The Liquor Store, First Street, Manchester

If you’re looking for a modern take on a traditional meal this Christmas, I’ve gotcha covered. The other weekend I popped along to The Liquor Store, First Street, Manchester to see what they had to offer. Clad in Christmas decorations, faux gifts and fairy lights, the atmosphere was fun and festive from the get go… Not to mention their long cocktail list had me lusting away for a sip as soon as I stepped in!

This first thing I tried off the menu was of course a cocktail! I do love my classic cocktails but when I visit a new bar I like to try out one of their specialties, and so I went for the a Manchester Mule. With berries and grape, it was totally refreshing! Whilst some might love a mulled wine at this time of year, I am a fresh cocktail lover through and through and it felt like a cup of summer!

Oh, and they allow well behaved in dogs too – which made Sonny and Momma very happy!

I then had without a doubt the best Jalapeno Poppers I’ve ever had. Filled with cream cheese, these were big jalapeno peppers clearly created fresh for the dish. Don’t get me wrong, they were so spicy but exactly what I love! They were also wrapped in bacon which I found to be a pleasant surprise in taste and served with chilli jam.

Jonathan opted for the Butttermilk Chicken Wings and told me these were also delicious. I can’t comment on the taste myself as I didn’t try them, but the serving was huge and he definitely got stuck in to them! Bear in mind; these definitely aren’t first date starters. They’re fun but totally messy! Good job our relationship is at that chicken wing stage now, eh?

The Liquor Store’s menu includes some steaks and salads but their majority of dishes are what I call ‘posh sandwiches’. As this seemed like their speciality we both ordered from the sandwich section – and with the huge portions we were presented with, we definitely weren’t left disappointed!

I chose the Philly Cheesesteak sandwich (£9.95); wholemeal bread filled with fillet steak and topped with melted cheese and salad. It was absolutely incredible and cooked to my liking. Jonathan chose the Salt Beef Bagel (£7.95) to remind us of our trip two weeks ago to New York, and said it was just like the real NYC thing! Both of these came with a portion of crispy chips and homemade coleslaw (both sides made with perfection) and were huge portions. Very yummy in my tummy!

To finish off, we were offered a dessert and their ice cream looked too good not to try! Served in a very cool mason jar display, the container was filled to the brim with different flavours of ice cream. They didn’t specify what exactly, but I am sure I tasted chocolate, vanilla, white chocolate and cookie. So delicious and very refreshing after a carb-heavy lunch.

Over all, we had a really lovely time at The Liquor Store, First Street, Manchester. It was totally festive, the food was delicious and we spent a good hour or two chilling with Sonny the pug and some lovely cocktails. The staff were attentive and welcoming and although quiet, we enjoyed having the space and time to ourselves. We plan to go back over the New Year period with Sonny, too.