The Refuge

Ресторан · Manchester · ⭐ 9.1/10 · 4112 reviews · $$ · updated: 2026-06-30 21:00:52

Address: Oxford St, Manchester M60 7HA, United Kingdom

Glam-meets-industrial dining at the Kimpton Clocktower

The Refuge is a distinctive Manchester destination restaurant in the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, created by DJs-turned-restaurateurs Luke Cowdrey and Justin Crawford (the Volta team). A glam-meets-industrial space, it flows from an all-day café into a buzzy drinking den, with a stunning glass-ceilinged Winter Garden full of greenery.

What to order

The eclectic menu mixes global small dishes and sharing platters with a Mancunian twist. The Show Menu, for two to share, brings grilled flatbreads, chilli-marinated olives, sweet potato hummus, crispy Korean fried chicken and the famous triple-cooked chips — plus a proper Sunday roast.

Who it’s for

Soft lighting and a stylish setting make it great for dates, catch-ups, afternoon tea in the Winter Garden or a lively evening that drifts into drinks.

Questions and answers

What food does it serve? Eclectic global small plates and sharing platters with a Mancunian twist.

What to order? The Show Menu with Korean fried chicken and triple-cooked chips.

Who created it? Luke Cowdrey and Justin Crawford, the Volta team.

Where is it? In the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, central Manchester.

Website and social:
Official website

Opening hours

Day Hours
Monday 10:00–23:00
Tuesday 10:00–23:00
Wednesday 10:00–23:00
Thursday 10:00–23:00
Friday 10:00–00:00
Saturday 10:00–00:00
Sunday 10:00–22:30

Visitor reviews

  1. Simon Fox

    Was in Manchester for the weekend, booked The Refuge for lunch. Fantastic decor and atmosphere, wonderful ambience. Our waiter Wade was wonderful, so friendly, informative and pleasant to talk to. Wonderful recommendatio…

  2. matt smith

    Where do you start… probably with the fabulous Mina — concierge, problem solver, and always ready to help with a huge smile… just don't try stealing the concierge trolleys! The building itself is incredible. The receptio…

  3. Natalie Leon

    Come here for a Sunday roast. Book the Winter Garden terrace and Hannah O. as your waitress. Wonderful atmosphere, tasty food and a lovely, fun waitress. Hannah O was kind, helpful and her service was incredible. Perfect…

  4. William Foster

    We stopped by The Refuge for lunch with my partner. The place itself is beautiful, set in a historic building with high ceilings and a rich atmosphere. It has a lively vibe, and the interior design really stands out. The…

  5. fredrick Hambleton

    This restaurant is special to me and my partner. It's been our choice for several important occasions, we love the architecture, atmosphere and food. We had family in town and decided to share our 'happy place'. We were…

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Thats Me

It was so stunning to peek inside one of the most famous buildings in Manchester city centre. It's the former Refuge Insurance building, now converted into a luxury hotel. As you'd imagine from decades ago, the interior…

Reviews last updated: 2026-06-30 21:00:52

Data is refreshed monthly. Sources: manchesterka.com and editorial picks based on reviews.

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