! Aside from trying to create a world-class steak restaurant, our biggest goal was to open something authentically Manchester. Mancunians should treat it as theirs – it is exactly that, and may it continue for many more decades to come.”

The challenges of the hospitality industry

The hospitality industry has faced a series of seismic shocks in the past decade. Brexit led to staffing shortages, with many skilled workers leaving the UK. Rising inflation and the cost-of-living crisis have made eating out a less frequent indulgence for many. The COVID-19 pandemic brought the industry to its knees, with lockdowns forcing restaurants to close their doors indefinitely.

During the pandemic, Hawksmoor took bold steps to ensure the welfare of its staff. Unlike many businesses that made mass redundancies, Hawksmoor prioritised retaining its team, even creating an emergency fund to support employees facing financial difficulties. This commitment to its people has been a cornerstone of the brand’s identity.

Not always a smooth ride…

After a decade welcoming familiar faces gathering for Sunday lunch, or hosting countless special occasions, the Hawksmoor Manchester team is celebrating the many, many happy returns that have made up this milestone birthday, an amazing achievement in a very special city with some very memorable stories. Anyone remember the time they accidentally gave away a £4.5k bottle of wine?!

Yep, back in 2019, one of the team grabbed the wrong bottle in a hurry and one lucky couple were treated to a 2001 Chateau le Pin Pomerol. A year later, that member of the team was promoted to Assistant General Manager.

Evolving with the times

One of the key factors in Hawksmoor’s success has been its ability to evolve with the times. From launching a nationwide delivery service to exploring sustainable sourcing, the restaurant has never been afraid to pivot when necessary. In a bid to stay ahead of shifting consumer trends, Hawksmoor has invested in ethical sourcing, ensuring that its beef comes from traditionally reared cattle, while also committing to carbon neutrality.

Their sustainability efforts have resonated with customers. In an era where diners are more conscious about where their food comes from, Hawksmoor’s commitment to high-quality, responsibly sourced meat has strengthened its reputation.

How are they celebrating their tenth birthday?

So, how do you do to mark a big birthday? Throw a proper month-long party.

And that will begin with the return of some of the city’s favourite dishes for all of March.

Best-beloved forever and back in the bar is the finger-licking Chicken poutine barm, a Northern lovechild of Canadian-inspired poutine and classic Mancunian chip butty, packed with herb-fed chicken, fried egg, triple cooked chips, Westcombe Cheddar curds, and loads of gravy.

The Beefsteak pudding is back too, a take on a Northern chippy stalwart, with light and fluffy suet pastry, stuffed full of short rib and root vegetables, slow-braised in red wine and Somerset cider brandy.

This beauty is served with beef dripping chips, homemade mushy peas, and more delicious gravy.

Also locally-loved and reappearing on the menu is the Manchester egg, a pickled egg with a layer of Cumbrian black pudding, and smoked apple ketchup, and an all- time favourite pudding, a tribute to every corner shop’s poshest choc, a certain gold foil-wrapped ‘90s hazelnut-studded number, the Ambassador’s Reception.

Hawksmoor Manchester have raised more than £20,000 for Wood Street Mission (who help children and families living on a low income) in donations through sales of one of their most popular cocktails, the Shakey Pete, over the last 10 years, but they’re bringing back another drink too to toast the birthday that goes down a storm in this town, the Grapefruit Picador.

An industry leader in staff wellbeing

Beyond its exceptional food, what makes Hawksmoor unique is its unwavering dedication to staff wellbeing. The hospitality industry is notorious for its high turnover rates and challenging working conditions, yet Hawksmoor has built a culture that prioritises its employees’ happiness and professional growth.

From offering industry-leading pay to ensuring work-life balance, Hawksmoor has set a new benchmark for what it means to be a responsible employer in the restaurant sector.

This philosophy has paid off. Hawksmoor has consistently ranked among the best companies to work for in the UK, a remarkable feat in an industry known for its hardships.

The future of Hawksmoor

As Hawksmoor looks ahead to its next decade, the focus remains on growth, sustainability, and maintaining the exceptional standards that have set it apart.

With plans to expand internationally while staying true to its core values, the restaurant aims to bring its unique blend of quality and hospitality to new audiences.

Despite the ongoing challenges facing the hospitality sector, Hawksmoor’s decade-long journey serves as a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the power of putting people first.

As it celebrates this milestone, one thing is clear: Hawksmoor isn’t just surviving—it’s setting the standards that many look to emulate.

You can book a table at Hawksmoor by clicking here

Address: 184, 186 Deansgate, Manchester M3 3WB