Recent updates to The Ivy Manchester menu have drawn fresh attention from local diners and critics alike. The Spinningfields brasserie, a fixture in the city’s dining scene since its launch, refreshed its a la carte offerings this January with subtle tweaks to classics amid broader Ivy Collection changes for 2026. Conversations in Manchester’s food circles now center on these adjustments, particularly standout items that balance tradition and innovation. The Ivy Manchester menu signature dining picks stand out in this context, as patrons seek elevated brasserie fare amid rising interest in experiential meals post-holidays. Chefs have emphasized ingredients like truffle and foraged mushrooms, aligning with seasonal shifts. Public logs from recent visits highlight how these selections maintain the venue’s allure in a competitive market. No major overhaul, but enough evolution to prompt return visits from regulars tracking the lineup.
Starters That Define the Menu
Buffalo Mozzarella with Clementines
Slices of creamy buffalo mozzarella arrive paired with vibrant clementine segments, their citrus bite cutting through the richness. Pesto weaves in herbal notes, while crushed hazelnuts add crunch against crispbread bases. Diners note the interplay keeps things light yet indulgent, ideal for easing into heavier courses. This opener on The Ivy Manchester menu signature dining picks reflects a Mediterranean lean, common in brasserie evolutions. Recent tableside observations capture the freshness, with clementines sourced for peak winter tang. Servers mention occasional swaps for blood oranges when supplies tighten, though the core remains steady. Pairings with a crisp white often elevate the experience, drawing comparisons to coastal Italian spots. The portion suits sharing, leaving room for mains without overwhelming. Critics in local guides praise the restraint—no excess sauce pooling. Variations appear minimal, sticking to the printed list.
Whiskey Barrel Wood Smoked Salmon
The salmon emerges from its whiskey barrel presentation at the table, a ritual that amps up anticipation. Chive cream cheese tempers the smoke, salmon roe pops with briny bursts, and dark rye bread anchors it all. Lemon wedges invite personalization. On The Ivy Manchester menu signature dining picks, this earns nods for theatrical flair without gimmickry. Wood-smoking imparts depth, distinguishing it from standard cures. Patrons report the roe quantity impresses, rarely skimped. Availability ties to supplier consistency, but logs show reliability. Comparisons to Scottish smokeries surface in chats, though the barrel reveal sets it apart. Pricing hovers premium, justified by the show. Accompaniments like pickled elements occasionally rotate seasonally. First-timers often linger over the reveal, extending the starter’s moment.
Roasted Queen Scallops
Seared queen scallops rest on creamed spinach, drizzled with truffle-Parmesan emulsion. Pine nut pangrattato scatters for texture, potato puffs add starch, Greek cress finishes sharp. The Ivy Manchester menu signature dining picks spotlight this for luxury in modest form. Truffle notes linger subtly, avoiding overpower. Scallops achieve caramelization without toughness, per diner accounts. Spinach cream binds without sogginess. Portions—typically four—satisfy solo or duo shares. Servers flag it as gluten-friendly minus puffs. Winter menus amplify the emulsion’s role. Nearby tables often order multiples, signaling popularity. Sourcing emphasizes sustainability, though specifics stay kitchen-bound. Wine matches lean toward Chardonnay, cutting the richness.
Twice-baked Cheese Soufflé
Gratinated Monterey Jack and mozzarella soufflé bakes twice, set in cream sauce topped with black truffle gratings. The rise holds firm, interior custardy. This entry in The Ivy Manchester menu signature dining picks nods to brasserie heritage with modern twists. Timing proves crucial—servers rush hot deliveries. Cheese blend melts seamlessly, truffle elevates earthiness. Vegetarians gravitate here, filling without meat. Occasional menu rotations test variants, but this persists. Acidity from sides like dressed leaves balances heft. Reviews capture the ooze on fork pierce. Pricing undercuts scallop peers, broadening appeal. Kitchen logs imply high demand, prompting batch preps.
The Ivy Classic Crispy Duck Salad
Crispy duck shards toss with roasted cashews, sesame, watermelon cubes, ginger, and hoisin. The mix crunches and yields in bites. The Ivy Manchester menu signature dining picks feature this as a crowd anchor, blending Asian accents with brasserie ease. Watermelon juices the hoisin, preventing cloy. Cashews toast dark for nutty snap. Portions skew generous, suiting appetites. Diners adapt with extra lime squeezes. Longevity on the card speaks volumes—rarely refreshed. Pairings veer spicy, like ginger beer cocktails. Servers note shred consistency across services. Local buzz ties it to original Ivy London roots.
Mains That Anchor Evenings
Truffled Chicken Milanese
Crumbed chicken breast crowns with fried hen’s egg, truffle sauce pools beneath, Parmesan shaves over mâche salad. Crisp exterior yields to juicy meat. The Ivy Manchester menu signature dining picks position this as comfort elevated. Egg yolk runny, sauce unctuous without grease. Portions fill plates generously. Diners tweak with lemon wedges. Truffle aroma wafts table-wide. Comparisons to Italian delis arise, but brasserie plating distinguishes. Servers push sides like spinach. Availability steady, minor price creeps noted. Wine reds complement the earthiness.
