
The Refuge
An elegant and spacious dining room in a landmark Victorian building, offering an international menu and vibrant bar.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

The Refuge

Highlights
Must-see attractions
An elegant and spacious dining room in a landmark Victorian building, offering an international menu and vibrant bar.
"Stunning Victorian architecture meets global flavors and a buzzing atmosphere at The Refuge."
Book Ahead
Reservations are recommended, especially for weekend dining, as walk-ins might be turned away.
Consider the Mix Sunday Roast
The 'mix' Sunday roast offers a taste of everything: beef, chicken, and porchetta. A great option for indecisive diners.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Eclectic International
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Sunday Roast Experience
Indulge in a decadent Sunday roast, featuring slow-cooked beef, succulent chicken, and tender porchetta, all served with classic trimmings.

Elegant Ambiance and Decor
Dine in a stunning, spacious Victorian building with opulent decor, ceramic pillars, and an atrium ceiling, creating a unique atmosphere.

Creative Cocktails and Drinks
Savor unique cocktails and a curated wine list in a vibrant bar setting, perfect for after-work drinks or a lively night out.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Ahead
Reservations are recommended, especially for weekend dining, as walk-ins might be turned away.
Consider the Mix Sunday Roast
The 'mix' Sunday roast offers a taste of everything: beef, chicken, and porchetta. A great option for indecisive diners.
Embrace the Festive Buzz
Visit in December for a festive atmosphere and potentially better prices compared to other times.
Be Prepared for Loud Music
The music can be quite loud, particularly on weekend evenings. Consider this if you prefer a quieter dining experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ahead
Reservations are recommended, especially for weekend dining, as walk-ins might be turned away.
Consider the Mix Sunday Roast
The 'mix' Sunday roast offers a taste of everything: beef, chicken, and porchetta. A great option for indecisive diners.
Embrace the Festive Buzz
Visit in December for a festive atmosphere and potentially better prices compared to other times.
Be Prepared for Loud Music
The music can be quite loud, particularly on weekend evenings. Consider this if you prefer a quieter dining experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Refuge offers a visually stunning dining experience with generally excellent food and attentive service, particularly noted for its Sunday roasts and cocktails. However, some diners find the music too loud, impacting the overall ambiance, especially during weekend evenings.
"Excellent Sunday roast, both the beef and vegetarian versions! The deserts were amazing too, as well as the kind and attentive service - thanks Josie!"
Matic Dajnko
"We ordered the croquettes, which were delicious and full of cheesy goodness, definitely recommend if you are looking for a starter.
For our mains we ordered the mix Sunday roast, which meant you get a bit of everything.
The pork had crispy skin and tasted extremely tender, the beef was soft and not overcooked, just pink how I like it. I was also surprised the chicken wasn’t dry, was very succulent and juicy.
The only thing that let it down was the food wasn’t warm enough, the potatoes felt a bit cold for our liking, otherwise everything else was good.
Love the ambience of the restaurant and friendly staff."
Kirst L
"Lovely pub with absolutely gorgeous decor and amazing service. The food however, is not it. We only enjoyed our small plates and snacks, and the vegetarian options. The other plates were not very interesting for the price. I also ordered the steak done medium rare, and it was clearly rare (still pink on the outside). Will definitely go back for the drinks though, the cocktails are lovely and the vibes are immaculate."
Sohini Dutta
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The Refuge is known for its stunning Victorian architecture, elegant ambiance, delicious Sunday roasts, and creative cocktails.
Yes, reservations are highly recommended as the restaurant can get busy, and walk-in customers may be turned away.
While the music contributes to the lively atmosphere, some diners find it too loud, especially on weekend evenings.
Yes, The Refuge offers vegetarian and vegan options, indicated on their menu.
The Sunday roast is highly recommended, as are small plates like croquettes and the 'mix' Sunday roast for a variety.
