How to dine at Manchester’s premium restaurants for less this summer

Summer has finally arrived! In celebration, these top Manchester restaurants are offering menus for a bit less. So embrace a summer of exquisite tastes and unforgettable experiences.

The cost of living crisis continues to affect every part of our daily lives. And it’s no more prevalent than across the hospitality sector with steep increases in raw materials, energy, staff salaries and rent, all of which have a knock-on effect on the prepared food and drink costs. 

To say that the last few years have been “difficult” for independent bars and restaurants would be a massive understatement: Brexit, the Covid-19 pandemic, labour shortages, soaring energy bills, rail strikes and the cost of living crisis have all exacted a heavy toll.

Every single cost has increased. Operating at 20% VAT with inputs on which the food and beverage businesses can’t claim anything back is punishing. No sector should have to endure it.

And celeb chef Simon Rimmer’s Greens in Didsbury, which permanently closed in January after a 35% hike in rent and running costs for making the restaurant “unviable”, has proven to the country that even long-established businesses are not safe.

Despite all of these challenges, some of Manchester’s brave and defiant indies are offering special offers, exclusive discounts, and loads of added value to tempt you to tempt you through their doors in the face of adversity. 

50% off at Wood Manchester

Wood Manchester has announced a special Taste of Summer menu for July and August. And apart from it being owned by the Most-Loved Chef in Greater Manchester, Simon Wood, the best thing is it’s just £40 per person.

Showcasing the very best of the season at Wood MCR, their Taste of Summer set menu is a delightful collection of new and current dishes. Today’s catch; egg, chips and ham; lamb rump, rumbledethump and leek; strawberry, yoghurt, marigold and macadamia; and scrumpet. 

And, mindful that pockets are stretched with holidays, kids off school and all those weddings, festivals and summer bashes to go to, our Taste of Summer menu is available with an incredible 50% off until 6pm which makes it £40 per person instead of £80pp

This amazing offer will run for July and August only, so make the most of the fantastic seasonal produce they use and get booked in before they fill up

Bookings for this offer are available from Wednesday to Saturday.

Wine pairings are available and the menu can be tailored for vegetarian, vegan, gluten and dairy-free diets.

Click here to book a table.

30% off at Musu

Experience the essence of summer at MUSU, where vibrant Japanese Sakura artistry illuminates their elegant venue, and menus blossom with exciting new dishes.

Enjoy their refreshed ‘Land of the Rising Sun’ Tasting Menu, a culinary journey filled with the freshest seasonal delights and innovative sushi creations, available on our Omakase and Sushi menus.

Join MUSU Rewards today to be among the first to savour their summer offerings and enjoy an exclusive 30% discount.

As a MUSU Rewards member, you’ll enjoy a suite of exceptional dining privileges. Receive 30% off any of their menus at any time (except Saturday evenings and their 5-course tasting menu), a complimentary drink to celebrate your birthday, and early access to our special events, all at no cost to you.

Click here to fill out the form and become a member.

Fenix Restaurant

The stunning Greek-Mediterranean restaurant Fenix Manchester has an exclusive lunchtime deal, where you can get two courses plus dips and bread for £31.50 per person.

For ‘Chapter 1’ as they call it, you can choose from Pomegranate & Almond Salad; Fried Calamari; Chicken Anticucho; or Halloumi Cheese Tempura. For Chapter 2, pick from Sea Bass Fillet; Glazed Chicken; Beef Paccheri; or Cauliflower Steak. If you can fit in a dessert, try the Banoffee New Style or Soupa Carida.

The deal takes place every day from 12pm to 3pm and is arguably the best way to try this top-class restaurant for a little less.

Click here to book a table.

Express Menu at Hawksmoor Manchester

Named the Most-Loved Restaurant in Greater Manchester at the 2023 I Love MCR Awards, Hawksmoor continues to please foodies with an express menu.

If you’re still looking for a way to enjoy Hawksmoor for less, they offer two or three courses for £26 or £29 respectively. The express lunch specials are available Monday – Saturday until 6:30pm. Starters include potted beef & bacon with Yorkshires; Smoked mackerel salad; or Bitter Leaf salad. For mains, you can choose from steak frites (fillet tail +£7); Royal sea bream; or Charcoal-roasted butternut squash. Puddings include sticky toffee sundae; peanut butter shortbread; or a hot chocolate tart.

Click here to book a table.