The Refuge is reopening with a new menu to celebrate special dates, occasions or reunions

It’s been a tough few months for the hospitality industry, but restaurants are slowly starting to reopen.

The Refuge, in Manchester’s Kimpton Clocktower Hotel (formerly the Principal Hotel), will soon be joining them when it opens its doors again next month.

And to celebrate, they’ve launched a new menu designed specifically to celebrate special dates, occasions or reunions.

The Refuge Experience, designed for four to six people and priced at £180 for the table, includes a selection of meat, seafood, vegetables and sides, from the tamarind-glazed chicken wings, lamb shawarma, salt cod croquettes and the hearty 1.2kg of lamb shoulder – all perfect for sharing with friends and loved ones – to the fire-roasted padron peppers, beetroot pakora and everything in between. 

For a more intimate special occasion, there’s also Back To Refuge, a sharer for two menu available Wednesday and Thursday until 9pm and Friday until 6.45pm.

It’s £20 per person and you’ll get a selection of the Voltini classics, including two starters, seven mains and sides.

Guests are being urged to book in advance, and places will be limited for the foreseeable future to allow for physical distancing. There will be a new system of QR code linking to the menu, for anyone wanting to avoid disposable single use menus. 

For the first time, the Winter Garden and Public Bar will also take table reservations.

“It feels so good and positive to be able to turn the lights back on,” says Luke Unabomber, one of the founders of Refuge by Volta.

“The building is ready to go again for family and friends to come together, to celebrate all the missed occasions over lockdown or to simply have a nice drink with a friend in our public bar. 

“Both Justin and I have always put our heart and soul into this space and we are so proud and happy to be bringing it back to the people and back to life.”

The Refuge will reopen on Wednesday 5th August. New opening times: Wednesday and Thursday 5pm to 9pm dinner and until 11pm for drinks at the bar; Friday and Saturday 12pm to 3pm lunch, 5pm to 9pm dinner, open from 12pm to 11pm for drinks; and Sunday 12 to 8pm for roast platters and  until 10pm for drinks at the bar. Closed Monday and Tuesday.

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