Absolutely! The Refuge has a beautiful bar area and is a great spot for enjoying cocktails and curated wines.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
The best bars and nightlife in Manchester
One of Manchester’s best-looking bars is in the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel. Its vast, grand public bar with original tiled pillars and moulded ceilings feels special but has a laid-back atmosphere, while its Winter Garden, with trees wrapped in fairy lights, is the place to slip off to with your date. There’s a fantastic selection of cocktails – try The Glamour of Manchester which combines Manchester raspberry gin, St Germain, lemon, vanilla and berry wine foam – and, as you’d expect from a venue originally set up by two DJs, there’s an upbeat soundtrack such as disco and boogie on Saturday nights.
The Best Fine Dining Restaurants In Manchester
A recent opening on Manchester’s restaurant scene, The Refuge has already secured a spot as one of the city’s most popular dining spots. The team behind Didsbury’s award-winning Volta have transformed the restaurant in the former Palace Hotel, paying just as much detail to decadent surroundings as to the impeccable menu. The evening menu consists of tapas-like small plates (Voltini) – perfect for sharing – and delicious larger plates that offer tasty alternatives to standard restaurant fare such as belly-stuffed seabass, the lamb shwarma naan burger or hake with black daal.
Restaurants in Manchester, Liverpool, and the Peak District
This glamorous spot serves eclectic global food amidst the original features of a stunning Victorian Gothic building that's been given new life as the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel. Expect dishes such as halibut ceviche with red onion, lemon crème fraïche, almond, and sumac or lamb shawarma with roasted garlic, toum, zhug, slaw, green chili, onions, and lahuhua. The bar is a beauty, too (the restaurateurs are former DJs, so think hip).
The 11 Best Cocktail Bars In Manchester - Manchester
Every so often you want a bar that just makes you feel like the shiniest version of yourself. The Refuge, a 10,000-square-foot, double-high space inside the landmark Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, is the pinnacle of that. The City Centre building is turn-of-the-century excess incarnate: stained glass, a marble and bronze staircase, an interior Victorian winter garden.
Best Bars in Manchester
Located in a landmark Victorian building on Oxford Street, designed by nineteenth-century architect Alfred Waterhouse, this bar and restaurant (within a revamped grand hotel) is simply stunning. It’s worth a visit for the opulent decor alone – its vast floor space seems to go on forever and entering The Refuge feels like just that: an inviting escape from the endless bustle of the roads outside, and perhaps even a blissful escape from your own busy mind. Indulgence is the name of the game – top-class DJs spin tunes here, the food is magnificent should you choose to eat (the small plates are superb), the wine list and cocktails are curated with dedication and knowledge, and while the ambiance is undeniably vibrant and atmospheric, there is always space to relax.
German Doner Kebab 舒適企理快餐店 | Trip.com Manchester
The Tavern at King Street Townhouse | 20 Stories | Peter Street Kitchen | Pomegranate | Chez Mal at Malmaison Manchester | The Library Champagne Bar | Try Thai | TNQ RESTAURANT & BAR | Albert's Shed | MR THOMAS'S CHOP HOUSE | Hispi | Sam's Chop House | Slug & Lettuce Manchester, Deansgate | Hard Rock Cafe - Manchester | The Albert Square Chop House | Pasha Restaurant | Rajdoot Tandoori | The Wharf | Chop & Plant - Manchester Spinningfields | Australasia | LEVEL 3 at Mercure Manchester Piccadilly | Richmond Tea Rooms | Mughli Charcoal Pit | Double Zero Neapolitan Pizza | The Refuge | Fazenda Rodizio Bar & Grill | THE RIVER RESTAURANT | Volta | The Lime Tree | Asha's Manchester
Tried And Tested: Best Restaurants In Manchester
Located in the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, The Refuge is a really popular and elegant place to eat and is inspired by the global DJing trips of Justin Crawford and Luke Cowdrey. Housed in a stunning late-Victorian building, this 139-seat restaurant boasts an open kitchen, a gorgeous granite bar, and an atrium ceiling. Their globe-trotting menu includes a number of tapas-style plates such as spiced lamb flatbreads served with pomegranate and mint, cured salmon with rose fennel and lemon, as well as chimichurri pork chops with grilled pineapple, tikka octopus and daal, all ready to be wolfed down across their opulent space.
