Gorgeously modern: the Hyatt Recency’s Winter Menu reviewed

Manchester’s multi-award winning Hyatt Regency Hotel is getting something very right. Already a destination in itself, the ultra-modern, purpose built hotel was awarded City of Manchester Business Hotel of the Year earlier this month, and is the preferred accommodation of 90% of the UK’s premier league football teams.

Located in of the city’s world-class innovation district, the Hyatt is a short stroll from Manchester Museum and just across the road from The Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM). A relaxed in-house bar called ‘The Graduate’ greets you as you walk in. This is a space to enjoy grown up favourites, including bespoke cocktails inspired by the scientific achievements nearby such as the Smoked Old Fashioned, served in a huge glass cloche (£12).

Meanwhile, the upmarket and open plan ‘Laureate’ restaurant serves international favourites that you’ll really want to eat. Think cosmopolitan, big glass hotel vibes, with flashes of contemporary lighting and a buzzing open kitchen where you can watch the team at work.

Naturally, we went big on global vibes to start. Blackened padron peppers came dotted with tiny, burst in the mouth biquinho ( AKA ‘drop’) peppers (£5). There’s house- cured salmon, with a contrasting orange salad (£12). King of the starters however, was Abd’s Mezze (£16). Think delicately spiced homemade babaganoush and hummus, juicy olives, pickled veg, and warm, homemade flatbreads.

Sticky Short rib

The sticky slow-cooked 12hr short rib main course (£28) is perfect, while other contenders for the top spot include spelt penne primavera (£20), house-made pizzas (£14-£16), Abd’s amazing Arabian Mixed Grill (£22) and Vika’s House Prawn Biryani (£26); As you might have gathered, dishes across the new menu are devised by and named after various kitchen team members who you can see at work in the open kitchen. It’s a great idea. The Cote de Boeuf (£65 for 2) is excellent value too, including sides and peppercorn, bearnaise and garlic butter.

To drink, you’ll want to try the Progresso Malbec (£52/£13/£17) while the rest of the table enjoyed a range of alcohol free cocktails (the Amaretto Sour, £8, is an absolutely must) and a fresh Italian Pinot Grigio (£28/£7.25/£9.65).

We demolished several desserts, including the Manchester Bee (£9); a layered, honey-infused parfait, topped with a malty-licious honeycomb-shaped cracker. We loved the lemon tart (£9) too – zingy and crisp-bottomed with a just-toasted marshmallowy top – while the sticky toffee pudding (£8) was a smash with miso ice cream and a toasted black and white sesame seed sail.

Sublime service 

While some hotel restaurants struggle with being out the way and stuffy, the Hyatt is the exact opposite. Staff are the friendly side of professional (the Maitre’d D came from home of legendary service, the Midland) and we enjoyed a fabulous evening as the sun slowly set over the city’s western side.

Contemporary chandeliers turned up the glam as the restaurant filled up with couples and families around us at this welcome addition to the city’s dining scene.