With so many restaurants in Manchester serving this classic dish, my taste buds have been very promiscuous over the last few months and I’ve scranned pretty much every ‘dinner’ I’ve been able to get my greedy mits on.
As such, I’d say I’m more than qualified to give my honest opinion on my latest endeavour to one of Ancoats’ newest residents, The Jane Eyre, so if you’d like to see how their roast compared to the competition, read on.
Personally, I find that Ancoats has a very distinct theme. Whilst I found that The Jane Eyre very much conformed to this in terms of the modern yet effortlessly chic décor, there’s something aesthetically relaxing about it when you walk through the door; a stark contrast to the likes of Rudy’s situated only a few steps away.
On arrival, we were escorted to our table and given the drinks menu to start. Unable to choose from their enticing list of cocktails, I settled for A Port Name Pisco (£8), a fruity infusion of pineapple, strawberry Pisco, Lime Lemon and Bitters, which turned out to be tangy, refreshing and irresistibly light. Boycotting starters, it was a nice way to kick off the meal and thoroughly satisfied me till the main courses arrived.
On first glances, I was, at first, concerned about the lack of choice on the menu but it seems to sum up The Jane Eyre’s vision quite well where simplicity is King.
In the end, I chose the ‘Roast of the Day’ which turned out to be Roast Chicken on the bone (£13.50), my friend opting for the Roast Sirloin of Beef (£15) served with duck fat roast potatoes, honey roasted carrots and parsnips, a Yorkshire pudding and rich beef gravy.
Presentation is important to me because it can draw a fine line between quality and quantity. Too much food and it can be heavy; too little variation and it can be bland. The Jane Eyre, however, managed to find the perfect balance and presented us with two beautiful plates of food cooked perfectly.
The chicken came wrapped in a crispy, seasoned blanket of skin that cracked when I dug my knife into it. Inside laid a breast of tender meat that oozed with moisture, matched only in quality by the thin slices of pinkie-brown beef that rested on my friend’s plate.
To my elation, the roast potatoes were exactly how they should be- crispy on the outside and fluffy in the middle. The vegetables- to my surprise- were actually delicious. I don’t usually like sweet with savoury, but the honey glaze was just enough to add a new dimension of flavour to the meal that I really enjoyed.
Credit to @LucasSmithPhoto
The meal didn’t need any extras, but my greed got the better of me and I ordered a serving of cauliflower cheese (£2.50) and Celeriac and Swede Gratin (£2.50). The gratin was ok- nothing special- but the cauliflower cheese was out-of-this-world delicious.
Finished off with a crispy Yorkshire pudding and gravy that was tasty enough to drink from a mug, it is the only roast dinner in Manchester I’m yet to find that challenges Trof. A big statement, I know, but Jane Eyre has really hit the nail on the head with this one.
For dessert, we were offered the special of the day which happened to be Chocolate and Hazelnut Bread and Butter Pudding (£5.50). The second it arrived I could tell it was homemade and the incredible taste simply confirmed that.
I’ve never tried this dessert before but it was exceptional and my only regret is that it isn’t on the menu every week because I’d go back again just for one more bite.
The Jane Eyre is a new(ish) face amidst many of Manchester’s big dogs, but this modest little bar/restaurant has already made a very large impression on my stomach.
In my opinion, they have created one of the best roast dinners in Manchester and I look forward to seeing what they bring to the table next.
One Cutting Room Square, 14 Hood Street, Manchester, United Kingdom, M4 6WX
0161 236 8171