The best afternoon teas in Manchester
The beautiful Winter Garden at The Kimpton Clocktower Hotel - also home of The Refuge by Volta - not long ago launched its afternoon tea offer with a ‘contemporary twist’, served between 1pm and 4 every Tuesday through Thursday. Start off with a pot of The Brew Tea Company tea or a Heart & Graft Cafe, before tucking into savoury treats like the cheddar cheese custard with flatbread and baby carrots or the oak-smoked salmon with beetroot chutney and labneh. On the sweet side of things there’s a fig Battenberg, passion fruit and white chocolate opera cake, plus yoghurt, honey and tahini choux bun.
The ten best restaurants for kids (and you) in Manchester city centre
The Refuge is perfect for a special celebratory family meal - something to suit everyone on the menu and beautiful surroundings too. Kids can choose from cod croquettes or crispy chicken wings, and of course, the essential Refuge Sundae from the £6.95 children's menu, though more adventurous palates might consider graduating to the grown-ups' menu. We are also hoping the Refuge team will bring back their excellent family days (pictured above) which have the same laidback vibe as the more grown-up nights, but with more gluesticks.
Lush Guide...Best Bars In Manchester, UK
Housed in Manchester’s stunning Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, The Refuge is a Victorian architectural masterpiece transformed into one of the city’s most impressive drinking destinations. The winter garden, with its soaring glass ceiling and lush greenery, provides an enchanting setting for afternoon drinks that easily transition into evening cocktails. The bar’s extensive wine list and signature cocktails are served alongside a carefully curated menu of small plates, making it perfect for both casual drinks and special occasions.
Best Nightlife in Salford | manchester-hotels.uk
Originally created by chef Dominique Ansel in New York, the croissant-doughnut hybrid (cronut) caught everyone’s imaginations and spawned a succession of homages. The Alberts Schloss take on the sweet pastry is an utter delight, freshly baked in-house with a range of tempting flavours including chocolate gateaux and salted caramel with popcorn. This week, to tie-in with royal wedding fever, try the Eton mess: a golden sugar kronut with strawberry jam, vanilla cream, glazed strawberries, meringue kisses and fresh mint.
Where to go for lunch in Manchester
The Refuge is one of Manchester's most distinguished venues, boasting an elegant, glamorously-decorated space featuring golden accents, tiled floors, and Art Deco elements, as well as a stylish winter garden. With a menu that includes everything from casual small plates to international mains, and a drink selection spanning international wines, non-alcoholic options, and inventive house cocktails, The Refuge is a prime spot for both casual and celebratory occasions. A set lunch menu is served as well.
Outdoor Drinking & Dining Terraces in Manchester Cosy Enough for Winter
The Refuge’s legendary Winter Garden is of course the perfect place to enjoy some cocktails over the colder months, and you won’t even need to venture outdoors. The inclusion of the stunning tree, and the surround conservatory manages to whisk you away into a sort-of Narnia wonderland just without any Turkish Delight or evil witches. There’s also their gorgeous new outdoor terrace too – which is fully heated and plays host to a variety of events and street food vendors throughout the year.
Things to Do & Places to Visit in Manchester
For football fanatics casual watchers alike, the National Football Museum is dedicated to the beautiful game, and displays around 2,500 artefacts across four huge galleries. See the oldest surviving FA Cup trophy from 1904, learn about the Hall of Fame inductees (including Lionesses Jill Scott and Steph Houghton) and try your hand (or more appropriately, foot) at a penalty shoot-out. There’s also an on-site café if you need a half-time refreshment!
10 quick and tasty lunches in Manchester
A post shared by The Refuge (@therefugemcr) on May 16, 2017 at 10:22am PDT. An elegant yet comfortable space for lunch, The Refuge offers a globetrotting menu of small and larger plates inspired by international travels. Choose The People’s Lunch and indulge in a quick and hearty bowl of soul food with weekly-changing meat, seafood and vegetarian options – think papaya chicken with pickled cucumber, or farro risotto with tomato and mascarpone ragu.
