Suggestions
Explore the featured selections!
Pollen Bakery sourdough, black garlic butter
Hummus, herb oil
Lamb flatbread, mint yoghurt
Moving Mountains plant-based burger, charcoal bun, fries
About
The Refuge
Welcome to The Refuge, a culinary oasis nestled on Oxford Street in Manchester. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse menu, this establishment offers a rich experience that pairs stunning decor with exquisite dishes. As you step through its doors, you are greeted by a warm ambiance that excites the senses, setting the stage for a memorable dining adventure.
At The Refuge, the menu showcases an impressive array of options, catering to various palates. The restaurant's delightful offerings span from Sunday lunch to casual bar food, with an emphasis on fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Highlights include:
- Refuge Sundays: Treat yourself to delightful starters like Pollen Bakery sourdough served with black garlic butter or olives. These dishes embody a harmony of flavors that tantalize your taste buds.
- Veggie Feasting Menu: Dive into a veggie paradise with hummus drizzled in herb oil, charred carrots with carrot top pesto, and blackened tenderstem broccoli dressed in miso. Each dish is a celebration of plant-based creativity.
- Public Bar Food: For a more casual outing, indulge in thincut fries sprinkled with rosemary salt or the semolina-crusted blue oyster mushrooms — a true delight that blends texture and taste perfectly.
The attention to detail at The Refuge does not stop at the food. Customers rave about the exceptional service, with staff members like Rebecca and Vaishnavi described as the heart of the restaurant, adding warmth and personality to the experience. Diners have expressed their appreciation for the swift service and friendly demeanor, feeling welcomed and cherished throughout their visit.
As Maria K aptly noted, The Refuge encapsulates a dining experience rich in both flavor and warmth. The remarkable reviews emphasize the quality of the dishes, from perfectly cooked meats to standout vegetarian options, which further enhance the reputation of the brand. The environment itself, filled with gorgeous interior designs, complements the culinary delights beautifully.
If you're looking for a spot that masterfully blends culinary artistry with comforting vibes, The Refuge is a must-visit. Each meal here feels like a celebration, whether you're indulging in a Sunday feast or enjoying light bar snacks. This establishment not only offers fantastic food but also leaves a lasting impression on all who visit, making it a standout venue in the heart of Manchester!
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ We had an amazing dinner at this restaurant in Manchester. Good service and delicious food. We ordered the big plate. ”
“ First time in The Refuge today for Sunday lunch easy to book online. Walking in was amazing so much to look at and a great feel. Got seated straight away to a table for two. Server came straight over and greeted us with a big smile and asked us if we would like water and we gave our food options. Rebecca the server was so amazing I love to walk into a place where the server is so helpful and all with a big smile. She really made us and our experience more enjoyable. Not many places these days have servers like her which was a bonus for us. The food was out of this world the beef cooked to perfection and the gravy oh my god was the best one of the best Sunday lunches I have had in my 36 years. It’s a must try and will be back when we are visiting again. Champagne was cooled for us which is also another bonus. Thank you again and a big thank you to Rebecca you need to be thanked for your big smile and amazing customer service. I have travelled a lot around the world and your service was amazing and all with that big smile. Your a credit too the refuge and I hope this review gets you noticed and you get told about it. Thank you again and everyone please give this place a try it’s really amazing the atmosphere also. ”
“ The building is gorgeous inside and the food was sublime. Sunday dinner service was both quick service and tasty with excellent staff on hand. The dinner itself is not cheap but I do find it to be worth the price. ”
“ I took my son here for a nice meal before we went over to the palace theatre. Service was good and Vaishnavi couldn’t do enough for us. My son had the chicken and chips children’s meal and I had the steak. Steak was very nice and chips seasoned at the right level. We would have stayed for dessert but had to go to watch the production. Looking forward to coming back to bring my wife before we visit the Palace Theatre again later on this year. ”
“ Beautiful surroundings paired with a delectable food menu. Chilled atmosphere and great service. My go to Manchester venue. ”
“ Delightful relaxed but upmarket eatery. Limited vegetarian choice but the dishes we had were delicious and we left replete without the deserts. Special thanks to the bar team who whisked us up Brandy Alexanders even though they aren't on either the cocktail or dessert menus. ”
“ Absolutely delicious. Had the pork belly and it was well worth it. Our waitress Nikita was lovely and made sure we had a lovely evening. ”
“ Visited in December when the place had a great festive buzz—people out enjoying themselves, soaking up the atmosphere. We sat in the restaurant rather than the bar, which felt more relaxed. Prices were fair, especially if you're used to London rates. The starters of hummus, sourdough, and chips were all solid, and service was friendly. We didn’t stay for a full meal as we’d already eaten, but the decor inside was lovely. Bonus points for keeping the service charge at a sensible 10%, unlike London’s creeping 13.5% with no added value. Would happily return. ”