I don’t know if it is just because I am at the very zenith of my millennial existence, but it seems that roast dinners are more popular than ever, especially in trendy bar-restaurants in the NQ with exposed brick and craft beers.
I make that sound like a bad thing, but I assure you it isn’t, and the best example of what I am talking about here in Manchester can be found at Trof – or so everyone tells me. But I must say, I tend to agree, especially after my experience last Sunday.
Trof is one of those bars that sort of covers all bases. Swift pint? Sure. Weekend Brunch? Of course! Cocktails and a pub quiz? Say no more Sir. Honestly, it is the kind of place that has you coming back again and again and I can’t tell if it is their fabulous offerings or their charming staff.
I had heard on the grapevine that Trof’s Sunday roast was the stuff of legend, so I finally got myself booked in for a lazy Sunday packed with meat, gravy and beer. What more could you possibly want?
Settling in quickly in the quaint upstairs interior, we ordered swiftly, but it wasn’t an easy choice. Lamb with garlic, rosemary (£16) and homemade mint sauce and Crispy Pork Belly with crackling and apple sauce (£14) unfortunately did not make the cut, but it seems I will just have to make a trip back. What a shame.
My guest went for the Topside of Beef (£13.50) which was a wise choice. The dry aged Lancashire beef was slow roasted to perfection whilst still managing to maintain that desirable pink middle – it really was a revelation. It came alongside a delicious horseradish sauce which was light yet fiery, the perfect accompaniment to the succulent beef.
Personally, I went for the Chicken (£13.50), which if I’m being honest was a bit off piste for me as an avid red meat eater. But you know what? I fancied it, and if it was going to be anything like Trof’s outrageously tasty roast chicken and chips I knew I was going to be in for a ride.
And let me tell you, it lived up to expectations. Perfectly tender and full of flavour this roast was juicy and as far away from your mums dry roast chicken as Wythenshawe is to Winnipeg (that’s quite far btw.)
These roasts all came supplied with crispy roast potatoes which were wonderfully fluffy in the middle with a satisfying crunch on the exterior. There was also veggies in the form of green beans and some sort of mash which was very palatable as well as a Yorkshire pudding the size of my upper body and proper roast gravy which quite frankly, was out of this world.
Finally, for the third ‘main event’, we ordered the Vegan Wellington (£12.50) which was a pleasant surprise. I have zero expectations when it comes to vegan food, but this really stood out to me. The base was confidently spiced lentils which had a great texture with added beetroot and pumpkin which brought some welcome sweetness to the whole dish. The vegan gravy on the side was fantastic too- who knew plant-based gravy could taste so good?
The slice was then fired in the oven which resulted in a crispy texture and ensured there were no soggy bottoms in sight. I’ve got to say it takes a lot for vegan food to impress me – so touché Trof – it was excellent.
To put it into the simplest of terms, the roast dinner at Trof is BANGING. The meat was expertly cooked, the relevant acquirements were all there and perfectly done and as for that vegan roast? Well, it certainly shut me up which is pretty hard to do these days.
I suggest you get it booked up immediately, and when you go, come and say “Hi” because I will certainly be there every Sunday between now and forever.
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Trof Roast
Venue: Trof NQ
Date: Every Sunday
Time: From 12 noon
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Trof, 8 Thomas St, Manchester. M4 1EU
0161 833 3197
