Looking for a vast variety of rums, broad choice of specialist bourbons, extensive beer menu and all the ribs you can go at? Introducing Cane & Grain, a sprawling three floor Northern Quarter pleasure parlour for the hungry and thirsty in this corner of Manchester. Comprising three unique bar experiences, each packing a strong personality and take on what a menu and establishment should look like, they do share one trait –a keen understanding of how to prepare very good drinks and create the kind of atmosphere the Northern Powerhouse is renowned the world over for.
Technically speaking, Cane & Grain itself occupies the street level of this typically red-bricked building on the super-cool and always-lively Thomas Street. The Rib Joint & Tap Room – as the ground floor is officially known – borrows its aesthetic from the iconic 1980s street and skate scenes, and as the name suggests this is where you’ll find a long line of draught IPAs, Hells, Pils and more, with guest brewers on rotation.
Choices of bottles and cans are equally extensive, with 18 options last time we checked. And this is before we come to the cocktails, all of which are particular to this place, ranging from Family Values – where peach iced Yorkshire tea meets bourbon, gin, lemon and tonic – to the Rye-Bina, which marries blackcurrant with a classic old fashioned. Meanwhile, to line the stomach you’ll find meat & trays (think belly and beef ribs, cajun fried chicken, and wings), stuff in bread (from the timeless bacon cheese burger to the vegan Fried (Not) chicken burger), alongside bites & sides – highlights including truffle poutine, padron peppers, and Collard Greens tossed in garlic and chilli butter. All with a range of house sauces, of course.