Must Eat Foods In Manchester And Where To Eat Them
This recently renovated bar inside the Principal Hotel is a must for its, fancy grub and dainty cocktails which offers a spin on the traditional late-night take out for every Mancunian. With gorgeous architecture, the place is beautiful for sipping a drink and is home to the best spin off dirty kebab. With a Dining Room, Winter Garden, Public Bar, and Den, The Refuge has the perfect atmosphere for enjoying elegant food and classy drinks.
The Nice Restaurants in Manchester Worth Going To
Hotel restaurant.International menu in an opulent setting.Located in Palace Hotel on Oxford Street. Escape to The Refuge, where comfort and luxury invite you in. With a contemporary design located at the epicenter of city life – near both high-powered financial sectors and government offices – this unique destination is sure to impress with its classic French cuisine fused with modern dishes like seared scallops & roasted veggies.
The Best Night Out In Manchester - 20 Top Picks By…
Inside the foundations of the iconic Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, Refuge is a broody romantic Manchester venue. All in ceramic tiling, decadent pillars rise up, and glittering chandeliers hang down below an elegant atrium. Refuge is a high-ceilinged bar with lots of cosy spots to soak in the atmosphere with a decadent cocktail, choice whiskey, or top-shelf wine, including its winter garden and den for impressive private events.
Top Family Restaurants in Manchester
Part of the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, this is a stunning 1920’s fully restored art deco building on Oxford Road. It’s a great space to meet friends on a Sunday, pop into for lunch or just sit and relax with a drink whilst soaking up the DJs tunes. There’s an extensive and yummy adult’s menu including an enticing Sunday roast – we like the Roast Platter for Two, garlic and thyme-roasted Cumbrian chicken or vegan wellington.
Where to celebrate the Jubilee bank holiday weekend in Manchester
Kimpton Clocktower Hotel are throwing their own street party celebration with a difference from The Refuge’s Terrace on Friday 3 rd June to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in royal style. In true Refuge style, the Jubilee Street Party will showcase a diverse range of up-and-coming talent alongside established names from around Manchester playing music with a tongue-in-cheek nod to the royal family from 2pm-10pm.
15 of the best dog friendly pubs in Manchester
If you couldn’t guess from the name, The Refuge is housed inside the iconic and palatial old Refuge Assurance Building, there’s room for everyone to “come as you are” into this awesome historic pub. There are many different spaces to drink and dine and your furry friend is allowed to head inside with you. The staff might even fetch a dog bed and some free treats to make your hound as comfortable as the humans.
Tripper - Guide - The very best 12 nightlife spots in Manchester, United Kingdom
Nestled in the heart of Manchester like a bear in hibernation lies The Refuge, a hipster haven with its own quirky personality. The interior boasts a kaleidoscope of colors and quirky design elements paired with the hum of live music and the laughter of patrons. Whether you're looking for a casual drink or a full-fledged feast, The Refuge is the perfect place to unwind and release your inner wild child.
The Top Afternoon Teas in Greater Manchester
With its welcome ambiance and sociable buzz, The Refuge has become a hotspot where you can play all…. The Kimpton Clocktower Hotel’s resident restaurant Refuge is one of Manchester’s most stunning venues, it’s steeped in history and glamour and almost instantly transports you back in time. Their afternoon tea is served in The Winter Garden, which brings the outdoors into the gorgeous space.
Manchester Has To Offer in 2024
A major success story on the Manchester food and drink scene with Electrik and Volta, Justin Crawford and Luke Cowdrey have joined forces with Kimpton Clocktower Hotel to curate The Refuge. Enjoy Grass-fed rump of Lancashire beef ; rare breed pork loin; half roast Cumbrian chicken, garlic, thyme, butter; vegan pithivier with roast potatoes, gravy, Yorkshire pudding and vegetable selection.
