Steak fans won’t want to miss this epic meat and wine feast

Steak lovers will know that nothing quite matches the joy of a beautifully aged, full-flavoured cut, washed down with a glass of red, of course. 

And for a real treat, it’s worth trying one of the mammoth ‘big boy’ cuts, designed to share – something to really get your teeth into. Sadly those huge steaks we all admire on Instagram don’t tend to come cheap.

At James Martin Manchester, however, the luxurious experience is much more affordable, thanks to the steak sharer deal priced at just £50 per couple.

It not only offers a board heaving with 17oz of Cumbrian Fells rump steak, but a bottle of wine is included too. Not to mention beef dripping fries, peppercorn sauce, and a hearty ox cheek ragu as well.

We couldn’t wait to get stuck in.

The sharing board is an absolute picture, piled with slices of tender steak, served beautifully pink in our case but they will serve it more well done if you’d prefer.

The beef itself is superb quality, salt aged and packed with robust flavour. Not surprising given that the restaurant prides itself on produce sourced from some of the most renowned UK butchers, fishmongers, farmers and cheesemakers.

Chips are crisp and golden and salty, with that unmistakable nostalgically beefy taste thanks to being cooked in dripping. They’re chips exactly as you want chips to be. Though you wouldn’t expect anything less from James Martin, would you?

The ox cheek ragu adds a real touch of richness to the meal, meltingly soft from long, slow cooking, topped with a sourdough crumb for added crunch.

And the peppercorn sauce is one of the best we’ve had. It’s unashamedly punchy, with hits of brandy and butter and mustard.

Fifty quid for all this lot – more than enough for two – would be great value in itself. But you also get a bottle of wine thrown in, which means you get a complete dining experience for the price.

You can choose from a classic red (Lobo Loco tempranillo from Spain, easy drinking with a silky smooth finish), or go for a white (a ripe, juicy Millstream chenin blanc from South Africa) or rosé (an Italian pinot grigio blush) if you prefer.

You can add on generous sides for £3.50 if you feel the need for something a touch healthier to adorn your plate. Roasted chantenay carrots come with fragrant carraway and tarragon vinaigrette, while tenderstem broccoli is expertly tender with a touch of chilli and nutmeg butter.

A side of roasted baby heritage potatoes isn’t required given the sheer volume of dishes on our table, but the hickory smoked BBQ sauce they come with is so heavenly we regret nothing.

And if you have any room left, it’s worth pointing out that James Martin’s hot sticky toffee pudding with salted caramel ice cream is the stuff of legend. Just a heads-up.

We’re still thinking about the steak and chips, though, to be honest.

Blissful, belt-loosening and blinding value for money, don’t miss the steak sharer deal while it’s available. 

The steak sharer is priced at £50 per couple including 17oz steak, dripping fries, peppercorn sauce, ox cheek ragu and a bottle of wine. Available Monday to Thursday, dinner only, until 28th May.

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