Our first date in 1976 was to the newly opened Royal Exchange Theatre to see The Rivals. When we decided to go and see the current performance of Guys and Dolls we noticed that a new restaurant had been opened call The Rivals. We couldn't miss out on going there for our pre theatre meal and we were not disappointed. Extremely friendly, but not overpowering staff, good house wine and good food. The KIng Prawn on my Prawn Cocktail tasted as though it had come straight out of the sea. I had Sea Bream and my Hubby had Fish and Wedges - delicious. The bread and butter pudding was yummy. This was a birthday treat but was fabulous and great value for money. There was that nostalgic touch too. We will return.
Great atmosphere, nice friendly staff!! Great place to dine.....
I'm impressed with Rivals. Haven't sampled the food yet but awesome selection of real ales,friendly staff and the exchange restaurant/bar finally inviting and cool. Look forward to next visit in Feb.
Lovely food & atmosphere value for money & good choice of food
Have the chocolate mousse. Just have the chocolate mousse.
the exchange is a great setting for the rivals bar. Thoroughly enjoyed looking around the interior. Table settings design a bit naff but Good quality alcohol free beer.
Beautiful place, impossible to see from exchange square, but hidden inside the exchange theatre is this restaurant and bar. Wonderfully decorated, relaxed and classy. Good ale selection actually, food looks very nice but is towards the pricier end of the spectrum. I haven't eaten here yet so I can't tell you if it matches the expectations that sets.
A really good place to eat , very 👍 🙂
Just to Clarify, now no longer a formal restaurant but a no reservation, Café serving light meals in accordance with the Theatre Productions on during the day. Closes as the evening performance starts
Food was quickly prepared and tasty,..even though very busy..hard working staff.
Went in for the first time yesterday, Lovely bar. Had a pint of cask ale and the barman took the trouble to make sure the beer was ok before he pulled my pint out. That is great service, and something you don't get very often these days. Wish this bar had of been here when I used to go to the theatre regularly! Will definitely make sure I come back though.
What a lovely evening in a great setting. Beautiful food, excellent choice of wine and relaxed dining experience. The staff were very attentive, we were brought water straight away and both our drink and food orders were taken as soon as we were ready. I had the feta arancini to start followed by the fish cakes and topped off with a chocolate delice, it was all delicious. The portions were great value for money and we were both suitably full. Thank you for your hospitality, we will be back soon!
Always makes a trip to the theatre even better! Definitely worth booking in.
A great night out with our youngest daughter and her partner, a treat for her birthday and their engagement, and a wonderful treat it was, too. Pre-meal G&T's while walking round the unique theatre space, then a window table overlooking St Anne's Square for our meal. Fabulous food and great wine in abundance with attentive service from the young (to me) staff. Had all three courses from the a la carte menu, good portions definitely not tiny nouvelle cuisine size. Not cheap but quality never is or should be. A top destination for a big treat when you want to push the boat out.
Lovely food and a bit unusual but none the worse for that. Wine per glass £6 a bit pricey even for Marlborough. Would advise buying a bottle if more than one glass is required. Otherwise fine
The Rivals Bar is situated in a special location. The Exchange theatre is suspended from the pillars within the building and is a theatre in the round. Quite unique.
We eat at lunch time from a variety of fayre which is fresh tasty and served by friendly staff.
A nice experience.
![5]( "Recensione")
I booked a table here on Friday night on the recommendation of a friend. I was not disappointed!!!
The service was terrific with our waitress recommending a delicious bottle of red i would have not normally have chosen ( Alma De Forcada Rioja Garnacha Cepas Viejas if your interested ) We were sat near the open kitchen ( i love watching my food being prepared, always looking for cheffy tricks :)) and overlooking St Annes square.
I ordered the poached salmon to start and my companion had the siracha king prawns. The salmon was divine, id like to comment on the prawns but the lady was not for sharing .For the mains i choose the fishcakes whilst my friend ordered the Beef. On arrival both dishes looked amazing although i was slightly jealous of her dish as it smelt amazing. My fishcake were really good, they were served with a smoked cheddar and a divine sauce. I ended my meal with the grapefruit posset, it was perfect!!!! ( i had a sneaky spoonful of the rhubarb dessert, it brought a little pudding tears to my eye it was so good. )
Overall i would highly recommend this restaurant. The staff are a credit to the place as in they are attentive without being over the top and are really warm and genuine.
I had the pleasure of spotting the head chef Anna in the restaurant, she was really lovely and friendly.
Just book a flippin table :)
One of the most under-rated restaurants in Manchester. Great food, fantastic wine and lovely service. Not to mention value for money. I thoroughly recommend.
Great food every time we go. The new menu is delicious and the service is speedy but relaxed. Another lovely meal tonight.
Great bar for pre theatre drinks. Wide selection of spirits.
Been here several times now and it has never disappointed. Food and service are amazing. Good choice of wines too.
An error has occurred! Please try again in a few minutes