05 October,2012 01:46 AM IST | | Ashishwang Godha
Manchester United is the city's latest chill-out zone where you can let your hair down. Its al fresco seating overlooks a mall. Its red indoors are all that a sports bar should be: fun, cool and snazzy. This place is for those who want to relax, have a few drinks, grab a couple of bites and basically, unwind. They have nothing exceptional in terms of F&B on any of the three menus (bar, regular and an Indian tandoor) but most things listed are wholesome, delicious and perfect bar fare.
Most of the youngsters here (and lots with kids in tow on a Saturday evening) were enjoying their beers or regular drinks. We opted for the cocktails instead. We began with a Watermelon Margherita (Rs 433) and a Long Island Iced Tea (Rs 404). Both our drinks took their time to arrive. When they arrived, they were both potent concoctions. The margarita unfortunately wasn't created with fresh fruit but packed a punch nonetheless. The iced tea was all about alcohol - perfect for those looking for a hard one to kick off the evening.
Pasta Manchester Delight
The Manchester Supreme Pizza (Rs 425) came in almost when we were one-fourth way through our drinks, but was a lovely bite. A 10-inch one, it was laden with chicken sausages, bacon, chicken chunks and loads of cheese and finally, topped with jalapenos. It was juicy and chunky with peppers and cheese playing complimentary roles.
Manchester United has an inaugural offer that gives you your second drink free - the same one, announces the board. But, our server was kind enough to assist us with another. We opted for a Basil Martini and wished we hadn't. This one was again, synthetic-based and almost tasted like cough syrup. Still, we were quite happy sipping on and nibbling and watching the evening swing by.
Somehow by the time our mains arrived, we were almost too full to eat any more. Still, the Pasta Manchester Delight (Rs 350), a chilli oil, olives and veggie-based spaghetti, was basic but done competently.
Manchester United Bar at Amanora
Ditto our chicken Fajitas (Rs 425). We appreciated that our rice and chicken chunks, spiced and done with assorted peppers, arrived on a hot plate. It helped us create our fajitas in peace without the rush of them getting soggy or the filling chilling in the nippy night air. Among the dips, we really liked the sour cream, though the guacamole diluted with veggies didn't make it. Neither did the grated cheese that did nothing to enhance the dish. Yet again, standard bar fare, done to a level of competence.
We spent a really long evening unwinding at Manchester United, and for a change, we really appreciated the slow-yet-courteous service. It helped us relax and just breathe. A perfect place for a Friday night (and for other week days and weekends), to wash off the stress of the week.