Top 6 Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Manchester
Sophisticated and relaxed in equal measure, this beautiful dining room is a testament to global flavours. Catch up with friends over small plates on a sunny afternoon, or enjoy the heartiest of British winter food with a filling Sunday roast. With its sprawling 10,000 sq ft space, The Refuge offers an eclectic mix of environments under one roof, welcoming everyone to come as they are.
11 Best Whisky Tastings in Manchester (2024)
The Refuge, located within the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, offers a diverse whiskey experience in an eclectic setting. The Refuge features multiple unique spaces, including the Dining Room, Public Bar, Winter Garden, and The Den. Guests can explore a wide range of whiskies from around the world, including Scotch, American, and Japanese varieties, in a relaxed and stylish atmosphere.
21 best restaurants in Manchester to book right now
With soaring ceilings and glazed tiled pillars in its impressive Victorian Grade-II listed setting, Refuge, inside the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, is perhaps one of the best-looking spots to eat in the city centre. But, somehow, it manages to feel cool and informal too. he menu is made up of “little scran” sharing plates and “bigger scran” plates you can have all to yourself.
The Best Places to Go for Afternoon Tea In Manchester
Providing Afternoon Tea with a contemporary twist, The Refuge offers an anything-but-ordinary experience. From pork and kimchi sausage rolls to fig battenberg, this menu is perfect for those who want something more than the classic sandwiches. Enjoy the full menu and a pot of tea or coffee for £29.50pp, or add cocktails and sparkling wine at an additional cost.
5 Outdoor Restaurants in Manchester to Book April 12th – Sharmmaine
This is a brand new terrace opening just in time for the roadmap out of lockdown. One thing I’ve been super worried about is being cold sitting outdoors because we all know England is cold all year round, even in the summer lol. Good thing is this new space will have outdoor heating and will also be covered which will make it hundred times more comfortable.
12 dog-friendly restaurants in Manchester taking part in 'Eat Out to Help Out' this month
The Refuge is a public bar and dining room set in 10,000 square feet of breath-taking space at the iconic hotel on Oxford Street. Plus, four-legged friends are allowed in until 7pm daily, but if it’s not a busy night, you can usually get away with them staying a little later. Check out the Winter Garden area, which is full of trees, sofas and fairy lights.
10 of the Most Instagrammable Places to Eat in Manchester
The dining room in The Refuge is a huge space full of pillars, comfy booths and glossy tiles. There’s also a stunning “winter garden” area complete with actual trees, which is perfect for pre-theatre drinks. Their Tapas-style small plates make for great Insta-shots, but the food is so delicious you may forget to snap it before you devour it all.
Vegan Food in Manchester | Our top picks for eating vegan in Manchester
The Refuge, Oxford Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M60 7HA - Visit now. Of course there are plenty of meaty things on this off-kilter small plates menu, but The Refuge have a quality selection of cruelty-free choices too. From curried sweet potato to beetroot pakora via a delicious assortment of wonderfully crafted vegetable dishes.
Our Top 5 Picks for Dog-Friendly Bars in Manchester [2024]
At The Refuge, variety is the spice of life, and this is exactly what we got after visiting them. The first thing that impressed us about The Refuge is their impressive array of delightful dishes, cocktails and even Sunday roasts. From what we’ve seen, their roasts are a crowd favourite—and we couldn’t agree more after trying it.
The Ultimate Travel Guide to Manchester, England (Things to Do)
If you’re looking to work your way through one spot in Manchester, this is definitely it. With multiple spaces — from a bar to a winter garden to a restaurant — you could easily spend an entire evening here. I’d recommend dinner and sharing multiple plates, like the cured salmon, burrata, and chorizo, with friends.
Foodie guide to Manchester: 10 unmissable spots ‹ GO Blog
Refuge makes our list thanks to its famous all-day Sunday roasts. Take a hungry friend and order the 39 roast platter for two, or take your pick between chicken, lamb, beef or vegetarian served alongside roast potatoes, vegetables, Yorkshire pudding and gravy. They even serve up bloody marys and mimosas!
