Christmas food and drink

Ian Jones, Food and Drink Editor

The holidays are coming, the holidays are coming, meaning it’s time to find out about the very best Christmas food and drink options in Manchester and the North.

We’ve plucked out some of the very best destinations out there for festive-themed food and drink, with an eye on seasonal dishes and winter-inspired drinks.

So eat, drink, be merry and do all kinds of things you might well regret in the morning.

Our top picks

The Edinburgh Castle Pub

The Edinburgh Castle Pub, Henry St &, Blossom St, Manchester, M4 5AW - Visit now

This December, Edinburgh Castle Ancoats is serving up festive cheer with a new Christmas Cocktail menu and a charitable twist. For every cocktail sold, £1 will be donated to local charity Eat Well MCR, supporting people in need across Greater Manchester.

Expect unique takes on festive classics, including the EC Snowball – a twist on the nostalgic classic; EC Eggnog – rich, creamy, and very Christmassy; Santa’s Clover – a fruity creation, vibrant and delicious; Christmas Pudding Old Fashioned – a taste of Christmas in every sip.

Mowgli Street food Manchester

Mowgli Street food Manchester, 16, Corn Exchange House, 37 Exchange St, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M4 3TR - Visit now

Mowgli’s Christmas menu could be the season’s best bargain. Don’t wait for Santa to bring you a gift card (also available on the website); this is a meal best enjoyed in the run-up to Christmas as a well-earned reward for dealing with Manchester in the winter.

Platzki

Platzki, Deansgate Mews, Great Northern, 255 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 4EN - Visit now

Like Santa, Platzki delivers a festive Polish dining experience with a special menu throughout December, plus a traditional Wigilia Christmas Eve dinner on December 23rd and 24th.

The Municipal Hotel MGallery

The Municipal Hotel MGallery, Municipal Building, Dale St , Liverpool , L2 2DH - Visit now

The Municipal Hotel MGallery in Liverpool has a series of live performances taking place in its Palm Court Bar. These involve the Liverpool Youth Orchestra, made up of students from across the Liverpool city region, all of whom are a part of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Brass Band and/or Orchestra.

Whether you’re visiting the hotel for a festive break or popping into the Palm Court Bar after a long day of Christmas shopping, these live performances are the perfect opportunity to relax and unwind with a Christmas cocktail.

Shows take place on 15th December and 22nd December, both 6-9PM.

James Martin Manchester

James Martin Manchester, 2 Watson St, Manchester, M3 4LP - Visit now

From exclusive three-course Christmas menus with dishes like Roast Turkey and Yorkshire Ox Cheek Bourguignon, to modern Sunday Roasts and an indulgent Christmas Afternoon Tea, James Martin has crafted a perfect combination of seasonal favourites and exciting twists on the classics.

Albert’s Schloss

Albert’s Schloss, 27 Peter Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M2 5QR - Visit now

The festivities have arrived at Albert’s Schloss. The beautifully decorated space, complete with a roaring fire and cosy grotto feel, provides the ideal seasonal setting. There are festive feasts available at the Cookhaus, and to complement these hearty winter dishes, you can enjoy festive drinks like Alpine Hot Schokolade, Boozy Schokolade Orange, and the limited edition White Christmas Margarita, available until Christmas Eve.

And, as ever, the live Bavarian-inspired entertainment means the festive energy will stay high throughout the season. Expect music, magic, and merriment in abundance.

Royal Albert Dock

Royal Albert Dock, Albert Dock, Liverpool, Merseyside, L3 4AF - Visit now

This winter, Royal Albert Dock Liverpool is set to transform into a magical, festive wonderland with the return of its much-loved light trail, festive menus, unique gifts, and the launch of the Christmas Courtyard.

Royal Albert Dock. Image by Think Publicity
Think Publicity.

Hawksmoor

Hawksmoor, 184-186 Deansgate, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M3 3WB

It wouldn’t be Christmas without a trip to the mighty Hawksmoor. In their own words: “No fuss, no clichés – just great food, good times and a warm welcome.”

