Manchester’s Meat Masters: Hawksmoor and Mana
Manchester’s dining scene pulses with bold flavors, where meat lovers and culinary adventurers converge. Hawksmoor delivers unapologetic steakhouse glory, while Mana reimagines modern British through tasting menus. These spots define the city’s carnivorous and creative edge.
Hawksmoor’s Steak Supremacy
Nestled in Deansgate’s Spinningfields, Hawksmoor Manchester channels old-school British steakhouse vibes with a contemporary twist. Dry-aged cuts like the porterhouse for two (£76) arrive sizzling on cast-iron plates, paired with bone marrow butter and triple-cooked chips. Seafood shines too—think whole grilled lobster at £10.20 per 100g, drizzled in garlic parsley butter.
The menu tempts with starters such as sticky-toffee pudding (£9) repurposed savoury with bone marrow and onions, evoking umami depth. Cocktails, like the Knickerbocker (£14), nod to nostalgic British tipples. Service is polished yet approachable, ideal for groups craving hearty feeds after a day in the Northern Quarter. Prices suit special nights out, with set lunches from £32 offering value.
Atmosphere buzzes: dark woods, white tablecloths, and open kitchens where flames dance. It’s meat-forward modern British at its finest—no fuss, all flavor.
Mana’s Tasting Triumph
Across town, Mana holds Michelin acclaim for its 14-course tasting extravaganza (£175), blending innovation with Manchester’s industrial grit. Chef Samuel Fagaima crafts dishes like fermented potato with coal-roasted eel, using local foraged https://theoldmillwroxham.com/ elements and house-ferments. Each plate surprises, from smoked eel parfait to wild garlic ice cream.
The vibe is intimate: exposed brick, soft lighting, and a chef’s counter for front-row seats. Wine pairings (£125) elevate pairings with rare English bottles. It’s not just food—it’s theatre, perfect for anniversaries or foodie pilgrimages. Book months ahead; demand never wanes.
Mana embodies smart, seasonal British evolution, proving Manchester rivals London’s elite.
Why Choose Each?
| Feature | Hawksmoor | Mana |
|---|---|---|
| Style | Steak & seafood grill | Multi-course tasting |
| Signature Dish | Cast-iron fillet, £38 | Fermented potato courses |
| Price (per head) | £50-£100+ | £175+ tasting |
| Vibe | Lively, group-friendly | Intimate, experiential |
| Best Occasion | Casual steak nights | Fine-dining dates |
Hawksmoor satisfies primal urges; Mana sparks wonder. Both anchor Manchester’s meat-modern renaissance—book now for 2026’s must-visits.

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