11 Instagram-Worthy Photo Spots in Manchester, England
The Refuge is a beautiful restaurant spot located inside the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel (formerly The Principal Manchester). Come for breakfast and enjoy their Winter Garden, a space in the heart of the venue where they’ve brought the outside indoors. Full of bright light, it’s an Instagrammer’s dream.
The 30 Best Restaurants In Manchester, UK
Arguably the most attractive restaurant in Manchester, The Refuge can be found inside the landmark Kimpton Clocktower Hotel. The dining space is gigantic, with several distinct areas. There's the public bar, a perfect hang-out spot with coffee, board games, and jazz/blues DJs, depending on the hour.
The Top 10 Most 'Instagrammable' Restaurants In Manchester
The Refuge - Transformed from the old Palace Hotel, The Refuge is the new 'must see' venue in town. It includes a stunning Winter Garden in the centre of the restaurant, where you can feel transported to another world. Beautifully light and airy, it's a space of calm in the centre of our busy city.
Food and Drink in Manchester
The Refuge, at the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, is a luxurious, modern restaurant, housed in a magnificent, Alfred Waterhouse designed, Victorian brick and terracotta building offers 10,000 sq ft of drinking and dining for everyone and anyone with the instruction “Come As You Are”.
A Romantic Guide To Manchester
You must visit Refuge when you come to Manchester because this place is just stunning. The huge building holds a number of different areas where you can dine, have drinks and relax. My favourite part of this place has to be the centrepiece, which is the beautiful Winter Garden.
The 7 Most Instagrammable Spots In Manchester
This huge bar in the city centre has a botanic-style garden that looks like it was made specifically for Instagram. Come here during the daytime and it will usually be quiet – ideal for that extra special photo. View this post on Instagram
Our Guide to Dog Friendly Manchester City Centre
We love The Refuge, it’s a magnificent venue with something for everyone and the dogs are given plenty of treats and water. We also enjoy The Wharf, another popular dog friendly place in Manchester with stunning views over the canal basin.
20 Best Restaurants In Manchester
Timings: Mon - Thur: 12pm to 11pm, Fri & Sat: 12pm to 12am, Sun: 12am to 10:30pm. The Refuge is a small plate fusion restaurant located in one of the best and most beautiful environments. This DJ-run restaurant is vast and quirky.
Instagrammable Restaurants in Manchester
The Refuge is an elegant, roomy hotel dining room with ceramic pillars, an atrium ceiling, plus an international menu. The Winter Garden is nestled between the Public Bar and Dining Room, where they’ve brought the outside in.
39 Best Restaurants in Manchester Open Right Now
The Refuge is housed in the stunning terracotta Grade II-listed building that is Kimpton Clocktower Hotel on Oxford Street. The dishes available range from small plates to Sunday roasts – including of the vegan variety.
19 of the best al fresco pubs and restaurants in Greater Manchester
The Refuge on Oxford Street is an eclectic restaurant, with its Winter Garden room featuring ceramic pillars, a high atrium ceiling and an international menu. It has a 4.4 star rating out of 3,387 Google reviews.
Manchester Night Out Guide | Ducie Street
Then, feast like royalty at Refuge before hitting Band on the Wall for some live tunes. When you’re ready to dance, Albert’s Schloss is waiting with its quirky Bavarian vibes. And for those late-night munchies?.
Top Ten Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Manchester
When Refuge first appeared on the scene, it offered incredible food and even greater club nights. It's a versatile choice that has something for everyone. Everything is awesome, including the puppies you meet.
29 bars in Manchester perfect for after event drinks
Winning small plate fusion in an iconic and glamorous setting. Housed in Manchester’s iconic The Refuge Assurance Company dating back to 1858, this DJ-run restaurant and bar is large and sassy.
Dog Friendly Manchester - UK Pet Guide
Impressively housed in a high-ceilinged atrium with ceramic pillars, the elegant and roomy Refuge offers a drinks menu in addition to an eclectic menu of international cuisines.
Manchester’s Most Instagramable Restaurants
The roast dinner platter at Refuge deserves to be posted on your feed, and whilst your there head to the winter garden to enjoy a cocktail or two.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit