With the international day of love right around the corner now, it only seems right that The Botanist – a chain that’s been known for its imaginative food and drink creations for quite some time now – would be one to launch an impressive array of dishes for those looking to celebrate the special day with some proper good comfort food.
The popular chain – which has a number of restaurants in Greater Manchester, and across the North West region – says its Valentine’s menu has been designed for “savouring the moment together”.
This is probably why all the dishes on the one-day-only lineup is especially for two people.
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The Botanist has launched a date night menu that’s available on Valentine’s Day only / Credit: The Botanist
Available to tuck into only on Valentine’s Day (Wednesday 14 February) itself, couples can begin their night with a refreshing strawberry and elderflower mojito on their arrival, followed by a whole melted camembert baked in a sourdough loaf and accompanied by a sweet onion marmalade and crispy garlic croutons to start.
Of course, Valentine’s Day at The Botanist wouldn’t be complete without those three little words… ‘famous hanging kebabs’.
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For thee main course, the sharing kebab includes either chicken, lamb kofta, and Thai red prawn, or the vegetarian option of crispy halloumi, teriyaki mushroom, and vegan meatball, on a triple-skewer rack, and served with coleslaw, houmous, and flatbread.
The menu is made up entirely of sharing dishes for two people / Credit: The Botanist
Then, to finish things off and satisfy those sugar cravings is The Botanist’s signature warm cookie dough, which is served with a choice of either s’mores, Oreo, Crunchie, or salted pretzel toppings, and is topped off a scoop of vanilla ice cream – and two spoons, obviously.
Talented mixologists have also created a love-inspired cocktail menu especially for the night in collaboration with Channel 4 show First Dates, and the drinks are available in all 24 of The Botanist bars across the UK.
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Live music will soundtrack the Valentine’s Day evening too, with talented resident musicians performing from 7pm onwards.
The Botanist’s ‘Valentines Date Night’ menu is available on Wednesday 14 February, and will only set you back £30 per person for three courses and a cocktail.
All First Dates collaboration drinks are priced separately at £9.25 each.
The standard menu is also available alongside for those who fancy their favourite Botanist dishes.
Featured Image – The Botanist
Food & Drink
Manchester’s tiniest coffee shop has opened in Ancoats serving £2.50 flat whites
Daisy Jackson
A tiny new coffee shop has opened in Ancoats, and it’s already turning heads with a simple mission – making quality coffee affordable again.
7ZZ (pronounced ‘seven zeez’) has quietly launched on Oldham Road in a space no bigger than your arm span.
Owner Joe Stephens is bringing speciality coffee prices back down to earth with flat whites starting from just £2.50 and matcha from only £4.
In a city where a morning coffee can easily set you back more than a fiver, the new independent hopes to bridge the gap between premium coffee shops and budget chains.
The compact café may be easy to miss at first glance, but its menu packs plenty of personality. Alongside classic espresso-based drinks, customers can pick up ceremonial-grade matcha, iced barista-made coffees, and vibrant ube lattes made properly (no purple syrup in sight).
Joe says the idea behind 7ZZ was to create a space where customers don’t have to choose between quality and affordability, with a price list that rivals Greggs.
Adding to the appeal is a selection of pastries from Sticky Fingers, the popular Stockport bakery known for its indulgent sweet treats.
Joe Stephens at 7ZZ in AncoatsIced matcha and ube lattes start at just £47ZZ has Sticky Fingers bakes on the counter
With fresh bakes like croissants and custard buns lining the counter each day, the new opening looks set to become a popular stop for commuters and locals alike.
As Ancoats continues to cement its reputation as one of Manchester’s best neighbourhoods for food and drink, 7ZZ is offering something increasingly rare – speciality coffee that doesn’t come with a speciality price tag.
7ZZ Coffee is now open at 116 Oldham Road, Ancoats, M4 6AG.
Manchester cocktail bar added to Michelin Guide in ‘incredible surprise’
Daisy Jackson
A cocktail bar in Manchester has received a surprise listing in the prestigious Michelin Guide – the first drinks-led venue in the city to gain such recognition.
Posie opened less than a year ago in an unlikely location just off Market Street, transforming a former sandwich shop into a sunny and stylish bar, right in the heart of Manchester city centre.
The bar comes from the same team behind 10 Tib Lane (which is also a Michelin Guide venue) and is famed for its cocktails, oysters, and global wine list.
And now Posie has swooped into the prestigious guide just 10 months after its launch, with judges celebrating its small plates and its extensive cocktail list.
The Michelin Guide said: “Founded by the same team as nearby 10 Tib Lane, posie is a little more drink-driven than its sibling, with a global wine selection that’s keen on natural options, alongside over 30 classic and bespoke cocktails and mocktails.
“None of this means that they don’t take their food seriously, with plenty of flavour bursting out of the concise small-plates selection.
“Jersey oysters with various toppings are a feature, and you mustn’t miss the Guinness rarebit on toast with piquant pickled cauliflower.
“If you’re struggling to choose, just ask the friendly team for guidance.”
Posie bar in Manchester has been added to the Michelin Guide. Credit: The Manc Group
Posie has said the news comes as ‘an incredible surprise’, adding that this ‘really is a proud moment for us and the team’.
Sophie Robson, co-owner at Posie, said: “We’re incredibly proud to have been included in the MICHELIN Guide so soon after opening.
“From day one, our ambition was to create a bar where exceptional drinks, great food and amazing hospitality come together.
“To receive recognition from such a respected guide is a fantastic achievement for the team and a reflection of the hard work that goes into every aspect of the guest experience.”
Emily Sergeant -
2nd February 2024 
