Salut Wines

Manchester has never struggled to show people a good time. And although the city is better known for its sweaty basement parties, DIY gig venues, acid house and post punk legacies, more recent decades have seen an exponential rise in more elegant ways to let your hair down. Today, town is awash with great wine bars, whether you’re looking to explore the emerging natural scene or something more traditional. So when we say Salut is up there with very cream of the crop, it’s probably a good idea to take note. Nestled on a narrow street corner close to the Town Hall, and the King Street-Spring Gardens restaurants and shopping, the prestigious location speaks volumes. 

So do the numbers. Founded in 2013, Salut now claims to stock more than 400 wines by the bottle, and sells over 40 by the glass. A number of craft beers and high end spirits are also available, but that’s not really the reason people flock here. Instead, think Henriot Brut Champagne, Jaffelin Crémant Chardonnay, and Wiston Blanc de Blancs from one of England’s best vineyards, in sunny Sussex. And that’s just a quick scan of the sparkling offer. Fans of rouge will find an abundance of quality reds, including the soft fruits of Les Musetiers Pinot Noir, Argentine Malbec gem Balbo, or the super dark, chocolatey South African Groote Poste.

The list could go on, and on. And then on for a bit more, but you get the gist by now. Although it’s worth mentioning Salut has a refined orange and dessert wine offering, too. Beyond viticulture, bar snacks like crisps and olives, small plates including a trio of hummus, mushroom pâté, crumbled vegan feta, and spicy n’duja sausage are highlights from the kitchen. If you don’t want to go the whole hog with a sharing platter — the charcuterie and cheeses here are exceptional, as you would hope, and available with one, two, three, four, five or six items, at fixed prices.