The Rivals

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.

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

Great food every time we go. The new menu is delicious and the service is speedy but relaxed. Another lovely meal tonight.

Been here several times now and it has never disappointed. Food and service are amazing. Good choice of wines too.

Food was quickly prepared and tasty,..even though very busy..hard working staff.

Excellent service and food. The meatballs with harisa were amazing; as was the Cauliflower dhal. Very reasonable.

Always makes a trip to the theatre even better! Definitely worth booking in.

Some of the best food and drink, and friendliest service, in Manchester, far too good just to be saved for pre-theatre dining.

Nice quiet place, live piano, interesting building with a long history, friendly & polite stuff, clean g not pricey, enjoy)

Always amazing food, lovely atmosphere at one of the best locations in Manchester.

Lots of energy

Excellent food and service in a lovely location, very central. Recommend.

Beautiful food at a really good price

Always nice to grab something whilst in the city lots of choice

Really lovely place and enjoyed the food

Can't beat a pint of Plum Porter in this lovely space.

Bit of peace and tranquility in the city centre

Excellent food and excellent service.

Lovely informal setting

Nice and peaceful

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.

This bar is inside the Royal Exchange theatre and has a view over St Ann's Square. Always worth a visit when Manchester is mad busy as it's so relaxing to sit with a pint and people watch from above.

Light meal before the show at the Royal Exchange theatre. Worth a visit just to see the interior of the building.

Bottle of peroni expensive. Should be given choice of gluten and gluten free

Very grand surroundings. Good quality earl grey tea.

Good decor, mellow vibe

Good value.

Bit pricey

Food is good, but not much selection. Too much vegan unhealthy food. I need protein... not mystery meat. The staff were friendly and quick to help and serve. A bit too expensive however. I also wish there was more privacy in the seating as its just chairs in a large open plan hallway. Manchester tart was very good.

It's a disappointing end to what appeared to be a promising night. Apparently at a certain point of the night the service becomes not existant and staff fight over indescrepancies in the bill rather than delivering good customer service.

Very limited selection of food Service slow when ordering food/drink Clearing of tables very efficient Prices very reasonable

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Very disappointing. Chaotic service with several people trying to serve you at once after initially waiting for ages - nobody seems to know what's going on in my opinion. They nearly gave my food to the person behind me, as they had ordered the same. Had to clear a table myself as all were dirty despite all the people working at the cafe. The staff don't appear to be well organised at all in my opinion. Toasted sandwich arrived almost cold. Husband's coffee almost cold! Very poor choice of salads that do not go with the sandwiches - Bombay potato salad does not sit well with a tuna and cheese (cold) toastie. Cake pieces varied a lot in size and yet all were the same high price. The ambience is not anything as nice like the last time that I went, as the red and white checked tablecloths have gone and there are way less less fairy lights strung up. It used to look kind of magical but now just. looks basic and rather drab to me in my opinion... Wouldn't go again.

This may be petty to some. But the reason I have given this place a low score. Is because they only serve vegan cakes now. Had it been the other way around there would be loads of complaints. I would highly recommend the place to my friends and family But no longer. Most Cafes and coffee shops around the UK try their best to cater for vegans and it's getting better each year. So out of principal and fairness I sadly won't be using this place again even though the service and atmosphere are great.

Poor selection and that ran out

The theatre was rehearsing but some brainless sound engineer had the volume levels turned up so loud it could cause customers hearing damage. Not going again because this happening all too often.. Not fault of the cafe staff.. Nice cafe nice people but the sound engineers are ruining their trade

Paid £5 for a cold piece of omelette large like 2 index fingers of a very small hand (no extras, no salad, no nothing), served by the rudest person in Manchester. Quite a robbery!