Whether it is a selection of their stylish small plates or the better-than-it-sounds Manchester kebab, as far as food, drinks, and laid-back sophistication is concerned, The Refuge by Volta has bossed it. And that was my opinion before I tried their Sunday roast last weekend- it is safe to say that my opinion has become even more glowing.
The Sunday roast at The Refuge has been given a refreshing new concept where it is served on a platter and designed to be shared. The roast platter for two consists of beef, suckling pig and chicken with roast potatoes, Chantenay carrots and parsnip, Vimto-braised red cabbage, buttered greens, Yorkshire pudding, cauliflower cheese and roast pan gravy. I mean… just look at it.
I think the thing I liked the most was the gravy. You could tell that it was made in the roasting pan and just tasted like home- complete with the odd caramelized crispy bit. The meat was tender; succulent chicken, perfectly rare beef and juicy pork which was impressive- it must have been challenging not to let the quality of one slide. Roasties were just what I wanted them to be (simultaneously crunchy AND fluffy), and as for the sides- they did not let me down.
A real highlight had to be the Vimto braised cabbage, which I must admit I thought might be an order-bait menu gimmick. It turns out it was delicious, with the subtle sweetness from the Vimto bringing a welcome fruity kick in place of traditional sweeteners like brown sugar or redcurrant jelly.
Oh, and this enormous pile of food will only set you back just under £20 each- which is an absolute steal if you ask me.
Obviously, if sharing isn’t your bag then you can order your own plate with all of the above which comes complete with a bodyguard to ensure no one goes anywhere near your grub.
Whether you are up for sharing or not, you can enjoy it alongside a DJ and some live music in the stunning surroundings of The Refuge and the Winter Garden. They are served all day, so kick back, order a Bloody Mary (or three), relax and enjoy yourself- Sunday’s don’t get much better than that.
The Refuge, Oxford St, Manchester M60 7HA
0161 233 5151
refugemcr.co.uk
