A harmony of distinct flavours in a building that reflects the connection between Manchester’s history and present day. The Free Trade Hall has had its share of input into the development of our hometown, economically and culturally, and since 2004 has been home to The Edwardian, a stunning five-star hotel with luxurious spa, high tech gym, and Peter Street Kitchen, among other things. Situated on the ground floor, looking onto the eponymous road, easily one of town’s busiest, the incredible Grade II-listed facade sets the tone for a classical interior reflecting the building, its restaurant boasting heroic scaled bar, intimate dining room, shared table area, and informal lounge running the length of its barrel-vaulted colonnade.
The room is divided into five individual ‘spaces’, from The Eye — a dramatic circular focal point with pendant lighting and timber, river stone, and steel textures — to the alcoves of Rikyū Lounge or The Kabe, where up to 28 people can eat as a group. Split into two menus, the Izayaka section offers Japanese A5 Wagyu for those after some spectacle. Or go further still, with a six-course Omakase menu, which can be upgraded to a Hibachi experience — think a 12 seat table and your own fire pit. You’ll also find an incredible seafood platter, gyoza tacos with fillings such as grilled lobster and chilli-cilantro, seared beef With truffle chilli dressing, and vegetable with spicy lime avocado.
The Mexican end of things is not to be outdone, bringing, among other things, smoked lamb cutlets served on a hot lava stone. Elsewhere, think crispy baja fish tacos, cabbage slaw and habanero mayonnaise, habanero matchstick chicken, and stone bass with crushed Andean chilli lime sea salt. Given all that, it will surprise few to learn Peter Street Kitchen comes with an exceptional wine list for those who want it, and the mixologists are also worth watching too, if cocktails are more your thing. Whatever the drink, we’re in favour of taking it over at the Rikyū Bar, a strikingly contemporary section of the establishment, evocatively backlit with stacks of vintage Sake barrels thrown in for good measure. Refined would be the word.