Provence
Ian Jones, Food and Drink Editor
Looking for a Mediterranean-style wine bar in Manchester? Head over to Spinningfields and take a seat at Provence. Round the corner from the crown court, you’ll find a bunch of outdoor tables to watch the world go by, or if the weather’s decidedly unMediterranean just grab a seat inside. It’s a stylish venue, all high ceilings and huge windows to gaze out of, with friendly staff who not only know their onions, but also know their cheeses, meats, wines and cocktails.
On a sunny afternoon, the red wine sangria is the perfect place to start. Full to brim with thick chunks of fruit, ice cubes, red wine and brandy, it’s a delicious first drink choice. But the star of the show is the Melonade cocktail. It might not have the razzle-dazzle of showy cocktails at places like the nearby The Alchemist, but the flavour profile is one of the best around. It’s also the favourite of our waitress, who reveals she came in on her day off to try it – high praise.
The food menu is like the venue: small (at least compared to its near-neighbours) but smart and well-thought-out. It’s largely light bites, tapas-style small plates that are perfect to share. This fits the vibe perfectly – it’s an intimate space to drop in to meet friends or go on dates, grab some elegant drinks and food to share.
Start with the crostinis – crusty semi-circles of bread, topped with a range of toppings. These go from the traditional – soft serrano ham, drizzled with a thick, gooey balsamic glaze – to the more unusual but no less appetising, such as thick fig chutney, topped with a fresh clementine.
At £10, the salads are a nice light option. The simple Greek salad is a standout option, coming with big cubes of feta cheese, plenty of cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives and red onion.
The boards are ideal if you want to kick back and pick at food over the course of a few hours. Choose between charcuterie, cheese, antipasti, or do as we did and opt for the lot on the mixed board. This comes with two big hunks of cheese – manchego and pecorino – plus some salami and ham, grilled peppers and a delicious black olive tapenade to dip into.
Provence is a delightful addition to Manchester city centre’s food scene. It’s all about unfussy, top-quality food and drink, served by friendly likeable staff in great-looking surroundings.
