It wasn't the first time that we had visited Grill On The Alley in Manchester when we visited last month however when we received an email that they were offering discounts on table bookings so that people could sample their new menu and with a visit to the city planned, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to give them another shot. So, off we popped with our reservation ready to see what delicious new treats they were serving up this springtime.
We arrived for our reservation early on a balmy Sunday afternoon to a packed out Grill On The Alley. We were glad we had booked our table that's for sure! Whilst our table was not ready we took the time to perch at the bar and try some mocktails. I went with the raspberry cream soda. This fizzy concoction has a fabulously sweet citrus flavor that was totally refreshing on this particularly warm Sunday evening. The fresh raspberries in the drink give it a right bit of oomph and I could of sipped these all night. It made not being able to drink because of antibiotics a lot more easier!
When our table became free (right on time!) we were directed over to the little booths which line the side of the upstairs seating area. We were presented with the new menus and I was excited to give it a spin. For our first starter we actually went for one of the salads, the English salad. Simple and perfect for those with a lighter appetite, this glass bowl of freshly chopped radish, cucumber, tomatoes and mixed peppers were tossed in a delicious dressing which to me had a slight sweet miso feel to it although that wouldn't be very English now would it. Whatever it was, it was scrumptious! 
For my starter I went for the crab and avocado dish. I have to say there was a slight retro feeling to the presentation but that doesn't matter as everything was tasty good. In the centre of a fan of sliced cucumbers sat a 3 layer tower of crushed avocado, crab meat and another layer which was quite reminiscent of minced chorizo. Again I'm not sure if it was chorizo but when you take a section of each of the layers and spread it on the crunchy olive oil croutes, you have the perfect marriage of flavors and textures to create a well balanced starter for any seafood lover.
Onto our main courses now and whilst there aren't that many options for vegetarians on the menu (it is a grill restaurant after all so I wouldn't expect a plethora of choices!) I'm pleased to report that the meat free dish we went for was an absolute treat. This whole char-grilled cauliflower is roasted with yogurt, curry powder, cumin and turmeric to give it a proper Indian vibe. The cauliflower was cooked perfectly so it sliced like a steak but wasn't too tough on the old gnashers. A jug of vibrant yogurt dip cools things down ever so slightly whilst the garlic mushrooms and roasted vine tomatoes on the side add a burst of freshness to keep the plate popping. Full marks from us on the vegetarian front!
For my main I decided to step away from the steaks and burgers (although the table side sliced steaks do look divine!) and went for the basil crusted lamb rump. Let me begin by saying that the lamb cut like butter as I slid my knife through it and melted in the mouth. It was perfect. The basil crust was just right so that the flavor came through without it overpowering the dish. The potato rosti was crispy if a little over cooked around the edges but the broad beans, peas and sauce kept things moist. It was the best lamb Sunday dinner I've ever eaten and was the perfect way to finish off the week.
With our bellies full we decided to pass on dessert and headed off to enjoy our evening. The Grill On The Alley's new menu is a hit. We enjoyed every dish that we tried and the atmosphere and staff were as delightful as I remembered from last time. I know we were getting 50% off our food but I can hand on heart say I would of paid full price if we had come on a normal day. If you are looking for some awesome food in Manchester, head down to Grill On The Alley for a proper gorgeous grill.
To check out the new Grill On The Alley menu, make a booking or find out some more information head on over to their website by clicking here!
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