Manchester is usually a bar (see the old review below) but it also serves lunch now. This review is of the lunch experience.
The Manchester is now open for lunch.
Actually the board outside indicates that it serves proper meals from 12-7pm, as opposed to the limited – but tasty – side dishes from next door Agra which they serve at night. No one seems to know just yet though, as the place was empty except for us. Located away from the hustle and bustle and out of reach of most workplaces in the city may mean that the usual lunchtime crowds will stay away. Which is kinda nice, if you want to, you know, eat alone.
The Food
Our food and drinks arrived swiftly. The slice of lemon in the iced water was a nice touch on a particularly sweltering day. The papaya juice (Rs.350) was perfect – not too sweet, just the right thickness, and just the correct amount of lime. To say that it was the highlight of our meal isn’t an exaggeration.
The fish and chipsThe menu is your standard pub fare, with a variety of offerings ranging from bites to sandwiches to mains. We had the fish and chips (Rs.900), and the roast chicken (Rs.900). The former was disappointing- with a thin layer of batter and not so moist fish inside, and soggy chips, only to be redeemed by an excellent mayo with green bits (capers?).
The roast chickenThe mash served with the roast chicken was much better, but again here, the chicken was more of the ‘biriyani roast chicken’ variety than the juicy, gravy laden variety you associate with pub fare.
The portions were large, but when comparing to similar establishments with the same price range and tastier food, value for money was on the low side.
Dessert was not available yet, they said.
The Service
Nothing to complain about. It wasn’t a busy day, and the waitress was concerned and friendly.
Conclusion
This is the type of food that you eat when you want to stuff your face, but can still justify as wholesome (but I’m eating fish with the carbs! AND salad!). That ‘wholesome’ element was lacking here. A little more attention and they can get it right, and maybe they will, considering that these are still the early days. Try it, and let us know.
