Established in 2016, Man Bites Frog quickly became one of the go-to spots on Chorlton’s Barlow Moor Road arcade — a strip of bars, restaurants and shops forming one of the district’s most alluring hubs. Situated at the top of equally attractive and enticing Beech Road, what was originally supposed to be, in the team’s own words, “a bar with some alright food” rapidly garnered a reputation as a bar with some very good food, served by friendly tenders and prepared by excellent kitchen staff.
Informal but packed with personality, the establishment radiates a welcoming atmosphere. While the menu has gone through several iterations over the years, things are currently focused on affordable grilled dishes, including burgers and a Jackfruit & Sambal kebab in shawarma seasoning. One of Britain’s staples, the chip butty, is also are available as a light bite, only with a twist — think naan bread with coriander and samba. Whitebait, Cheese & Sun-dried Tomato Grilled Ciabatta, and frites are also on offer as snacks.
Onto the drinks, cocktails here are excellent and options range from Red Snapper (a take on Bloody Mary) to the Long Island Ice Tea and Margarita. So think classics prepped by those who know how to do them properly. Meanwhile, the strong selection of beers and wines might be the biggest selling point, more than living up to the ‘bar first’ concept that was the whole reason this place opened in the first instance. All that aside, it’s vital to point out that Man Bites Frog is a trove of trinkets and unusual treasures, artwork and items, which lend the address a cosy, front room feel, along with the famous foosball table. Just don’t try and challenge owner Dave to a game unless you also regularly compete in international competitions. Finally, head out back on a sunny day or warm evening to find one of Chorlton’s nicest (and perhaps most secret) beer gardens, which carries on the unique interior aesthetic.