manchesterfoodtourist It’s been two years since The Kitchens in Spinningfields was the setting for the restaurant pop ups, 6 pop ups battling it out to win the hearts of the public.
It was Bangers and Bacon that came up trumps, earning James, Richard and Heather a permanent spot on Left Bank, Beastro was then created.
Whilst I had ventured down to The Kitchens a couple of times, I am guilty of not visiting Beastro, it’s been one of those restaurants that I’ve always meant to get to, but never gotten around to it.
That has now changed and we headed down to Spinningfields on a Friday evening, entering Beastro, we were met by a beautiful, no fuss interior a beaming smile and shown to our table by Richard himself.
We were shown to our table and handed the menu as well as a thorough wine list. Richard apologised as there was no Ossobucco on the menu, however they did have Ox Cheeks instead – well that was my main sorted already!
I started off with a glass of wine, the Californian Cab Sav was a bold wine with great tannin’s, perfect for some of what I was ordering.
The Chicken Liver and Thyme Parfait was smooth, creamy and full of flavour, smothered on some artisan toast and paired with the caramelised onion, its a taste explosion.
India went for the homemade soup. The Roast Lancashire Carrot and Fennel flavours were another winner, seasoned perfectly. The bread wasn’t really brace friendly. but dipped in the soup to soften it certainly worked as she finished the lot.
Next up for me was the braised Ox Cheek that shouldn’t have been on the menu, but I’m glad it was! Falling apart with my folk and melt in the mouth, this was a succulent and full of flavour dish that I love, paired perfectly with a creamy mash and jus.
For mains India chose the beer battered fish and chips. This was falling apart but with a crispy batter that again was bursting with flavour.
Unfortunately I was too stuffed to eat dessert – but next time for sure!
Overall the meal we had at Beastro on a Friday evening was faultless, my only issue was it was so empty. I occasionally stay away at hotels with restaurants attached, big chains that charge £10-£16 for a main dish, that is reheated and tasteless. There are also many restaurant chains in Manchester, where the food is un-lovingly mass produced and served up to customers actually queuing up to eat it.
The sooner people realise that you can spend the same money in a small independant restaurant the better. I really wish I had managed to find the time to try this one out sooner – I will definitely be back – next time I’m thinking brunch!!
