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eXchange Lounge Portland Street Manchester

January 24, 2018 Daniel Kelly Leave a Comment

eXchange Lounge Portland Street Manchester

Portland street may not have been known as a restaurant and bar hub of the city, yet recent editions have changed that. We got the chance to visit another Portland Street addition, the eXchange Lounge last week.

The eXchange Lounge (not a typo) takes design cues from its heritage. The site is believed to have been a telephone exchange owned by ‘The New Telephone Company’ between 1892 and 1895. Decor-wise it’s similar in style to such places as the Dockyard and Gorilla. If you can I would recommend grabbing one of the tables by the windows – the perfect place to watch the world go by, even on a rainy day in Manchester.

Cocktails at the Exchange Lounge

The Cocktail Menu

Before ordering food we decided to give the cocktail menu a go. Expertly crafted by the attentive staff, they were a real success. Priced between £7.50 and £8.50, eXchange Lounge has a full range of classics and more unusual offerings.

I went with the eXchange Old Fashioned – their own take on the vintage cocktail and one of my favourite. If it’s on a menu I rarely go for anything else. The Old Fashion includes Rye Bourbon, chocolate bitters and lemon with a lot of stirring by the bar staff – they must hate me when I order it :-(. It was very much worth the effort though, properly balanced and not too sweet. I would order it again with no hesitation.

eXchange Old Fashioned

My partner went with the eXpresso Martini (I see a theme developing here), which includes Vodka, hazelnut liqueur and shots of espresso. Enough to give anyone a kick!

eXpresso Martini

Cocktail Time at eXchange Lounge Manchester

Starters at eXchange Lounge Manchester

With the cocktails really hitting the spot it was time to try some of the food on offer. One issue I did have before arriving is that the menu online doesn’t seem to work. Thankfully I remembered to take a photo.

eXchange Lounge Menu

First to arrive was Lizzie’s order of baked mini camembert served with celery and carrot sticks. Maybe not the healthiest of options but tasteful nevertheless.

Baked Camembert

I choose the nachos, a fine option for those in a group to share over drinks. A large stack of cheesy nachos accompanied with generous portions of salsa, guacamole and sour cream. What’s not the like!

Nachos with Dip

Both starters were only £5 too – An absolute bargain in my book!

Main Courses at eXchange Lounge Manchester

Lizzie chose the ‘Pie of the Day’, a Saag Paneer Pie supplied by Eat and Two Veg favourite Pieminister. Served with a deliciously creamy mash potato and cheese sauce, it was a true winter warmer.

Pie Time at eXchange Lounge

Paneer Pig

My choice was the Spiced Biryani Burger, an Indian style burger served with mango chutney and mint yoghurt. It’s very similar the Veggie burger that was served at the Blue Pig until recently. Just don’t forget to add fries to your order like I did!

Biryani Veggie Burger

Another shot of the veggie burger

Desserts at eXchange Lounge Manchester

After thoughtful consideration, Lizzie opted for the British Classic Bread and Butter Pudding. Served with a generous portion of custard, it was the perfect treat on a rainy day in Manchester.

Bread and Butter Pudding

I went with the Trio of Creme Brulee – three little pots of joy. I usually struggle to eat dessert but on this occasion, I couldn’t resist. My preference of the three was the chocolate.

Trio of Creme Brulee

Chocolate Creme Brulee

eXchange Lounge Observations

  • There currently aren’t any real options for those following a vegan diet. Hopefully, this is something they can look into in the future.
  • As well as food, the eXchange Lounge is great for after work drinks and weekend get-togethers.
  • The carpark around the back of the building is one of the most expensive in town. Avoid!

Outside the eXchange Food Lounge Portland Steet

eXchange Lounge Manchester Review and Verdict

On the whole, we both very much impressed with the eXchange Lounge. It was a great experience from the friendly service to the fab cocktail options and quality food. If this place can cheer me up on a wet Sunday in Manchester then they must be doing something right.

Be sure to check them out soon!

To see more check out the eXchange Lounge Instagram Page

Decor at the venue

Cocktails at the eXchange Lounge

Funky Decor

Bar area eXchange Food and Drink Lounge

Furniture at the eXchange Lounge

 

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Related

Manchester bread and butter pudding, burger, Cocktails, Dessert, exchange lounge, expresso martini, Manchester, nachos, Old Fashioned, Pie, portland street, review

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