Rain macs were thrown back under the stairs and swiftly swapped for sandals, sunglasses and skirts. Diners spilled out onto the terraces as they enjoyed meals al fresco and beer gardens were packed full of office workers soaking up the first rays of sunshine.
Casual, neighbourhood eatery Another Hand, based at Deansgate Mews, has firmly established itself as one of the city centre’s best restaurants over the last couple of years. It’s been named as one of Michelin Inspectors Favourite New Restaurants, and has been ranked as one of the UK’s best places to eat by Time Out.
A lot of the thinking behind the new concept is driven by the flagship restaurant’s drive to be more sustainable. Produce for the original site is sourced from across the region to keep it as local as possible with the vast majority of ingredients travelling no more than 40 miles. Plump and glistening in the late evening light, our first flatbread arrives. The Brushed with oil and a light covering of sea salt, the almost discus-sized flatbread, slightly charred from the open grill is pitched up alongside a serving of whipped butter bean dip encircled by a thin ring of oil and topped with a healthy dose of charred onion chutney and sumac.
As I scroll down the menu, I feel less bothered about missing out on the first burst of summer. Though the food here is unapologetically straightforward and humble, it manages to elevate the ingredients while remaining unfussy.