There’s a hidden gem in the heart of Manchester that you should know about! Mamucium takes its name from Manchester’s Roman Fort in Castlefield, but while that stronghold was built in 79 AD, Mamucium restaurant is a modern and stylish find, right by Victoria Station.
The interiors are pretty wowing and you’ll definitely be able to grab some insta-worthy photos by the giant blossom tree! Kitted out with beautiful blue teal banquettes, an industrial style ceiling and a sleek cocktail bar, Mamucium is the kind of place you might feel like taking all your friends to for a big celebration, or just grabbing a cocktail on a night out. The salted caramel martinis are actually to-die-for.
Mamucium prides itself on a concept called ‘S.O.L.E’ with all food sustainable, organic, local and ethical. With an ever changing menu and a focus on sourcing all produce from within 100 miles of this Manchester hotspot, you’ll be impressed by both the quality and the freshness when you try the food.
With a small selection of starters and little dishes to choose from, we decided on the Manchester smoke house salmon with a dill crème fraiche. With a giant caper on the side and a toasted bread on top, the salmon was plentiful, beautifully fresh and presented well. I opted for the courgette fritters with Mrs Kirkham’s crumbly Lancashire, Manchester cathedral honey. There’s something about knowing that the produce is local that makes it taste even better I find!
Main dishes range from home made chicken kiev to beer battered sustainable fish, along with locally sourced short horn and Hereford steaks from the grill. While I’m always tempted by the steak, there’s one dish I have to have if it’s on the menu – the British grass-fed beef and ale pie! Served with rich silky homemade gravy, chips and greens, it definitely lived up to expectation – the meat tender and juicy and the pastry casing substantial enough to get pastry and filling into every mouthful! Chunky chips, peas and well seasoned cabbage made this a super tasty plate of food.
I was pretty pleased with my choice, until my friend’s tiger prawn, chilli and garlic linguine appeared! A generous portion size, the prawns were plentiful, the sauce glossy and rich with herbs and chunks of lush ripe tomato. After trying it, I’ll definitely be having this next time I come.
On the dessert menu, we were tempted by the delicious desserts we’d seen brought out to other tables, but feeling a little full, we instead went for a recommendation from our brilliant waiter Kieran. We headed to the glamorous bar area, pulled up a stool and indulged in multiple (aforementioned!) salted caramel espresso martinis. This sublime cocktail makes for a fabulous liquid dessert and we’ll definitely be popping in here for one whenever we’re heading to or from Victoria Station!
Mamucium is a restaurant that’s full of surprises. Whether you’re staying at Hotel Indigo or just heading into town for the night, you can expect fabulous food, lovely interiors and truly brilliant service. A definite Manchester city must-visit.
