Lennox Manchester is the latest venture from Scottish-Italian chef Nico Simeone, and this restaurant review dives into its boot camp of flavours. Located in Spring Gardens, Manchester, Lennox marks a departure from Simeone's Six by Nico empire, focusing on à la carte dining with dry-aged meats and playful invention.
The Concept Behind Lennox
Unlike the themed six-course menus at Six by Nico, Lennox offers a more personal, bespoke experience. Simeone describes it as personal, bespoke, and absolutely unscalable—yet by August 2026, three locations will exist: Manchester, Glasgow, and Edinburgh. The open kitchen features a Japanese barbecue and visible dry-ageing fridges for both steak and fish, creating a theatrical dining atmosphere.
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Initial Impressions
We arrived at lunchtime and surveyed a menu that is puzzling yet intriguing. Dishes include mussels with sourdough, ’nduja, and pickled fennel; pork cheek with gochujang and cheese on toast; sole kiev with caesar salad and burnt lemon. Desserts feature hazelnut tiramisu with dulce de leche and pavlova with extra-virgin olive oil.
| Dish | Key Ingredients | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Fish Finger | Katsu curry, celeriac remoulade | £12-£15 |
| Tempura Oyster Shell | Dry-aged beef tartare, oyster emulsion | £16-£20 |
| Gnocchi | Deboned chicken wings, parmesan | £14-£18 |
| Dry-Aged Steak | Various cuts from Japanese barbecue | £25-£40 |
Key Takeaways from the Review
- Lennox is a shift from Six by Nico's fixed menus to à la carte, emphasizing quality and creativity.
- The dry-ageing process adds depth, though some diners may find the display unconventional.
- Despite claims of unscalability, rapid expansion shows strong demand for Simeone's vision.
- Prices remain pocket-friendly for fine dining, making it accessible for groups.
- Playful elements like fish finger with katsu curry maintain the fun spirit of Six by Nico.
Conclusion
Lennox Manchester delivers a boot camp of flavours that challenges and delights. While the menu can be puzzling, each course shows thoughtful execution. The open kitchen and dry-ageing fridges add a layer of theatre, and the restaurant's growing popularity suggests Simeone has struck a chord. Whether you're a fan of Six by Nico or new to his work, Lennox offers a unique dining experience worth exploring.
FAQ
What is Lennox Manchester?
Lennox is a restaurant in Manchester by chef Nico Simeone, focusing on à la carte dry-aged meat, fish, and playful dishes. It opened in Spring Gardens and is expanding to Glasgow and Edinburgh.
How does Lennox differ from Six by Nico?
Six by Nico offers fixed six-course themed menus, while Lennox is à la carte with a focus on dry-aged meats and a more personal, bespoke experience.
Is Lennox affordable?
Yes, despite fine dining elements, prices remain pocket-friendly, with starters around £12-£15 and mains up to £40, making it a good value night out.
What are the standout dishes at Lennox?
Popular items include the fish finger with katsu curry, tempura oyster shell with beef tartare, gnocchi with chicken wings, and dry-aged steak from the Japanese barbecue.