The stylish hotel where you can eat incredible home recipes and food from around the globe

The swanky Hyatt chain may have over 1,350 hotels and all-inclusive properties worldwide, with glamorous backdrops including Paris, Hawaii, and the Maldives – but Manchester’s Hyatt Regency is still somewhat of a hidden gem.

A stone’s throw from Manchester’s bustling student district and in walking distance from the city’s top attractions, the hotel’s exterior seems quiet on the Friday night we visit. 

Immediately as we enter the four-star hotel though, the mood shifts. We’re welcomed with warm hospitality, and the foyer is teeming with people.

We make our way through the open-plan ground floor, past the vibrant Graduate Bar & Terrace where guests are enjoying drinks and nibbles whilst a football match plays on wide-screen televisions.

Science-Inspired Cocktails at Manchester’s Laureate Restaurant

The decor of The Laureate Restaurant is simple yet stunning – moody lighting and tables adorned with floral arrangements work together to create a romantic atmosphere.

A haven for people-watching: guests relax looking through beautiful floor-to-ceiling windows, whilst an open kitchen allows you to see the talented team of chefs.

As we sit, we’re handed our menus and waste no time browsing the drinks selection.

Sure, there are plenty of classics – a wide variety of wines, liquors and cocktails.

But what catches our eyes are their own exciting cocktail creations.

The Laureate derives its name from Manchester University’s 25 Nobel Prize winners, and the bar’s mixologists pay tribute to these world-renowned scientists with their advanced cocktail range.

‘The Elements’ and ‘The Art of Science’ – each priced at £12 – feature smoke bubbles and colour-changing ingredients.

Not only do they look impressive, an Instagram post in the making, they are deliciously boozy. The Art of Science, particularly, balances vodka with the unique taste profiles of butterfly tea, Manzana Verde, and lemon.

Meanwhile, The Catalyst (£12) is a unique concoction that somehow changes taste through every sip – twisting through sweet and sour notes, allowing you to savour the distinct flavours of cherry puree, Chambord, Havana rum, lime, and apple juice.

A Menu Which ‘Pays Homage to Our Heritage’

Now a little merry, we make our way through the à la carte menu, full of exciting flavours from around the world.

On the inspiration for the new menu, head chef Manash says, “Each of our chefs came to The Laureate with their own family recipes passed down through generations.

“We wanted to offer our customers a unique dining experience by paying homage to our heritage, and the diverse international influences each chef brings.

We started by asking our chefs to share their favourite family recipes as house specials, and the incredible feedback we received encouraged us to create a whole new menu.”

Starters include Seared Scottish Scallop Nicoise (£13), featuring soft-boiled egg, beef tomato, peppers, olives, and new potatoes, as well as the mouthwatering Chicken Satay (£7) paired with a creamy, richly-spiced peanut dipping sauce and fragrant pineapple salad.

The chicken is marinated to perfection, and each tender bite is infused with a smoky char that intermingles with the sweet, tropical notes of pineapple.

You have the option to upgrade this to a main dish for £14, a decision we regret not taking.

We also indulge in Abd’s Mezze (£16), a large sharing plate featuring hummus, baba ghanoush, beetroot & feta dip, dill & cucumber, pickled veg, and Gordal olives, served with warm flatbreads.

It’s an abundant feast that will take you on a journey through the Mediterranean.

The Laureate’s Internationally Inspired Signature Dishes

There’s plenty to choose from on the mains – whether you fancy a posh San Marzano tomato base pizza, a juicy steak from the grill, or something a little more exotic. 

Among the diverse array of signature dishes that celebrate the team’s international influences, Manash picks out Joy’s Thai green chicken curry (£22) which “will transport you to Thailand’s bustling street markets”.

“We grow Kaffir leaves in-house to make our own curry paste, that’s how we achieve that authentic Thai flavour,” he continues.

Manash also recommends Vikas’ prawn biryani (£26), which goes down a treat.

A tribute to traditional Indian cuisine, the aromatic dish features fragrant Kaima rice, crunchy cashews, and tender prawns which offer a succulent, oceanic sweetness.

Served alongside are crisp poppadums, zesty lime pickle, and a refreshing cucumber raita.

We also love Abd’s Arabian mixed grill (£22), which offers a trio of distinct meats – shish tawook, beef kebab, and lamb kofta – with homemade Moroccan Khobez bread and a Syrian garlic chilli sauce.

Each Middle-Eastern-inspired skewer is unbelievable, seasoned with a tantalising array of herbs and spices including cumin, coriander, and mint. 

Despite the international menu, The Laureate’s chefs put great effort into sourcing fresh, local ingredients where possible.

We end our meal with James’ Honeycomb Parfait, an ode to our city, featuring Manchester Bee honey produced in the heart of Castlefield. It’s creamy and decadent with fruity undertones – each spoonful delightfully smooth, leaving a lasting impression.

Something worth mentioning is The Laureate’s world-class hospitality; we would struggle to find anywhere with such exceptional service.

The type of waiters who put a napkin on your lap, gently tuck your chair in and cover your dish with a cloche so it doesn’t get cold – all with a genuine smile on their face.

It’s the little things that truly make The Laureate stand out, and will undoubtedly bring you back for more.

Find The Laureate at Hyatt Regency at 55 Booth St W, Manchester M15 6PQ.

Open 5.30pm – 10pm from Tuesday to Saturday.