Food tasting experiences in Manchester are not just about trying different dishes and cuisines. It’s also about the unique atmosphere and sense of community that you’ll find in many of the city’s eateries. 

Food tasting experiences in Manchester are not just about trying different dishes and cuisines. It’s also about the unique atmosphere and sense of community that you’ll find in many of the city’s eateries. 

Manchester is a city that values creativity and individuality, and this is reflected in the food scene. 

With the many diverse culinary experiences in Manchester, it can get quite confusing as to which ones to try, especially if you’re spending a limited time in the city. But, fret not! 

In this article, we’ll explore the best food experiences you can only have in Manchester and what makes each one so special.

1. Manchester’s Soulful Distillery

From the moment we entered the Spirit of Manchester Distillery, we knew we were in for a special experience. The stunning, luxurious setting within six lovingly restored Grade-II* listed railway arches was matched by the state-of-the-art distillery. 

Every bottle of the award-winning Manchester Gin, Manchester Spirit Vodka, and One-Eyed Rebel was crafted with care and passion.

The highlight of our visit was seeing the 1,000-litre still, Wonder Wend, take pride of place in the arches. The opportunity to chat with the distillers about the processes behind each spirit was fascinating and added to the experience. 

Alongside the interactive experiences, the adjoining cocktail bar and kitchen, Three Little Words, offers exceptional food and drinks. Each dish is carefully crafted to complement the drinks menu, making for a perfect gastronomic experience.

Although the distillery is located just off Deansgate, which can be quite busy and noisy, it is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to discover the best of Manchester’s spirits. 

However, visitors with mobility issues should be aware that the facility is located in railway arches, and some parts of the experience require climbing stairs or walking on uneven surfaces. 

Despite these minor cons, the interactive experiences and exceptional food and drink make for a truly memorable visit to the Spirit of Manchester Distillery.

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2. Afternoon Tea in Cloud 23

We recently had the pleasure of experiencing the afternoon tea at Cloud 23 in Manchester, and it was truly a delightful and indulgent experience.

What makes the food special at Cloud 23’s afternoon tea is the attention to detail in the presentation and the quality of the ingredients used. 

The sandwiches and wraps were freshly made with a variety of fillings, including classic cucumber and cream cheese, as well as some more inventive options like roast beef and horseradish. 

The handmade cakes and tarts were a real highlight, with each one beautifully crafted and bursting with flavour. The scones were warm and crumbly, served with generous helpings of jam and clotted cream, making for a truly traditional British experience.

One of the biggest pros of Cloud 23’s afternoon tea experience is the stunning panoramic views over Manchester and beyond. The service was also top-notch, with attentive and friendly staff making us feel welcome and well looked after throughout.

The only potential downside is the price, as it is a relatively expensive option for an afternoon tea experience. However, we believe that the quality of the food, the stunning views, and the overall experience more than justify the cost.

Overall, we highly recommend Cloud 23’s afternoon tea for anyone looking for an indulgent and memorable experience in Manchester.

3. Food Sorcery Cookery School

We had a fantastic time at Food Sorcery Cookery School and Foodie Event Space. This best place offers a range of cooking classes and food experiences, including the unique Cooking Together concept, where you can half cook and half dine out. 

It was so much fun cooking and eating together in a sociable and friendly atmosphere. The classes are well organised, the staff is knowledgeable and supportive, and the facilities are top-notch. We learned a lot and had a great time at the same time.

The food at Food Sorcery is not only delicious, but it’s also healthy and adaptable to different dietary requirements. The classes can be adapted to cater to vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diets. 

The chefs use fresh and locally-sourced ingredients to ensure that every meal is bursting with flavour.

While our experience at Food Sorcery was overwhelmingly positive, there was one drawback we experienced: the space itself can be a bit cramped when classes are at full capacity, making it a little difficult to move around and work comfortably.

On the positive side, the quality of the food and instruction was exceptional, and we appreciated the attention paid to accommodating dietary restrictions. 

The Cooking Together concept was a unique and enjoyable experience that made for a fun night out with friends or family, and we also appreciated the range of classes available, from coffee making to healthy eating.

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4. Fish and Chips with Prosecco

The atmosphere at Podium is informal and intimate, creating a casual and relaxed dining experience. We appreciated the locally sourced ingredients used to create international and modern cuisine, including the delicious fish and chips.

The batter on the cod was crispy and light, perfectly complementing the flaky and tender fish inside. And the chips were a standout as well, perfectly salted and crunchy on the outside while still soft on the inside.

One of the best things about this experience is the value for money. For just £20, you can enjoy a satisfying lunch for two with a glass of Prosecco each. 

The location is also a plus, as the restaurant is located in the iconic Hilton Manchester Deansgate Hotel, offering stunning views of the city.

However, there are a few potential downsides to keep in mind. As with many popular dining spots, the restaurant can get busy, and the service may be slower during peak hours. 

Overall, we highly recommend checking out Podium Restaurant for their delicious fish and chips and relaxing dining experience. It’s a great option for locals and tourists alike who are looking for a taste of traditional British cuisine.

5. Flight Club Experience

This tour offers an insider’s view of Manchester’s craft beer breweries and the opportunity to taste locally brewed craft beers while learning about what makes them so special.

During the tour, we visited three of the best craft breweries in the neighbourhood: Alphabet, Beatnikz, and Runaway. 

We were taken on a journey through local Manchester craft beer, tasting more than six samples of half-pint-sized beers, each carefully chosen by our knowledgeable guides. 

One of the highlights of the tour was the full 1.5-hour brewery tour at Runaway Brewery. We got a first-hand look at the brewing process and were able to gain a deeper understanding of the craft. 

The craft beer and food were excellent, and we enjoyed every sample we tasted. The tap rooms were buzzing with energy, and we loved the relaxed atmosphere. 

At Alphabet’s taproom, guests are welcome to stay and spend the rest of their day at their leisure, enjoying DJs, street food, and lots of great craft beer. 

One of the cons of the tour was that we were standing for most of the time during the tour, and there was limited seating in the taprooms, which could be a challenge for some people. 

Additionally, while the tour was well-organised, there was no guarantee that we would sit down at every venue, especially since taprooms get very busy on weekends.

Overall, we had a great time on the craft beer tour and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a unique way to experience Manchester’s local craft beer scene. 

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Our Final Thoughts

In Manchester, food is more than just sustenance; it’s a way of life. Whether you’re in the mood for comfort food or a gastronomic adventure, you’ll find plenty of delicious options to satisfy your appetite. 

So why not book a table or head to a street food market and start exploring all the amazing food experiences that Manchester has to offer?

FAQs about Food Tasting Experiences in Manchester