Review: Impossible, Manchester

City Girl Rating: ★★★★

Impossible Manchester is home to a bar, theatre, gin nest and restaurant. Centrally located on the buzzing Peter Street, looking in you wouldn’t think that this venue can surely host such an assortment of events. 

Myself and Amy, our digital marketing coordinator, attended a PR event invite to celebrate the launch of their new menu which has an offering of varying large and small plates, brunch and Sunday roasts.

Atmosphere

Quirky Decor is continued throughout the space, somehow combining retro themes, theatrical extravagance, yet maintaining a cosy feel in the bar/restaurant area. Large draping red curtains and chandeliers surround plush booths giving a decadent vintage feel. Behind the bar is a variety of retro TVs, radios, and signs in addition to the popcorn machine and telephone box (perfect for selfies). It is an Instagram dream. Finished off with touches of greenery and a fireplace which brings in a more relaxed, cosy vibe. 

We attended on a quiet Tuesday meaning the ‘Impossible Theatre’ at basement level was closed, but the staff were nice enough to give us a peek. It continues the air of excitement and fun throughout, we agreed we would love to come back and experience a full event.

The staff were friendly and helpful, perhaps due to a new menu they were keen to make sure our orders were correct and keen for feedback. The servers were willing to check allergens with the kitchen and were very attentive when we had questions. It was also incredibly generous of them to show us around the areas that were not open and take the time to explain their events to us.

The Menu

The menu at Impossible includes an array of small and large plates, including some of the pub classics like fish and chips, steak and Pie. Their new menu was advertised as the British classics and they certainly deliver. They offer a bottomless Sunday roast (how much more British can you get?) and a bottomless brunch, there really is variety throughout this venue! Though we could only try one dish on the night the menu offering does have plenty to chose from. I would have liked to see more vegan and vegetarian options, however other than the grill options there is at least one option within each section.

With this being a new menu launch I can only see these offerings improving with time. I think it might have been a good thing we had a set cocktail with the event as neither of us could decide what we wanted from the menu. The Gin menu alone offered enough choice, throw in a cocktail menu at 2 for £12 and we were stuck for choice. The only flaw was perhaps the non-alcoholic options were limited, only 3 mocktails and the usual selection of soft drinks.

Our Order

Amy and I were offered a complimentary drink on arrival and a choice of a plate to try as part of the invite. We didn’t catch what the cocktail was when it was brought to our table, however, we think it was a vimto bramble. It was fruity, refreshing, and easy to drink, I would have definitely ordered it myself.  When it came to choosing our order, we both struggled for choice, eventually, I settled on halloumi, courgette, and pesto skewers, while Amy ordered the Duck Leg. Both meals arrived quickly and were presented beautifully.

The Halloumi skewers were just the right amount of roasted, the vegetables still had a lovely crunch. Although not a large portion with the chips and salad it was the perfect amount of food. The halloumi was soft, and the skewer was well seasoned, the pesto didn’t overpower the taste of the cheese or the vegetables. Amy said the duck leg was beautifully presented and was a generous portion. It was very tender and melted in the mouth, the accompanying vegetables and dauphinoise potatoes were equally delicious and the perfect pairing for the duck. It was also very well priced, for the size of the portion and the quality. We both agreed we would order these meals again, although we would love to try more on the menu.

Allergies

They have an allergy policy in place, stated both on their menu and the server also asked us before ordering if we had any allergies. Vegan, Vegetarian and Gluten free options are all clearly stated on the menu with additional advice to speak to staff regarding their gluten free offerings. 

Anyone with severe allergies, in particular tree nuts and peanuts, the menu does state that they cannot guarantee that any of their dishes are completely allergy free. For all allergy queries, it is advised to seek advice from staff, who are happy to help with any questions. With it being a new menu, they would have to check with allergy policies and the kitchen.

Review By Alisha Spalding

Disclaimer: Manchester Girl were invited to try Impossible’s new menu in exchange for a review.

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