Where to wine and dine in Manchester this winter

Step into a winter wonderland with alpine-inspired Bar Hütte, a festive favourite that returns to Manchester every year. Open for 2024 at Great Northern Square and Kampus from 14th November, Bar Hütte welcomes you to enjoy a hearty pizza, festive drinks and a whole lot of fun. 

Inspired by the vibrant apres-ski scene of Europe, escape the chill in one of 15 snug private karaoke huts and sing the night away in true alpine style. The pop-up alpine village also features a cosy terrace bar and rustic indoor lodge, serving up festive tipples such as mulled wine, hot cider and boozy hot chocolate. From date nights to post-work festivities, these snug huts are ideal for any occasion – there’s even a family-friendly ‘Santa Claus Club’, which includes free hot chocolate, colouring and the chance to grab a photo with Santa himself.

Where better to cosy up for a winter meal this season than in the Cosy Club itself? Packed with character and a homely atmosphere to match, this popular venue offers relaxed drinking and dining, with a touch of timeless glamour. Located in the iconic Corn Exchange, the Cosy Club is a grand affair, with original features throughout the venue, a domed glass bar ceiling and private rooms for special occasions. Serving up food all day long, warm up this winter with breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. From a full English breakfast and delicious small plates to a sophisticated dinner of Spanish chicken or slow cooked ox cheek, the Cosy Club has something for everyone this season. So gather your friends and family, order in the drinks and warm up with a hearty meal at the Cosy Club this winter.    

Just in time for the colder months, The Blackfriar has been transformed once again into a cosy tavern perfect for your winter dining plans. Complete with roaring fires, festive tipples and a decadent menu, this magical venue is a must visit spot for a hearty winter meal. 

Tucked away in Salford, this unique, independently owned pub has something for all tastes. Tuck into honest grub in the pub or dine a la carte in the grand glass room. If you’re craving something more festive, this popular pub has been decked out with twinkle lights, candles, rugs and cosy igloos where guests can cosy up and enjoy their drinks under the stars. The Black Friar is so much more than what meets the eye, it’s a winter dining experience not to be missed.

A dining destination named after the original title for Ancoats, Elnecot uses traditional cooking methods such as fermenting and foraging, to create menus that showcase the very best local produce from around the Northwest. Serving up an array of cosy staples this winter, Elnecot’s creative chefs are treating guests to the likes of peri peri prawns served with baked brown crab rice and aioli, and sticky lamb ribs with fish sauce caramel. The delicious loaded roasties with mayo and chilli jam are also a big hit. And Elnecot doesn’t stop there. With Christmas just around the corner, the festive menu is set to be a delicious winter feast. With spiced pumpkin veloute, slow cooked beef shin and Guinness casserole, and winter spice panna cotta to finish, winter dining is not to be missed at Elnecot. 

‘Tis the season for swapping out your regular coffee for an indulgent hot chocolate, perfect for fighting off that winter chill. As the go-to spot for all things chocolate, Cocoa Cabana is a quirky pastel cafe by day and a glamorous cocktail bar come night, with a chocolatey twist on both food and drinks. With locations in both Didsbury and Ancoats, this sweet venue is the ultimate spot for a cosy catchup with friends, a casual coffee date or a late afternoon cocktail. 

Best known for its elaborate chocolate creations and delicious seasonal menus, Cocoa Cabana excels in creating mouthwatering seasonal treats, ideal for warming up this winter. Indulge in its extensive menu of rich hot chocolates, with 13 flavours to choose from or peruse the array of cakes and sweet treats on offer. Brunch is a favourite with seasonal French toast creations, loaded croissants or a full English classic or stop in at lunch for a tasty ciabatta.

