One of the big food trends of 2017, the bottomless brunch is fast becoming a staple of the Manchester weekend food scene. Whilst the specifics vary from venue to venue the concept stays the same: for a set price restaurants are combining brunch and unlimited drink for one flat rate. It’s a concept that is clearly proving popular with both customers and restaurants. Gorilla has been running disco brunch successfully for a while now and a new start-up is soon to open a pizza and prosecco brunch this summer.
Latest to the booming bottomless brunch party is the Refinery in Spinningfields. The staff at the Refinery invited us down to enjoy a brunch with fellow Manchester Food Bloggers to try out their latest offering and for our honest feedback.
Served on both Saturdays and Sundays between 10am and 3pm, The Refinery offers bottomless Bellinis and Bloody Mary’s for £15 when you buy a brunch dish. You’ll have a two-hour slot to enjoy as many drinks as you can handle. It’s a great way of starting your weekend or banishing the hangover blues.
For those who have yet to go, The Refinery is one of the most stylish additions to Spinningfields, offering a chic yet homely feel to the vast space it occupies. Owned by Drake & Morgan from London, it’s one of the most impressive restaurants to open in Manchester in the last year.
Each table currently sports stylish throws, cushions and over 300 candles throughout the venue to create a warm, inviting atmosphere (I’m glad I’m not the person who has to look after all those candles). It takes its cue from the in vogue Scandinavian style – very hygge. Incidentally, the soft furnishings are changed every six months, updating the décor to suit the style and the season.
Bottomless Brunch at the Refinery
The Bellinis, served to us on arrival, tasted great – a refreshing blend of Prosecco and peach, making it the ideal afternoon aperitif. For those nursing a hangover from the night before, the Bloody Mary is the one to go for.
For our brunch options, we went for the smashed avocado on sourdough, served with chilli and poached egg. Once a rarity in Manchester, it’s become a house speciality of many a place. Luckily, this was one of the best I’ve ever had, light yet scrumptious. It’s a great option for those who don’t want to overfill themselves, or if you want to leave room for a few more bellinis.
For those with a sweeter tooth, I’d also recommend that you try the American style fluffy blueberry pancakes. I’m usually not a fan of such sweet dishes in the afternoon but these were truly excellent. Surprisingly, it was my favourite dish of the day.
Also available on the brunch menu is a fantastic butternut squash risotto, an indulgent winter warmer and great veggie option to boot. You can make this dish vegan by asking for it without the mascarpone.
If I do have one critique it would be the lack of a good vegan options – hopefully it will be something they look into as they move forward.
Cocktails at the Refinery
We also got the chance to try out a few of the cocktails The Refinery offer. I opted for an Old Fashioned, my current cocktail of choice. Simple and to the point, it’s a no-nonsense cocktail for those who actually like the taste of alcohol. Bitter, in a good way, this was one of the best I’ve had.
For those wanting a great afternoon out, The Refinery Spinningfields is a fantastic option for those wanting to make the most of the weekend – bottomless brunch at the Refinery is highly recommended.
Bottomless Brunch at the Refinery Spinningfields 10am-3pm. Don’t forget to book in advance.
Looking for the best breakfast places in Manchester? Read our guide to the Top Breakfast Bars and Cafes in Manchester now!
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