January restaurant deals in Manchester

It's not all bad this January, thanks to the annual influx of restaurant deals that'll let even the skintest of us eat out. We've picked out our favourites, but if you think there's somewhere good we've missed, email jess@theskinny.co.uk and we'll pop it in.

Welcome to the bleakest time of year, when everyone is either on a self-imposed drinking ban, too skint to leave the house or busy hibernating after realising how much effing colder it actually gets after the Christmas period. 

But we think now's the time for capitalising on cheap eats, whether that means something fresh and light to counteract the festive binge or a hearty meal to see you through the new year gloom. And because even with reduced rates you still don't have money to burn, we've picked out our trusted favourites – the ones that we'd be happy to fork out full price for. 

Evelyn's

50% off food

We love Evelyn's. We love the fresh combinations of dishes like chicken skewers with soba noodles and grilled aubergine with coriander yoghurt and sumac, we love the greenery dotted about the place, the pleasant, friendly service and, perhaps above all else, the cucumber ribbons in the bottles of tap water on the table. Doesn't get better than a cucumber ribbon. This one's especially good for those after cleaner flavours following a Christmas blowout; if that's what you're after, simply quote 'January Sale' in the reservation notes when booking.

Cane and Grain

50% off food (excludes Saturdays)

Rib joint Cane and Grain have become strong contenders of the half price January game over the past couple of years. Avoid the busier main ground floor space and make a beeline to Science and Industry, where it’s all about copper bar tops, homemade bitters and heaps of atmosphere. The full food menu from downstairs is available to order up here, so just print off this 'ere voucher and head up that secret staircase.

Refuge

50% off voltini (all day Monday-Thursday)

The Unabombers’ latest venture, housed in The Principal hotel on Oxford Road, will be serving up their famed voltini (Volta's globally-inspired small plates) for half the price. Think crispy lamb shawarma, Gloucester Old Spot pork belly with chimichurri and slow-cooked ox cheek with egg and sriracha. Book in advance to redeem the offer here. Mother bar Volta in Chorlton are also doing the same with 50% off small plates throughout January.

TNQ

50% off food (reopens on Fri 6 Jan)

A sorely underrated underdog of Manchester’s very busy restaurant scene, TNQ (The Northern Quarter Restaurant) will be offering 50% off all their food, which takes modern British dishes and gives them a touch of finesse. We’re big fans of its year-round deals (specifically the Express Menu, which is available until 7pm throughout the week, including Saturdays), so be sure to remember this one's good for great value all the time, not just for January. They'll be reopening after the festive period, with brand new walnut flooring 'n' all.

The Chop Houses

50% off food (excluding Saturday evenings)

Enjoy half price food and The Albert Square Chop House, Sam's Chop House and Thomas' Chop House; simply book in advance, quoting 'Great British 50% Off Food Sale' in the comments box. Only catches are that the offer excludes scallops and Dukesmoor steaks, and can only be used for a maximum of two guests. 

Common

33.3333333333333333333333333333333% off food

[Photo: Seb Matthes / MANOX]

Always ones to deviate from the standard model, Common will be slashing prices by a third during January for its members. Simply sign up for a free membership card here, which will also get you 10% off selected drinks and BOGOF burgers every Tuesday year-round. Their suburban sister bar The Beagle will be doing the same, so sign up for membership before heading out to Chorlton for hearty Mexi/Cali fare including burritos, nachos and more.

Iberica

50% off a la carte menu

If it’s a bit of new year tapas action you’re after, Spanish restaurant Iberica are offering 50% off their a la carte menu throughout January. We’re big fans of the green asparagus toast, BTW, which sees slivers of asparagus pimped up by manchego, onion confit and truffle oil. And the loos. We bloody love the loos. Customers must book in advance for the discount.

The French

4 courses and a glass of champagne for £45

And if you do have a spare bob or two after Christmas, it's a good time to muscle in on some of the more expensive joints – namely The French, The Midland Hotel’s plush fine diner, currently offering four courses for £45 with a glass of bubbly. Book here.

Mughli

50% off food (excluding Fridays and Saturdays)

Among the bright lights of The Curry Mile, there's one restaurant that particularly shines out from the crowd, and while the prices at Mughli might be a little steeper than its nearby neighbours, this January you'll be able to appreciate the quality for a reduced rate. Book online via the website, quoting 'January Sale' in the reservation notes.

Tattu

40% off food (all day Sunday-Thursday)

Spinningfields' swanky Chinese restaurant Tattu may not normally feel like the cheapest of nights out, but this January you can ease the strain with 40% off the a la carte menu. Register here to find out how to redeem the discount. If you sign up to their TLC loyalty scheme, you can also get 20% off in Feburary.

Ply

50% off pizzas for members

Sign up for a free membership card at Ply and you can get yourself 50% off their wood-fired pizzas, fresh from the disco ball pizza oven made in Naples. You can then reap the rewards throughout the rest of the year, with weekly deals including half price pizzas on Mondays and 10% off everything Sunday-Thursday.