Switch up that turkey for steak, and Hawksmoor does it best. On a budget? Fear not, there’s an express menu with a grand deal – two or three courses for a low, low price, plus head down to the Monday Wine Club for a BYOB extravaganza (£5 corkage).

Black Friar

Black Friar, Blackfriars Rd, Salford, M3 7DH - Visit now

The excellent Black Friar has pulled out all the stops this winter, with an enticing festive menu (plus a festive canapé menu), an all-new magical frontage, and the welcome return of the Winter Tavern. One of Manchester/Salford’s very best food and drink destinations has done it again – click through for the full details.

The Lawn Club

The Lawn Club, Hardman Square, Spinningfields, Manchester, M33HG - Visit now

The Lawn Club has brought back their unique festive fun-time hideaway – yes, it’s yurt-time. We’re talking twinkling lights, faux fur and foliage, all at the heart of Spinningfields. Here’s where to go for festive dining in Manchester,  plus a huge range of drinks, as well as live music throughout the festive period.

Champagne flute swirling in front of a Christmas tree.
Image by Eduard Schiopu, supplied by Scoop.

Manchester Wine Tours

Manchester Wine Tours, Various locations in Manchester city centre, Manchester , M1 - Visit now

Wine and Christmas? It’s a match made in Lapland heaven. Manchester Wine Tours works as either gift or just pure festive-fuelled fun for you and whoever you decide to invite along. Or go it alone if you like, it’s always a friendly gathering of likeminded people, and a superb way to learn about our great city, while getting merrily sozzled along the way. One of our top tips, whether you’re new to Manchester or a seasoned vet.

Christmas Markets in the North

What’s that? You want more markets? You’re market-mad, you! Here are some of the very best CT-approved Christmas markets from all around the North.

Visit Blackpool.
Visit Blackpool.

DIECAST

DIECAST, 51 Ducie St, Manchester, M1 2JQ - Visit now

DIECAST presents WINTERHOOD: Manchester’s ultimate festive takeover, from mid-November to late-December. Expect seasonal food, festive cocktails, and wild entertainment programs with that cheeky DIECAST touch. The multifaceted venue has been transformed into a winter wonderland full of queens, dreams and singalong cabaret.

Sexy Fish Manchester

Sexy Fish Manchester, 1 The Avenue, Deansgate, Manchester , M3 3AP - Visit now

All through the holiday season, Sexy Fish is hosting A Whale of a Christmas, and in true Sexy Fish style that means guests can dine amongst… a jewel-encrusted whale, suspended in mid-air. It’s a jaw-dropping spectacle. Alongside this, there’s a host of awe-inspiring festive cocktails, including spiced and seasonal additions.

Image by Jonathan Schofield.
Spotlight on

Walking Tours in Manchester by Jonathan Schofield

Presenting the best walking tours in Manchester for history buffs, culture enthusiasts, and those looking to scratch beneath the surface of the city.

Take me there

Culture Guides

Theatre in Manchester
Theatre in the North

Summer signals theatre festivals, world premieres and open-air spectacle - from MIF25 to comedy, outdoor circus and beyond, here’s what we’re looking forward to.

Cloudwater Production One
Tours and Activities in the North

Go forth with wild abandon to dance the pavements, dabble with the paint and down the pints in this month's tours and activities guide.

Star Nhà Ease
Cinema in the North

July's cinema highlights include spotlights on international cinema, a new cult classic, plus a visit from one of our favourite directors.

Harry Baker
Literature Events in the North

From environmental to experimental, our poetry and prose picks from around the North are focused on the unusual and the fun.

Exhibitions in the North

Captivating, urgent and intimate - we bring you our top exhibition picks, with even more art festivals, artist-led shows and new venues.

Helena Hauff
Music in the North

Shape-shifting bands, scorched-earth techno, and off-grid festivals. Our latest music picks catch the live scene at its most urgent, inventive and alive.