Terrace Dining At Mint Hotel

YOU don't have to get on plane to enjoy a summer lunch or evening meal on a bustling plaza these days. The terrace at Mint Hotel Manchester has a prime spot overlooking Piccadilly Plaza – the perfect place for watching the world go by with a glass of wine and plate of something fresh and colourful.

Mint Hotel's new Lounge Menu is packed with dishes specially selected for al fresco summer dining. It ranges from small plates such as mini chorizo sausages with chive sour cream (£6) to 8oz Steak Frites (£18.95).

The sandwich range will suit those looking for a light lunch – the croque monsieur with ham, gruyere cheese, mustard and red onion marmalade (£8.50) and the smoked salmon with cucumber, crème fraîche, lemon and rocket (£7.95) are representative of what to expect.

Eye-catchers from the salads include the marinated feta and watermelon salad with toasted sesame seeds, frisée, and orange blossom honey and balsamic dressing (£6.95/£8.95). And the Lounge chop salad with romaine hearts, shaved fennel, orange, cannellini beans and kalamata olives (£7.50/£10.50).

If you're looking for nibbles to go with your drinks, there are several platters for sharing: tempura vegetables (£5.95), vegetarian mezze (£11.95) and a British charcuterie (£14.95). Or why not have a home-made flat bread pizza between the two of you for just £6.95?

There's also fish and chips (£13.95), curry (£11.95), and burgers (£12.95) – all done in City Cafés cut-above style.

Finally, there's several tempting desserts to finish with (or have as your main). The peach melba sundae (£5.95) and the white chocolate and summer fruit cheesecake (£5.50) are both worth a trip in their own right.

The terrace at Mint Hotel Manchester is open daily from 8am to 11pm, weather permitting. Go there for an outdoor breakfast until 10.30am or 11am on the weekend. The Lounge Menu is available from 11am to 10pm. You can also select dishes from City Café's a la carte menu if you like.

You can hire the terrace for private use (minimum numbers apply). Just call Sandra on 0161 242 1020 for details.

No need to book ahead if you're not looking for exclusive use – just turn up with your sunglasses. If you want to reserve a table in advance, call Mint Hotel Manchester on 0161 242 1020 and quote 'Manchester Confidential'.