Located in what used to be the private dining room upstairs at WOOD, one of Manchester’s finest fine dining spots, Homage takes the same formula — exceptional service and unparalleled ingredients, with a welcoming and unpretentious vibe — and does away with the superlatives. Stripping things down, a booking here leaves the ten course taster menu downstairs and instead focuses specifically on paired cheese, chutneys, wines and beers.
The four main food groups if heaven was a place on Earth, up to 16 people per sitting can enjoy the best produce from local and international suppliers, all in a luxurious, intimate and exclusive environ that feels like an opulent lounge. Think beautiful, tall candles and soft lighting, and thanks to the first floor position this spot also has endless people watching potential. Although the idea of taking eyes off plates and glasses seems crazy when each comes with the kind of culinary delights that are as much a visual feast as they are gastronomic.
In the team’s own words, Homage is “a decadent way to celebrate a perfect marriage of opulence and expertise,” allowing diners to savour the exquisite flavours in a relaxed and un-rushed way. Putting the spotlight firmly on natural produce, this is all about presenting top of the class artisanal producers, craftspeople, foragers, and growers, with every item on the menu a result of love, dedication and passion, both on the part of those who made them, and those that scoured the planet to track them down. Those looking for more specifics can find sample menus online, but think Aged Comté Rarebit served on butter basted brioche, Inglewhite buffalo cheddar, and Époisses de Bourgogne, and you start to get the picture, all matched with one of the most forward-thinking wine lists in the city. Simply put, a incredibly decadent and satisfying way to while away a few hours.
On Sundays the space gets transformed into a communal feast with charcuterie and cheese sharing boards. You can get a small board for £12, sharing boards for £25 for two people, and £50 for the huge boards for four people. They accept walk ins on Sundays but if you’re in a bigger group you can book ahead by calling the restaurant or emailing reservations@woodmanchester.com