Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Spinningfields

Ian Jones, Food and Drink Editor

Spinningfields is the jewel in Manchester’s crown, and this Christmas and New Year’s Eve it’s all set to sparkle. This pretty area hosts some of the North West’s very best restaurants and bars, and they’re pushing the boat out for the festive season, with plenty of special seasonal events, drinks and menus for all you lucky visitors.

It’s the first ‘proper’ Christmas for a good few years, so open your calendar app and start planning some dates with friends and family now. No matter whether you’re craving beautiful food and cocktails while looking out over the city skyline, or in the mood for subterranean fine dining, this thriving district will have you covered.

Our top picks

Tattu Manchester

Tattu Manchester, Gartside Street, 3 Hardman Square, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M3 3EB - Visit now

A regular fixture in CT’s most-adored restaurant list, this beautiful restaurant is putting on an impressive show this winter, all based around a dusting of snowfall. An immersive dining experience known as The Great Snow sees that famous cherry blossom tree shimmer with snow, while light projections of the Aurora Borealis will appear throughout the restaurant. And did we mention the revamped menu? The accompanying food and drink options are even better than ever – an impressive feat in itself considering the sky-high levels of talent behind the bar and in the kitchen.

Book your perfect party date now, such as New Year’s Eve (lunch: 12pm to 4pm, or dinner from 5pm) where you can enjoy an expertly curated three-wave sharing menu and dishes paired with half a bottle of NV La Cuvée Brut Laurent-Perrier per person, for an epic finish to the year. Tattu’s resident DJ will play from 7pm.

Or kickstart 2023 on New Year’s Day with your favourite people and enjoy a laughter-filled bottomless Sunday brunch with cocktails and Champagne while DJ’s will raise the tempo late into the evening.

20 Stories

20 Stories, No. 1 Spinningfields, 1 Hardman Square, Manchester, M3 3EB - Visit now

Famously one of the highest dining spaces in the city, 20 Stories doesn’t do things by halves. This winter this fantastic restaurant and bar has teamed up with Ciroc to bring you a spectacular enchanted forest-themed winter hideaway, inspired by the Scandinavian concept of Hygge. Hang on, I hear you ask, what’s  ‘hygge’? It’s a defining feature of Danish culture that means cosy, comfort, contentment and conviviality, and if that floats your boat, head to the highest point in Spinngfields and give it a luxurious spin. And if that isn’t enough, there’s even a new pergolas terrace to hang out with your favourite people and sip winter-themed drinks.

Or enjoy the highest Afternoon Tea in Manchester, overlooking the city with a festive touch. This is available from Monday to Thursday from 2pm to 4.30pm, and Fridays from 12pm to 3pm.

You can even have your Christmas Day meal here, as Executive Chef, Daniel Scott, has created a special five-course Christmas Day menu for guests to enjoy with friends, coworkers and family, while listening to the sounds of live music from the wonderful String Infusion, as they play classics from 1pm – 4pm. Or finish 2022 with a bang this New Year’s Eve and enjoy a dining experience somewhere high above Manchester from 8pm till late with 2- Stories’ specially curated five-course New Year’s Eve Menu. Dine while you listen to the sounds of live music from Begin The Party band, before a DJ sees you through to 2023 in style. Book your slot here.

The Lawn Club

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

Always one step ahead, The Lawn Club has come up with something unique this Christmas: a brand-new pop-up yurt, packed with all things festive. 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. Looking for the perfect place for a work’s Christmas do? You can book a table out, provided you have a group of four or more.

And NYE here promises to be the party of the season, with everything you need for the ultimate celebration: fizz, free-flowing pizza, live music, DJs and entertainment. Go here for more details, including how to book tickets (move quick and grab one of the limited number of £10 tickets!).

The Lawn Club

The Ivy Spinningfields

The Ivy Spinningfields, The Pavilion, Byrom Street, Spinningfields, Manchester, M3 3HG - Visit now

Not to be outdone, The Ivy Spinningfields has no less than three magical settings for you this Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Book in for a festive meal or drink at the Brasserie, the opulent Ivy Asia or the stunning botanical roof garden, and try out the new limited-edition cocktail menu created in collaboration with Chivas XV Gold Whisky. Best of all, one lucky winner who orders The Festive Surprise dessert at The Ivy Asia will receive the Golden Ticket – a grand prize that includes a deluxe trip for two people to visit the renowned Laurent-Perrier Maison, typically unopened to the public.

For New Year’s Eve, they’re pulling out all the stops and popping the finest corks for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration. Come and get your sparkle on and take your seat at the best table in town. Go here for more details and ways to book in for fine food, fizz and next-level entertainment throughout the evening as the clock ticks towards midnight.

The Ivy Manchester

Australasia

Australasia, The Avenue, Spinningfields, Manchester, M3 3AP - Visit now

And of course, then there’s Australasia. This dazzling venue kickstarted the food scene in Spinningfields, long before it became such a dominant district in Manchester’s high-end but accessible dining world. You’ll almost certainly know the entrance – it’s the space-age glass structure at the point where Deansgate meets Spinningfields, looking for all intents and purposes like a cutting-edge art installation. It’s the perfect getaway from the cold Manchester weather this winter making it the perfect destination for a laid-back Christmas outing.

Fittingly, the courses come in waves and you can choose from a three or four-wave sharer menu (or four-wave vegan menu) designed to take you on a journey around the Pacific Rim. Looking for an elegant daytime trip out? Try Australasia’s festive afternoon tea, with three waves of food, available 12 noon to 3pm. Go here for more details, book a place or buy a gift card or experience.

Australasia is the first region to see 2023, and the restaurant should be your first stop for Manchester’s best NYE night out. The stops are all pulled out: start with a cocktail on arrival, followed by a five-wave celebration menu, or the specially crafted vegan menu. Choose between a 6pm or 9pm sitting, and enjoy live entertainment and dancing until midnight and beyond.

Provence

Provence, Unit G21, 3 Hardman Street, Hardman Street, Greater Manchester, M3 3HF - Visit now

Brand-new occasion-based wine bar Provence has a special New Year’s Eve planned, whether you fancy a bottomless afternoon out, or you want to welcome in 2023 with a glass of fizz and a singing session with Provence’s special wine-oke open mic party. That’s right, it’s two of life’s greatest pleasures in one: wine and karaoke. You and your friends can also book bespoke wine-oke sessions in Provence’s private room, The Cellar, before this, with the option to add on entertainment, games and wine tastings hosted by an in-house wine aficionado. Go here for more details about NYE and their festive brunch experience, and make winter 2022 one to remember.

Provence