Sunday Roast Diaries: The Refuge, Manchester

I’m back for another installment of The Sunday Roast Diaries and this is one is an exciting one. Last weekend, I was in Manchester for the Half Marathon. Now, don’t get excited. I wasn’t participating, just spectating. One of my close friends was running and she absolutely smashed it. She booked for a post-marathon celebratory roast dinner at The Refuge. Located opposite Oxford Street Station, The Refuge is next to the Palace Theatre and the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel. It is the most stunning building and perfect for a celebratory dinner.

The reason I’m excited for this review is that whilst this may be one of the most expensive roasts I’ve reviewed, it quite possibly was the best. Certainly worth every penny. After enjoying a couple of drinks in the beautiful bar area of The Refuge, we were seated in the main restaurant. It was quite a tight squeeze around our table but we made it work. Following on from a celebratory bottle of Prosecco, we then ordered a bottle of their Gerard Bertrand 6eme Sens Rosé.

Refuge Sundays offer a Platter for Two at £69 or individual roasts at £28 per plate. A Vegan Wellington is also available at £18.50. So the Platter for Two is what myself and Stefan went for and in additional to all three meats which were Slow-cooked rump of Lancashire beef, Garlic and thyme-roasted Cumbrian chicken & Porchetta, the side of cauliflower cheese was included. All of the dishes and platter included roast potatoes, glazed carrot, buttered greens, Vimto red cabbage, carrot and swede purée and a Yorkshire pudding.

So what did we think? Everything we ate was 10/10. The Garlic and Maldon salt roast potatoes were an absolute highlight of mine. Quite frankly the best roasties I’ve tasted. It was all cooked to perfection. We also ordered a side of pigs in blankets which were coasted in a honey mustard glaze for £9. Again, on the very steep side of pricing but tasted unbelievably good. An additional jug of gravy was provided with the Platter for Two but if you required extra gravy with the individual roasts, there was a charge.

I would say whilst there was a lot on the platter for two, the portion size was an odd one. The chicken was HUGE but we did get one slice of beef and Porchetta which we had to divide up. I’m not even sure I did get any carrot and swede purée whilst a generous helping was on the individual roast. However, I was left feeling very full, satisfied and I was overall, very impressed. It’s safe to say that the Roast at The Refuge up very much up there with the best roasts we’ve had. Albeit one of more expensive ones we’ve tried.

Despite the very filling meal, a few of the group ordered Desserts. Sticky Toffee Pudding and Lemon meringue pie was a top choice. I went for a Hot Chocolate of Oat Milk which just filled that tiny post dinner hole.

Personally, I’d be back at The Refuge in a heartbeat. I was thoroughly impressed with the Roast Dinner and those delicious roasties and pigs in blankets. Whilst it’s on the expensive side, it’s the perfect place for a celebration or special occasion.

Have you been to the Refuge in Manchester?