From the heart to the plate – chef’s family-inspired Winter menu launches at The Lowry Hotel’s River Restaurant

This season, diners are invited to indulge in a meticulously crafted selection of dishes that blend the elegance of French gastronomy with a powerful infusion of global flavours at The Lowry Hotel’s River Restaurant. 

Curated with seasonal ingredients and refined culinary techniques, the new menu promises a fabulous and immersive sensory experience. 

What’s on the River Restaurant’s new menu?

So let’s take a look at the starters. 

Mushroom Forrestier

Begin your meal with choices that celebrate the elegance of French cuisine, starting with the delicate Chicken Rillettes, enhanced by earthy chamomile-buttered salsify and fresh kohlrabi for a beautifully balanced flavour. 

Another tempting option is the flambéed Pork Cheek, a rich French delicacy brought to life through Szynaka’s expert touch. Each starter is crafted with the precision and artistry that have earned The River Restaurant its prestigious two AA Rosettes. 

Main courses at The River Restaurant

The main courses invite diners to journey further into this realm of seasonal richness. The Duck Breast, a signature dish, arrives adorned with crispy shiitake mushrooms and a velvety Jerusalem artichoke base, promising comfort and depth in every bite. 

Seafood lovers will delight in the Icelandic Cod, whose smoky chickpea purée and black cabbage accompaniments bring a taste of coastal winters to Manchester. And for those with a taste for heartier fare, the Scottish Venison Loin is a warming winter gem, layered with roasted aubergine purée and torched butternut squash for a truly robust flavour profile.

Beetroot Bourguignon

Vegetarian options at The River Restaurant

Vegetarians and vegans are equally spoiled with outstanding dining options, like the Beetroot Bourguignon, which takes a classic French stew and reimagines it with delicious baby beets and a rich pomme purée—a dish as striking visually as it is satisfying.

Chef Szynaka’s creativity shines through with a heartfelt touch in the Carabiniero starter, inspired by his Portuguese fiancée. This standout features Mediterranean prawns prepared with exquisite flair, enhanced by almond espuma, bonito glass, and nori dust—a reflection of Szynaka’s love for infusing personal stories into each plate.

And for Dessert?

Dessert at The River Restaurant is an artful finale. The Sticky Date Cake, infused with banana rum and adorned with a brandy snap, is pure comfort, while the Valrhona Manjari Chocolate is an unmissable indulgence for chocolate lovers. 

Paired with a smooth espresso crème brûlée, it delivers a perfectly bittersweet ending to a decadent meal. For a savoury finish, the restaurant also offers a selection of British and French cheeses, served alongside chutney and sourdough crackers—a satisfying end to a truly exceptional dining experience.

Chef Bartosz Szynaka

Reflecting on the menu, Chef Szynaka says, “We’ve taken the best of the season to craft dishes that honour French tradition while inviting fresh, global flavours onto the plate. It’s about creating a warm, memorable experience for each of our guests.”

The River Restaurant’s new autumn/winter menu is available now, inviting you to experience the harmonious balance of tradition, innovation, and seasonal indulgence in one of Manchester’s most elegant settings. This is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of the art of dining, a true winter treat for the soul.

You can book a table at The Lowry Hotel’s River Restaurant by clicking here