Set within the grandeur of Manchester’s iconic Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, The Refuge has long been one of the city’s most atmospheric dining destinations. With its soaring interiors, vibrant crowd and menu designed for sociable sharing, it’s a place where good food and good company naturally come together. This spring, the restaurant has refreshed its menu, bringing a seasonal line-up that blends global flavours with the best of British produce.
Designed by chefs Cameron Tetlow and Paul Beckley, the new Spring Menu stays true to The Refuge’s sociable dining style. Dishes are created with sharing in mind, encouraging guests to pass plates around the table and experience a little of everything together.
The menu moves effortlessly from relaxed nibbles to generous mains and indulgent desserts. For lighter bites, chilli-marinated Gordal olives offer the perfect grazing option, while whipped smoked feta with broad beans and mint – served with warm flatbread – is a creamy, vibrant way to start the meal.
Among the standout plates are yellowfin tuna with blood orange and yuzu-sesame dressing, spring pea risotto with wild garlic and Glastonbury goat’s cheese, and corn-fed chicken supreme with borlotti bean cassoulet.
Returning favourites include The Refuge’s much-loved triple-cooked chips with signature seasoning and cauliflower bravas with aioli.
New sides such as tenderstem broccoli with romesco and pommes Anna served with beef fat emulsion and black garlic add an extra level of indulgence to the table.
Desserts continue the seasonal theme. Tomlinson’s Yorkshire rhubarb and custard cheesecake paired with a sharp rhubarb sorbet brings a refreshing finish, while chocolate and banana pudding drizzled with Bumbu rum caramel leans into comforting sweetness.
Vegetarian and vegan dishes are thoughtfully woven throughout the menu, ensuring everyone at the table can find something to enjoy.
We visited on a lively Friday evening, and by 8pm The Refuge was full. Couples enjoying date nights, families gathered around large tables, business diners unwinding after the working week and groups celebrating birthdays. The atmosphere felt vibrant yet relaxed, exactly what you want from a city-centre restaurant.
After settling in with a bottle of Prosecco, we opted to share two small plates and three larger dishes. First to arrive were the Caesar salad with anchovy and aged Parmesan, lobster mac ‘n’ cheese with lemon and dill crumb, and the triple-cooked chips with Refuge seasoning. Each dish was beautifully prepared, but the lobster mac ‘n’ cheese was the standout – rich and comforting without being overly heavy.
Shortly after, the roasted organic salmon with corn bisque and braised fennel arrived, perfectly cooked and wonderfully delicate.
After a brief pause, we couldn’t resist the sticky fig treacle tart, served with Shepherd’s Purse blue, peppery watercress and Grandpa Greene’s sorbet – the perfect sweet ending to the evening.
What makes The Refuge particularly appealing is that it truly feels like a space for everyone. Dogs are welcome too, and four-legged guests can enjoy their own Dog Roast Bowl on Sundays while humans tuck into The Refuge’s celebrated roast platter for two – recognised in Lonely Planet’s 2025 England Travel Guide as one of Manchester’s best Sunday roasts.
For more information or to book a table visit:
https://www.refugemcr.co.uk/