Traditional Fish and Chips
1917 batter encases cod, fried golden with mushy peas, thick chips, tartare. Crunch shatters, interior flakes steamy. Among The Ivy Manchester menu signature dining picks, this classic endures for nostalgia amid flair. Batter lightness impresses, peas vibrant. Chips hold triple-fry integrity. Family shares common. Tartare caps capers generously. Updates minimal, preserving formula. Local ales pair naturally. Servers flag gluten options. Demand peaks weekends.
Scottish Smoked Haddock and Salmon Fishcake
Fishcake fries crisp, tops poached egg over crushed pea-herb sauce. Flakes meld seamlessly. The Ivy Manchester menu signature dining picks highlight this for seafood depth. Egg runs yolky, peas pop green. Portion singular but hearty. Diners savor sauce herbaceous lift. Smoke balances without overpower. Sides like mash enhance. Consistency praised in visits. Wine whites cut richness.
The Ivy Classic Shepherd’s Pie
Slow-braised lamb-beef mince mounds under Cheddar mash, rosemary-red wine sauce seeps. Crust browns crisp. In The Ivy Manchester menu signature dining picks, tradition reigns hearty. Mash peaks fluffy, filling savory. Portions steam-filling. Servers note oven-fresh timing. Comparisons to pub fares favor Ivy finesse. Veggie swaps available. Ale chasers common.
Lobster Linguine
Rustic tomato-chilli sauce clings pasta with soft herbs, lemon zest. Chunks stud generously. The Ivy Manchester menu signature dining picks reserve this for splurge. Heat builds subtle, herbs freshen. Twirl yields luxe bites. Portions satisfy twosome. White wines amplify. Servers warn spice variance. Demand justifies premium tag.
Sides and Enhancements
Creamed Spinach with Pangrattato
Spinach creams smooth, pangrattato toasts nutty, pine nuts-Parmesan grate over. The Ivy Manchester menu signature dining picks extend to these supports. Texture contrasts velvet-crunch. Garlic whispers present. Shares well. Diners doctor with zest. Versatility shines across plates.
Tenderstem Broccoli
Broccoli spears gloss with lemon oil, sea salt crystals. Crisp-tender snap. Among The Ivy Manchester menu signature dining picks’ quiet stars, simplicity rules. Oil infuses bright. Portions side-perfect. Vegan staple. Pairs universally.
Thick Cut Chips
Triple-cooked chips stack sturdy, skins crisp. Seasoning light. The Ivy Manchester menu signature dining picks rely on this staple. Fry holds hot. Ketchup optional. Shares encourage. Consistency hallmark.
Truffle and Parmesan Chips
Chips elevate with truffle shavings, Parmesan veil. Aroma intoxicates. The Ivy Manchester menu signature dining picks’ indulgence peak here. Splurge draws orders. Portions tempt doubles. Wine foes beware heft.
Mashed Potato with Olive Oil
Cream whips airy, olive oil swirls fruity. Smooth yield. In The Ivy Manchester menu signature dining picks, comfort grounds. Butter absent, oil shines. Scoops generous. Gravy mates ideal.
Desserts That Linger
The Ivy Chocolate Bombe
Bombe melts tableside over vanilla ice cream-honeycomb core with caramel pour. Drama unfolds gooey. The Ivy Manchester menu signature dining picks climax sweetly. Ice cream tempers chocolate. Shares theatrical. Spoons race.
Flambéed Crème Brûlée
Vanilla custard flames to crackle crust tableside. Silky depths. Among The Ivy Manchester menu signature dining picks, ritual enchants. Torch sparks cheers. Berries optional. Raspberries cut rich.
Sticky Toffee Pudding
Cake soaks salted caramel, dates stud, clotted cream-gold flakes crown. Warm embrace. The Ivy Manchester menu signature dining picks nod British close. Chew yields tender. Teas balance.
Frosted Frozen Berries
Berries-redcurrants chill with yoghurt, white chocolate drizzle. Refreshing chill. The Ivy Manchester menu signature dining picks lighten finales. Tart-sweet dance. Light forks quick.
Foraged Wild Mushroom Linguine
Though pasta-forward, truffle flecks make dessert-adjacent indulgence. Earthy close. The Ivy Manchester menu signature dining picks blur savory-sweet. Pine nuts crunch. Portions linger savory.
The Ivy Manchester menu signature dining picks weave a tapestry of brasserie reliability amid subtle 2026 shifts, from truffled accents to preserved classics like shepherd’s pie and fish and chips. Public records show these hold steady, with tableside rituals like salmon reveals and bombe melts cementing experiential pull. Yet gaps persist—seasonal rotations unlogged publicly, supplier variances unspoken. Implications ripple for Manchester’s scene: venues like this anchor Spinningfields’ polish, drawing locals amid economic squeezes via value menus at £19.17. Diners weigh indulgence against tags, favoring picks like duck salad for shareability. What records resolve: core lineup’s endurance, ingredient focusses on smoke and citrus. Unresolved: exact 2026 tweaks beyond January prints, or how rooftop variants diverge. Forward, watch for spring herb integrations or curry evolutions—conversations hint at more without firm announcements. The menu’s evolution mirrors broader Ivy moves, leaving room for what tableside adaptations next season might unveil.
