Located on the former Bluu bar site, Foundry Project opened in November 2018. It’s been relaunched by the Bluu team – and the big idea is to cater to all your day to night needs – from mid-morning brunch to afterwork drinks. Food is a draw and the menu sticks to modern bar classics: gourmet burgers, pizzas (including vegan options), Asian inspired bar snacks, and sharing desserts. Drinks include cocktails, reasonably priced wine and Spanish Estrella beer on keg (£5.50 per pint). We tried two winners – the Espresso Mr Martini (£8.95, Kraken black spiced rum, Mr Black, sugar, salt and a double shot of espresso) and Fill A Watermelon With Rum (£8.95, Giffard Watermelon, Wray & Nephew White rum, Velvet Falernum and apple juice). To eat, the umami sesame miso wings, (£6.50) are a sticky, crunchy treat which work with vegan (avocado & sweetcorn) tacos (£6), halloumi fries and nachos (both £6). Mains include Roman-styles ourdough pizzas, straight from the oven on site. Spice lovers will enjoy the pepperoni and ‘Nduja edition (£12). There’s also a classic cheese burger (£8.50 – two patties medium rare with double cheese, burger sauce, cos lettuce and tomato on brioche) – the obvious side being sweet potato fries (£3.50). The desserts are messy – and deliberately so. Choose from Chocolate Donut Mess and our favourite, Tropical Mess (both £8) including chunks of roasted, caramelised pineapple, zesty lime, coconut bar and crushed meringue all folded into coconutty whipped cream.. The real star is the venue though. The conversion from Bluu to Foundry is a winner, with cosy lighting, three different bars and a selection of seating – booths both upstairs and downstairs and elegant, natural-material led interior. A job well done, we think.
Now open, Foundry Project, Smithfield Market Buildings, Thomas Street, Northern Quarter Manchester, M41BD. Tel: 0161 839 7195, www.foundryproject.com
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- Words:
- Zarina Akhtar
- Published on:
- Fri 14 Dec 2018
