The Smoak Bar and Grill can be found inside the Malmaison in Manchester, and it carries over the modern opulent-deco that the hotel is renowned for. It's predominately a steak restaurant, but there is a diverse range of dishes with a modern twist to browse too.
We sat in a large booth situated in front of the hanging chain window. It provided a private, intimate setting in an otherwise lively and busy restaurant. This table is just as good for two, as it is a larger group of people looking for some segregation.
We ordered two glasses of Veuve Clicquot Rosé NV as an aperitif, very quaffable and delicious. We also ordered a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon to enjoy with our meal, a wine born from a collaboration between Botham, Merrill, and Willis of Australia. It's a deep red wine with hints of crimson, delivering a fresh and clean taste.
"The meals were utterly delectable."
For starters we ordered a Prawn Cocktail, served with Classic Cocktail Sauce and Crisp Iceberg, and an Ahi Tuna Tartare, served with chopped Avocado, Pickled Ginger, Black Sesame, Soy Dressing and Wasabi. Both starters met our expectations for quality and taste, and the service was very prompt and enjoyable.
For mains we couldn't pass on trying their well renowned steaks. We ordered a 250gm prime aged Black Angus NY strip steak with garlic butter, and a 350gm Cote de Boeuf, prime bone-in ribeye with house herb butter. For sides, Green Beans with Feta and Vinaigrette, and Bok Choy, Ginger and Chilli rounded off the meals. The garlic and house butter's were the ideal condiments for the steaks, rich in flavour and melting in time perfectly.
The meals were utterly delectable, the presentation and service were as you would expect. The Smoak Bar and Grill specialises in steaks and deliver them cooked to perfection. All round enjoyable dining experience, definitely worth experiencing.
The Bill: £68 per head
