December
Throughout December, The Refuge will be offering a ‘Group Feasting Menu’, a collection of ‘sleeves up, dig in’ dishes constructed for “maximum culinary yuletide delight”. So basically everyone around a table, wearing cracker hats and tucking in. Dishes include fire-roasted Padrón peppers with Maldon salt, Turkey porchetta with cranberry and apricot stuffing, goose fat roast potatoes, cranberry-glazed pigs in blankets, Salt cod croquettes with aioli and even a Chocolate fondue with Vimto marshmallows for dipping.
In addition, The Refuge have also turned their courtyard into the Winterway Bar, which includes an old school van serving up mulled wine and prosecco. There’s also outside heating and some lovely festoon lighting and candles which provide a perfect kind of ‘Refuge’ from the hustle and bustle of the Christmas Markets.
Christmas Day
If you’re the kind of family (or person) who would much rather do anything other than cook a Christmas Dinner, then the next best option is to go out to a restaurant, or in my mum’s case – the local Curry Shop.
Being located in a hotel, The Refuge is perfectly placed to provide a fantastic Christmas Day experience, with their Christmas Feast featuring all the festive classics you’d expect to find on the McCallister’s dinner table, with a Refuge twist.
New Year’s Eve
Usually one of the most disappointing nights in the Gregorian calendar, New Year’s Eve is a difficult one to decide on because pretty much everyone goes out, places are really expensive and are usually packed to the rafters. This is the point where I then talk about what The Refuge are up to – which is to offer their flagship party – Come As You Are.
The countdown to 2018 will be navigated by a selection of the UK’s most respected and beloved artists and DJs, with support from local talent and a plethora of familiar faces.
‘Love Is The Message’ in the Public Bar will host a disco house party with Refuge residents, Paulette, Chris Massey, Joy Social and musical behemoth that is Balearic Mike as special guest. The pure unadulterated theatre and fabulousness that is Cha Cha Boudoir & Carmina will bring glamour for the eyes.
‘Move Ya Body’ in The Basement will take you on ‘heads down’ journey into the small hours hosted by Homoelectric with House of Decay, and will feature another legend and Come As You Are favourite, Kelvin Andrews, with the brilliant Homo resident duo of Will Tramp and Gina Breeze in support.
The Refuge, Oxford St, Manchester M60 7HA
0161 233 5151
refugemcr.co.uk