As a ‘part-time pizza parlour, full-time party bar,’ Crazy Pedro’s is a top spot to wine and dine, regardless of the season. Known for its outrageous pizza toppings, the venue really comes into its own during the winter months, unveiling a range of controversial festive specials. Last year’s December exclusive promised Christmas dinner on a pizza – the creamy white sauce base was topped with pigs in blankets, stuffing, cranberry, gravy and turkey dinosaurs and its Christmas special is set to come back with a bang this year too. Combine that with the largest selection of tequila and mezcal in the city and Crazy Pedro’s is onto a winner this winter.

Street Urchin is a must visit restaurant located in the Northern Quarter, a cosy spot perfect for cold winter nights. Serving authentic and creative dishes with fresh ingredients, enjoy a beautifully curated menu that changes every week to ensure it’s serving up the freshest produce. This ever changing menu has offered up some delicious dishes, some favourites being the mussels, crab, roast hake and roast monkfish. A popular recommendation is the crab with parmesan and parsley, crispy samphire and crusty bread, a mouthwatering hearty winter meal you’re bound to love. Offering a vast menu of small and large plates, Street Urchin is the ideal spot for sharing a winter meal with friends and family this season. 

Located in Kampus near Manchester Piccadilly Station, The Beeswing is your cosy winter retreat for wine, dining and relaxation. This inviting wine bar, shop, and restaurant is the perfect escape from the cold, offering a warm, neighbourhood feel. Indulge in an array of snacks, bread, cheese, and charcuterie to complement your wine, along with a menu of delicious small plates served late into the night. Delight in signature dishes like the roasted cod loin in a vermouth and cream salsa, or savour the flavorful Iberico pork braised in a red wine stock. Kampus is a vibrant, growing neighbourhood home to fantastic dining spots like The Beeswing, perfect for your winter get-togethers this season.

The Guardian praised Sip as “justly a local favourite” in West Didsbury — and it’s easy to see why. With a carefully curated selection of wines, delectable bites, and a warm, inviting atmosphere, it’s a go-to destination for anyone who appreciates good food and good drinks. Sip offers over 30 wines, which you can sample at your leisure from the Enomatic wine dispensers, and the knowledgeable staff are on hand to help you find the perfect pour to accompany your winter meal.

This cosy wine and food spot also features a delightful array of classic nibbles. The charcuterie boards are a highlight, with options for three items at £19, five for £27, or seven for £34. Graze on cheeses like Spenwood Sheep Cheese or Cote Blue, or sample meats like Juniper-Cured Wild Venison Carpaccio and Spicy Sobrasada NDuja. There’s even a dedicated vegetarian sharing platter for plant-based guests.

Sip’s atmosphere makes it easy to forget the chill outside — perfect for a cosy, indulgent evening with good wine and even better company.

Located on the edge of the Great Northern Warehouse, Platzki is a standout Polish restaurant perfect for cosy winter dining. Originally inspired by the classic Polish pancake, the restaurant reimagines traditional Polish dishes with passion and commitment to fresh, ethically sourced ingredients. Like the seasonal approach of Street Urchin, Platzki’s menu adapts with the seasons, featuring dishes like Ryba —  pan-fried seabass fillets with smoked Polish sausage and baby potatoes — and Kaczka, savoury duck and pancetta meatballs served in a delicious red wine gravy. From a humble potato pancake to a passionate taste fest, Platzki goes beyond good food with a homely and sociable dining experience set to serve up a feast this winter.

Nothing says comfort food more than a hearty dish of homemade pie and mash, the perfect way to warm up this winter. With two venues across Manchester, you can find Pieminister in both the Northern Quarter and on Deansgate, with plenty of tasty pies to choose from. Try one of Pieminister’s 12 classic pies, from the humble steak and ale to the vegetarian ‘Wild Shroom’. Or, if you’re after something a bit different, the Mediterranean inspired filo pies are a must try! Not only that, Pieminister’s latest masterpiece comes in the form of its brand new ox cheek and milk stout sharer pie, perfect for a cosy winter date night. From delicious belly warming pies to creamy mash and gravy on the side, Pieminister is the perfect place for a hearty winter meal this cosy season.