I feel like rotisserie chicken is due a renaissance. They used to be everywhere. Supermarkets offered them, the local butchers did them as a bit of a sideline. It was an easy post work dinner for people everywhere. Finish work, grab a chicken, maybe some salad and some soft oven bottoms, and dinner was served.
OK, OK, maybe that was just me and the husband, but still. There are memes dedicated to rotisserie chickens. And yet, they seemed to have disappeared. No longer can I hit Tesco or the local shopping centre to grab anything than a cold, from the fridge cooked chicken, which just isn’t the same.
At least they had. Then suddenly Medlock Canteen started offering it (and you can buy it to take away), and now Trading Route has opened in Manchester Goods Yard, a stone’s throw from Factory International and it’s their whole raison d’etre. Promising hot chicken and cold beer, it was for myself and one of my besties, the perfect spot after two hours of yoga with Scottee and Wonkee Club over in Castlefield.
It was lunchtime on a Saturday. We had stretched and held our bodies in varying shapes and contortions, and were in need of sustenance. Whilst a few headed off for coffee and pastries, we needed something bigger. Comforting, warm and filling. Especially after stepping outside into the cold chill of a clear January day and distinctly regretting not adding a pair of joggers on top for warmth.
The space itself is split – there’s a small shop space at the front where you can pick up a bottle of something delicious, quality essentials for your store cupboard, and deli goods, all building on their reputation as the people behind Wandering Palate in Monton. Then the space opens up, with cosy booths on the right, and a wider mixture of seating to the left – from bar tables with high stools, to larger tables for groups. At the back is the bar, and the kitchen space, including an ever rotating oven filled with golden brown whole chickens.
This time, despite the cocktails, beers, and excellent wines on offer, we were sticking to something lighter, and both opted for a light beer. I was happy to see a good selection of non alcoholic beers, so dove into an IPA from Cloudwater, whilst my date opted for Schofferhoffer grapefruit.
When it came to food, the chicken was an essential. We decided to go for a whole chicken to share, along with foccacia served with romesco sauce, and a side of roast potatoes served with chicken fat mayonnaise, salsa verde and pecorino.
The chicken was everything you’d want. Soft, juicy, the flesh melting off the bones, both of us dove in with bare hands. The focaccia was light, fluffy, chewy and crispy all at the same time. Perfect for dunking in the sweet peppery romesco and later for mopping the juices up from the demolished chicken. The roasties dunked in the mayo and salsa verde were somewhat addictive.
Plates cleared, hunger somewhat sated, we paused sleepily with our second beers before I ordered again. It was time for something sweet.
Key lime pie. Hobnob and (I think) ginger nut base, cheesecake layer, topped with cream and lime. It’s a beast of a dessert and absolutely over faced me. Did I regret it? Absolutely not.
But wait, I hear, it’s a restaurant offering rotisserie chicken, what about those who are vegetarian or vegan? There are dishes available though with the chicken at the centre of everything, it is limited. That said, the foccacia is vegan (as is the romesco), there are sandwiches and salads with cavolo nero, and burrata with tomato and pine nuts, breakfast foccacia slices for those arriving early doors, and side plates (nibbly bits) including olives and smoked almonds.
Overall, I love the idea, the homey family vibe, and great drinks selection. And I don’t mind admitting, I am currently looking at the husband asking when we can go because I need more rotisserie chicken in my life.