Review: The Cut & Craft Manchester is a Perfect Friendsmas Venue

This award-winning restaurant is only a short walk from St Peter’s Square, hosted within a Grade II listed former banking hall with a modern touch. They pride themselves in providing a premium dining experience at an affordable price, and, to be honest, they’re not wrong. 

The Cut & Craft might be new to Manchester, but they are certainly well-seasoned in their culinary craftsmanship. Don't let the name fool you into thinking this is an amateur operation either, the overall menu has clearly been thought through. With a variety of vegan, seafood, and meat items across the three courses, it provides ease of choice without sacrificing quality. 

If you’re not familiar with the term, Friendsmas is a rising popular tradition among Gen Z as a way to gather together over the festive period for a cosy meal with friends and those close to you before the end of the year. So, if you are looking to host a 'fancy' Friendsmas this year, particularly for anyone with diverse dietary preferences, The Cut & Craft accommodates all. An array of drinks and mocktails are also on the menu, with an average price of £12 for a cocktail and £7 for a mocktail.

Starters: A Promising Beginning

To begin with, I had the spicy olives appetiser, which were quite large. They came lathered with a tantalising chilli and pepper garnish that blended with the salty marinade of the olives. A good appetiser like this sets the tone for the rest of the dinner and these had me on the edge of my seat for the courses ahead. Still to come were king prawns served with a side of lightly toasted, sliced bloomer, and French onion soup.

Now, very rarely does a starter satiate anyone’s appetite, but after the French onion soup, I was already feeling quite full, given its thick texture, so this dish could be labelled as a main in my eyes. The aroma of the gruyere and aged parmesan cheese was mouth-watering, making it a relaxing dish with a homely touch. It paired well with the king prawns which lay on a bed of creamy and subtly warm sauce that could be easily wiped up with the side of bread. 

The starters: King prawns and French onion soup. Credit: Lilia Hakem @ The Mancunion

Main Courses: Hits and Misses

Moving onto the main courses, the sirloin steak unfortunately did not live up to expectations as it was slightly on the drier side, so I recommend opting for an alternative steak, like their flat iron, instead. The peppercorn sauce itself, though, was delicious — as was the side of light and crunchy cauliflower cheese croquettes, so I highly recommend.

Spirits were lifted further with the vegan shepherd's pie, filled with spiced lentils. This dish was delightful and works as a delicious meat-free alternative that doesn’t feel like an afterthought, as is typically the case on meat and seafood-heavy menus. As a meat-eater, I do not typically opt for a vegan dish but this shepherd’s pie was so tasty and hearty it has to be a go-to main.

The main courses: Vegan shepherd's pie, sirloin steak, and the cauliflower cheese croquettes. Credit: Lilia Hakem @ The Mancunion

Dessert: A Sweet Ending

To round up this dining experience, the chocolate Biscoff shell which really hit the mark. The chocolate shell is filled with Biscoff cream cheese, berries, and decorated with a pomegranate sorbet. Biscoff-anything is a crowd, and personal, favourite so I was quite pleased with the design and taste of this dessert. 

Dessert: Chocolate Biscoff shell. Credit: Lilia Hakem @ The Mancunion

Atmosphere & Amenities

Overall, the food at The Cut & Craft lives up to expectations and is well matched by its welcoming festive décor and kind hospitality. I cannot end this review without a small mention for their stunning cultured marble bathrooms which are based on the roman goddess of fortune, Fortuna. Hosting large floor-to-ceiling mirrors, a central washbasin area, as well as a vanity table with velvet bar-style seating. A very good stylistic choice for the classic post-meal photoshoots.

Within the student scene, The Cut & Craft is a good place to dine for events like Friendsmas or, for any final years, for your graduation meal with family and close ones if you’re planning ahead.

Final Verdict: Worth the Visit?

Manchester’s dining scene has exploded over the last few years, and it is warming to see The Cut & Craft bringing their special flair to this city. They truly are making their mark as a place for a fine dining experience with fairly affordable food, depending on what you choose, that lives up to their reputation as an award-winning restaurant with exceptional service. These are certainly ones to watch, and I look forward to bringing more of my friends to The Cut & Craft this Christmas.

The Cut & Craft is open weekdays from 11am to late. Weekend brunch served 9am-11:45am. Sunday roast available 12-6pm.