The French Manchester: the dishes on the menu which bowled over judges to win SquareMeal award

The stunning restaurant in the Midland hotel has been named one of the UK’s best in the 2022 SquareMeal awards.
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Adam Reid at The French has been named one of the best places to eat in the UK.

Independent restaurant guide, SquareMeal, has published its top 100 restaurants in the UK list for 2022 and opulent The French was one of those to bowl over the judging panel, making an impressive appearance at 16th.

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The high-end, modern British restaurant is led by former Great British Menu chef Adam Reid, a protegee of Simon Rogan who used to head up The French.

Square Meal awards 2022 Credit: via Square MealSquare Meal awards 2022 Credit: via Square Meal
Square Meal awards 2022 Credit: via Square Meal

What did judges say about the menu?

The judges picked out a number of dishes they said they found ‘thrilling’, from “seared scallop with trout roe and roasted onion broth to a superbly executed dish of salt-aged duck with vivid purple beetroot and pickled elderberries.”

They added: “ Other standouts have a noticeable North Country accent – think nibbles of dripping toast with grated tongue or a Lancashire ‘tasty’ cheese and onion pie with lovage and eel, as well as a meat-free combo of ‘tater ash’ with mushroom ‘catsup’, bread and butter.

“To finish, rhubarb jelly with ginger malt ice cream is one option, but don’t miss Reid’s ‘Golden Empire’ dessert – an award-winner from his Great British Menu 2016, consisting of a golden candy apple adorned with hazelnut crumble and meadowsweet custard.”

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SquareMeal also praised the top-notch service, lack of “any fine-dining stuffiness”, and Reid’s efforts to make high-end dining a bit more accessible, with tasting menus from £65.

The overall UK winner was named as Osip in Somerset.

And for the full list of Square Meal UK award winners, see here.

How do I book a table at the French?

You can visit their website or call 0161 235 4780.