Since opening its doors in the mid-2010s, Menagerie has unapologetically offered a vibrant and delightfully slightly unhinged assault on the senses, with fire performers and choreographed dancers served alongside exquisitely presented, elevated food and cocktails. A dazzlingly surrealist paradise just across the River Irwell from Manchester city centre, in the midst of a resurgent Salford, this is one of the most unforgettable places you’ll find in town to savour some high quality dishes while having your mind blown by aerial artists.
Cutting to the chase, shows run Friday and Saturday from 7.30pm, before a catwalk sparkler show marks the end of dinner service and the real party begins.
Before all that, though, there’s the Menagerie menu — arguably the real star of any evening’s performance. “A contemporary American restaurant… a US interpretation of international dishes,” the team tell us, “favouring social dining tapas style as well as bottomless brunch, afternoon tea and Sunday roasts. Throughout the week, guests also indulge in an express lunch menu, pre-theatre dining offers and cocktails at the bar.” Small plates might include duck croquettes with honey and truffle, caulipops, tofu & mushrooms, salt & pepper style, black bean taco, beetroot tartare, or sticky bao buns.
Salads are glorious — watermelon a particular favourite — and mains including sea bass with asparagus and Bernaise sauce, maple glazed pork chop, spicy miso salmon, truffle ravioli and cauliflower steak. beef steaks, from Chateaubriand to ribeye, get their own section. As do desserts, brunch and lunch sittings, afternoon tea, tipsy afternoon tea (with bottomless mock or cocktails), Sunday roasts, canapés and children’s. It’s also worth noting Thursday from 7pm is Sweet Life Supper Club, offering three plates plus unlimited select drinks (beer, fizz, house wine, Pornstar Martinis and French Kisses) for £35. Private dining for up to 24 guests, overlooking the catwalk, and another by the bath tub seating for 18 people are also available, alongside larger areas for 50 guests or more, with an in-house team dedicated to producing the perfect event.