A new immersive ‘dining domes’ forest experience is coming to Manchester this Christmas

A brand new immersive dining experience in the middle of the forest is coming to Manchester this Christmas.

Courtesy of the popular light and arts festival Lightopia, Dine in the Light will give guests the opportunity to partake in the never-before-seen experience of fine dining in magical ‘dining domes’ deep in the woodlands of Heaton Park.

Each dining dome, which will seat up to six or twelve for up to ninety minutes, will be serving up an imaginative and hearty three-course menu of classic seasonal dishes, all carefully curated by Alderly Edge Hotel’s former head chef Chris Holland and The Life Cafés & Resorts Culinary Team.

Starters will include the likes of roasted pumpkin soup with a parmesan and sage crumble, Swiss cheese and Riesling fondue served with torn ciabatta for dipping, vegan buffalo cauliflower wings and Sriracha hot dip and a confit duck terrine with a zingy orange and cranberry salad. 

Lightopia

Lightopia

And for the main event, guests will have the choice of hanging kebabs –  either lamb marinated in harissa and mint and served with flatbread and dips or smoky barbecued mushroom and celeriac served with flatbread and preserved lemon – and sticky glazed short rib of beef with pureed potato and tenderstem broccoli, or slow-cooked chicken rubbed in Middle Eastern spices served with pilaf rice. 

And, perhaps most importantly, the desert menu will offer a choice between the ‘Manchester Trifle’ with layers of Vimto jelly, vanilla sponge and mulled blackberries or a ‘Heaton Mess’ Meringue loaded with fresh cream, baked peaches and raspberries.

There will also be a vegan dark chocolate and orange mousse and, for those lacking a sweet tooth, a cheeseboard boasting a selection of locally sourced cheeses and biscuits. 

For the little ones, there will also be a children’s menu in the form of the ‘Pirate Banquet’, where they will be served their food in their very own ‘pirate ship’. 

Lightopia

Lightopia

Also new for Lightopia 2021, The Stables Courtyard Bar and Dining will offer a more laid back dining experience with a selection of excellent food such as gourmet soft shell tacos, delicious stone-baked pizza al taglio, roasted chestnuts and festive beverages, as well as a line up of live music and, of course, plenty of festive spirit. 

Three courses and a drink will cost £38 per person, with each Dining Dome experience needing to be booked in advance. There will be three slots to choose from; 5pm, 6:30pm or 8pm. 

Lightopia will be open to the public from November 18th 2021 until January 3rd 2022. The event will be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, except during school holidays, as well as Christmas Day.

To book your own Dine in the Light slot and for more information, visit the Lightopia website here.