Many tourists associate Manchester with its industrial brickwork, a legendary music scene, and football. Yet, right in the heart of this bustling metropolis, within the walls of The Midland Hotel, lies the legendary restaurant The French. It is a true slice of refined French living thriving within an English industrial city.
Its history is deeply interwoven with the city’s evolution, marking the dawn of haute cuisine in the North of England and Manchester’s transformation into a cultural hub. More than just a place to enjoy exceptional food, it is a living chronicle of British gastronomy—a venue that has survived changing eras, hosted royalty, and played a pivotal role in shaping modern British culinary arts. You can read more about the history of this renowned restaurant on the manchester1 website.
The Origins
In 1903, The Midland Hotel opened its doors, built primarily to serve passengers of the Midland Railway. After a long journey from London to Manchester, weary travellers could rest and recharge in sheer luxury. The hotel was clad in red brick, brown terracotta, and various types of polished granite. The building bears a striking resemblance to Manchester’s other highly decorative Edwardian Baroque structures, such as the iconic London Road Fire Station.
The jewel in the hotel’s crown is The French, boasting a magnificent dining room with high ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and flawless service. At the time, French cuisine was considered the absolute gold standard. The restaurant became the very first in the city to offer guests authentic dishes paired with the finest wines. During its early decades, it hosted grand banquets and welcomed celebrities, politicians, musicians, and dignitaries.
In 1974, it became one of the first restaurants in Manchester and the North of England to be awarded a Michelin star. This was a monumental achievement for a city then associated primarily with factories rather than fine dining. The restaurant proudly retained its Michelin status until 1977.
Its roaring success helped cement Manchester’s status as a city with a serious gastronomic scene. Icons like Winston Churchill and The Beatles have dined at The French. Famously, the Fab Four were once denied entry for wearing ‘inappropriate’ clothing! It was also the venue for David and Victoria Beckham’s first official date.
A New Era
A fresh chapter began in 2012 with the arrival of acclaimed British chef Simon Rogan, widely regarded as one of the UK’s most influential culinary figures. He took the helm of the fine-dining restaurant, overseeing the bar and dining room, and completely reimagined the concept. His right-hand man was Adam Reid, who eventually took full control of the kitchen in 2016. Under his leadership, the restaurant earned 4 AA Rosettes, and Reid went on to win his category on the BBC’s prestigious Great British Menu with his signature dessert, the ‘Golden Empire’. Fittingly, the venue was later renamed Adam Reid at The French.
Adam Reid introduced his own unique culinary style—approachable yet unmistakably refined. Championing prime British produce, he creates exquisite, signature dishes perfectly tailored to the elegant setting. The chef brilliantly showcases his talent using accessible seasonal ingredients in his standout Signature menu. Down in the cellar lies one of the finest collections of French wines Manchester has to offer, featuring beloved classics from estates like Chateau Pichon-Longueville Baron and Rayne-Vigneau.
Operating firmly in the fine-dining sphere, the restaurant draws in both locals and visitors alike. Today, it is celebrated for its impeccable service and outstanding food, taking pride in being one of Manchester’s most treasured dining spots.
Several key factors have cemented the restaurant’s enduring popularity:
- Modern British cuisine.
- A magnet for high-profile celebrities.
- Its historic setting within The Midland Hotel.
- Holding one of the UK’s very first Michelin stars.
- The transformative influence of Simon Rogan.
- Adam Reid’s fresh, contemporary approach.
Food critics often note that while the restaurant retains its historic elegance, it effortlessly adapts to modern tastes. The menu nods to the venue’s rich heritage while embracing cutting-edge culinary techniques to create modern masterpieces.
Impact on Manchester
For the city, The French has become a true cultural landmark, consistently featured in travel guides, social media, gastronomic rankings, and on television. The rise of haute cuisine, elegant spaces, and top-tier hospitality has steadily reshaped Manchester’s image. Today, exceptional dining is a vital part of the city’s tourist experience.
The restaurant is designed not only for intimate celebrations but also for exquisite lunches, business meetings, and corporate entertaining, whether guests are ordering from the standard menu or enjoying a multi-course tasting experience.
The French at a Glance
| Data | Information |
|---|---|
| Opened | 1903 |
| Location | The Midland Hotel |
| Michelin Star | 1974 (The first in Manchester) |
| Current Chef | Adam Reid |
| Culinary Style | Modern British using locally sourced produce |
| Accolades | 4 AA Rosettes, highly ranked in the Good Food Guide |
Ultimately, The French stands as a proud symbol of Manchester, offering a glimpse into its elegant past. It has weathered economic crises, wars, changing ownership, and shifting trends, yet has always retained its luxurious charm. For tourists, soaking in the venue’s elegant atmosphere is an absolute must. It is here that France truly meets the North of England in the best possible way.
Sources used:
- https://www.theskinny.co.uk/whats-on/manchester/restaurants/the-french?utm_source
- https://www.restaurantonline.co.uk/Article/2012/12/10/Simon-Rogan-The-Midland-Hotel-restaurants/?utm
- https://www.restaurantsofmanchester.com/british/french.htm
- https://manchesterrestaurants.com/french/thefrench-feature.htm
- https://www.themidlandhotel.co.uk/thefrench
- https://the-french-manchester.co.uk/the-french/