The culinary landscape of Manchester just got a whole lot more exciting with the arrival of Lennox, the latest brainchild from Scottish-Italian chef Nico Simeone. This bold new venture promises to shake things up with its à la carte menu and focus on dry-aged meats, all wrapped up in Simeone's signature blend of playfulness and innovation – a far cry from his well-known Six by Nico restaurant empire, which boasts 17 locations across the UK.
What was initially touted as a highly personal, bespoke project has rapidly evolved into something bigger than anyone expected. Lennox has not only expanded beyond Manchester to include outposts in Glasgow and Edinburgh but has done so with lightning speed, mirroring the meteoric rise of Six by Nico, which has become a household name in the UK dining scene.
The menu at Lennox Manchester is a culinary thrill ride, packed with dishes designed to intrigue and challenge even the most seasoned foodies. Standouts include a tempura oyster shell filled with dry-aged beef tartare and oyster emulsion – talk about a flavour bomb! – as well as gnocchi served with deboned chicken wings and parmesan. And let's not forget the mussels with sourdough, 'nduja, and pickled fennel, or the sole kiev with Caesar salad and burnt lemon – each one a masterclass in culinary creativity.
The restaurant itself is a feast for the senses, with an open kitchen, Japanese barbecue, and prominent dry-ageing fridges that let diners watch the magic happen. And while some dishes have been noted for lacking a certain je ne sais quoi – we're looking at you, halloumi shawarma! – others like the fish finger with katsu curry are pure genius, elevating humble comfort food to new heights.
Lennox is all about pushing boundaries and delivering a dining experience that's both comforting and challenging. It's a 'boot camp of flavours', where combinations like lemon tart with red wine sorbet and rosemary go head-to-head for dominance on the palate. Will it be love at first bite or a culinary battle royale? One thing's for sure – Lennox is not to be missed.
With its eclectic menu and inventive flair, Lennox has already attracted a diverse crowd of couples, friends, and early Friday night diners looking for a memorable, if occasionally perplexing, culinary adventure. It may not be for the faint of heart, but trust us – this is one dining experience you won't soon forget.