Spinningfields bar offering a little slice of Spain to Manchester - and plenty of Sangria

As Manchester baked in the sun recently an invitation I simply could not refuse landed in my inbox.

Wine and coffee house Provence had set up a frozen wine truck outside its Spinningfield premises and wondered if I would like to go along to try it out.

Never one to pass up a complimentary wine, the thought of trying a frozen vino just as I feared merely melting away in the intense heat was more than just a little bit attractive, and so I wholeheartedly agreed and we marked it in the diary.

Of course, on the day in question the good old British weather had done a complete 360 degrees and I set off to Provence in lashing rain and a strong wind that kept blowing my umbrella inside out, until it finally broke two spokes and I spent the rest of the journey merely holding the material above my head and praying for my blow dry.

A frozen wine did not seem quite as appealing (although still pretty appealing, as like I said, I do like my wine) in such adverse conditions, but it turned out I didn’t need to worry as the truck was sitting forlornly switched off, not open for business, when I arrived - which seemed perfectly understandable - and predictable if you knew my luck.

The staff at Provence didn’t leave me disappointed as well as cold and wet though, and kindly seated my plus one and I and brought two large pitchers of sangria (one red, one white) and a new selection of small plates out of the kitchen, with promises of another stab at the frozen wine truck when the next sporadic, brain melting heat wave came our way.

It was a perfect chance to try the new summer plates on the menu. A selection of crostini is now available, with a range of toppings including serrano ham & balsamic glaze, pico de gallo (Mexican salsa) or fresh clementine, dried mint & fig chutney – priced at 3 for £12.

The mint and fig chutney was tangy, tasty and incredibly moreish - as was our classic Greek salad, which was simple but pleasing, with plenty of feta, juicy olives and flavoursome dressing. The pico de gallo (Mexican salsa) tasted super fresh and was described by my companion as being “like an elevated bruschetta.”

We were also treated to one of Provence’s popular charcuterie and antipasti boards, served with a range of toasted focaccia, plus olives, stuffed peppers and sundried tomatoes.

It was bright, it was breezy - it was everything it was not out on the streets of Manchester - well, except for breezy perhaps, but I digress.

For a light lunch, a sharing board for two, some fresh Spanish fare and a few glasses of Sangria, Provence is a relaxing, unassuming and simple restaurant with friendly staff and a great vantage point of the Spinningfields area.

It was peaceful and a pleasant reprieve from the city streets when we popped in, but open for wine-oke downstairs, I’m guessing it would be able to rustle up a bit of Mediterannean madness via wine and karaoke for 90 minutes within their private space - The Cellar.

This is priced at £20 pp includes welcome drinks on arrival or £40 pp includes selected bottomless drinks & a grazing board for the group.

Also check out orange Wednesdays, where you pay 2-4-1 on orange drinks (orange wines & cocktails) and Fizz Fridays - offering selected fizz for £20.

And watch this space as when the sun comes back out I will be back for my frozen wine, oh yes I will...Ole!

Location: Unit G21, The Avenue Spinningfields, Provence, Manchester M3 3HF