Tucked away in the Northern Quarter, Montpellier’s Café Bar awaits your discovery. This charmingly rustic yet warm and welcoming new bar draws in a crowd who have already encountered what will soon be recognised as the location for casual romantic rendezvous and relaxed football-screening camaraderie in Manchester.
The Venue
Wall and ceiling mounted lantern lighting creates a warm ambience.
When we entered Montpellier’s we were greeted by friendly and relaxed staff, an un-intrusive, rustic French je ne sais quoi and the aromas of the fragrant stews and casseroles from the kitchen behind the bar. Hanging from the walls we found iconic sepia framed photographs of classic Montpellier images; a subtle touch that adds character to the venue. Wire-caged wall lanterns create a dark and cosy ambience as the only sources of light alongside tableside candles, whilst metal chairs keep the venue fresh and modern. A great double-decker venue, with a homely ground floor greeting, dining and bar area and a basement below, complete with two wall mounted televisions for those all-important football games.
The Atmosphere and Clientele
Football fans head downstairs to watch the game on big screens in the cosy basement
A warm, dimly lit venue, Montpellier’s has a cool and calm atmosphere. With wonderfully un-intrusive and private leather booths on the ground-floor, you can hide away in your own little bubble. If you visit Montpellier’s on a match day, which we did, you can also expect to see viewers flock to the purpose-built football screening section with a draw-able curtains to separate the football fans from those who came in just to enjoy a few drinks and food. Montpellier’s is a friendly venue, where clientele come to relax and socialise with friends, or immerse themselves in the palpable shared emotion of a successful penalty.
The Food and Drink
The rustic presentation of the Chicken, Chorizo and Butterbean Stew.
First to cavort with my palate was the homely Chicken, Chorizo and Butterbean Stew served on a chunky wooden board in a white cookery pan as though straight off the stove. Honest, hearty food with an authentic presentation and accompaniments such as kicky Dijon Mustard, Montpellier’s offerings won’t leave you feeling hungry. Their deserts are a refreshing change; infusing a French influence on the Bread and Butter Pudding classic, we couldn’t resist trying their Pastry and Butter Pudding which uses croissants instead of bread. My drink of choice was the classic Cosmopolitan and was as crisp and refreshing as ever, whilst my companion tried a European beer from their extensive drinks list. A great choice for a casual yet satisfying meal out.
The extremely yummy Pastry and Butter Pudding complete with vanilla ice cream
Summary
Whether you are a couple looking for somewhere new to try for a meal out, a group of friends needing to catch up, or mates wanting somewhere to eat good food and drink good drink whilst watching the game, you can rest assured that Montpellier’s will provide. A top new addition to the Northern Quarter! Book your table for dinner or drinks now using the form above.
