Residents of Manchester have no idea how lucky they are to have Side Street on their doorstep. Located in St John’s, the newest district in the city, known for its creativity, Side Street is open day and night and is well worth a visit.
We sent our writer, Rachel McAlley to experience the ambiance, music, food, and even a few cocktails. By day, Side Street specialises in coffee, Tartuffe food for brunch, and locally produced beers. By night, the atmosphere seamlessly transforms from creatives on laptops to locals and visitors enjoying the playlist, DJs, cocktails, and of course a signature evening dining menu.
Side Store and Tartuffe at Side Street
I spent a recent Saturday from early evening through until the early hours dining, drinking, and thoroughly enjoying the music at Side Street. Along with my fiancé we dined in the downstairs area, in the busy Side Store. We tucked into some outstanding food from Tartuffe. Our snacks (aka starters) included Mini Chicken Kievs (£7.50) and Aged Comte (£6). The Aged Comte was simply delicious, and was served with buckwheat honey, which gave it a perfect sweetness to compliment the cheese.
Moving onto our mains we chose the famous Tartuffe Rotisserie Chicken (£14), and the 8oz Flat Iron Steak (£19.50). The chicken was served in its own jus, which was intensely flavoursome, with half a roasted garlic bulb and half a lemon grilled – an absolutely superb dish. The steak was served with some wonderful mushrooms served sott’olio. We were offered a selection of side dishes and opted for Roast Potatoes with thyme (£5.50), and Warm Brassica Salad of cauliflower, kale and romesco, plus Yorkshire pecorino (£6.50). Furthermore, we also ordered Caesar Salad (£6), and Fries (£5). The roast potatoes and Caesar salad were excellent sides, as they both added something unique to the mains. Extras included a Peppercorn Sauce (£4), and Buffalo Hot Sauce (£3).
To be fair we were absolutely stuffed after these dishes from Tartuffe. However, we decided to sample the specials menu pudding of Lemon Sorbet served with Limoncello (£7). This was a brilliant way to end the meal as it was refreshing, light and tarty.
Side Bar and Side Space at Side Street
After dinner we ventured upstairs to Side Bar to relax with cocktails on one of their large comfy sofas that adorn the bar area. We met the Side Street Manager who talked us through the fun drinks menu, and told us a little more about the venue and what they offer. So, we already knew about Side Store as that’s downstairs and is part restaurant, part café bar, and part shop with local produce and beers to take home. We obviously knew about Side Bar, which again was part restaurant, and part living room packed with sofas, squishy chairs, bar tables and of course Side Bar itself. However, we didn’t know about Side Space, a blank canvas for up to 100 guests for private hire, with access to Side Bar and its own direct street entrance.
We poured over the drinks menu for ages until we decided upon the Byrom Fizz (£9.50), and the Ohh Betty (£11.50). Firstly, the Byrom Fizz was made with vodka, elderflower, cranberry, and rosemary. Secondly, Ohh Betty was made with gin, cherry, citrus, and spices. Thirdly, needless to say, we were hooked and these were our chosen drinks for the rest of the night!
There were plenty of other interesting cocktails, like the Very Dirty Martini (£12.50) served with gin, vermouth and amazing olives. Alternatively, the Cocoa Colada (£11) with spiced rum, ginger, cocoa and coconut sounded delish! Equally, the Pineapple and Ricotta Daiquiri (£12) with pineapple rum, pineapple rotisserie, pineapple caramel, and ricotta looked phenomenally good.
More From Side Street
Side Street is the perfect location if you want to relax with great music, outstanding food, amazing cocktails, and like-minded people. We can’t wait to return and take friends, simply to show them how good the rotisserie chicken is and how fabulous the cocktails are!
All-in-all Side Street is a one-stop venue for everything you could possibly need during the day and into the night. I would highly recommend a visit.
Check out Side Street Manchester to book a table, see opening times, or hire Side Space. Additionally, why not visit the Side Street Insta and Tartuffe Insta to find out what they’ve been up!
Could Side Street Be The Best Venue In Manchester? – Words by Rachel McAlley / @LadyRach
