Food envy is most certainly a condition I suffer from.

Almost every time I'm out for dinner I can guarantee as soon as my food arrives I notice someone else's meal  -and wish I had ordered that instead

And if that someone else happens to be a close friend or relative, I will unashamedly, start helping myself to their food.

When Banyan bar and kitchen in Spinningfields launched its new sharing platters, it was something my friends and I had to try - over cocktails of course!

(Image: NQ) Banyan has two venues in Manchester, one in The Corn Exchange - Manchester City Centre's food quarter - and Spinningfields.

The venue we chose, just like its location, was a vibrant and lively place to catch up on a Saturday night over food and drink.

The sharing menu is mix of British classics and popular international dishes.

We opted for the crispy duck pancakes and Pan-Asian chicken trio.

There is also streak and tacos on the menu too.

While we waited cocktails were ordered, with a most welcome two-for-one offer - there is a selection to suit all tastes with mocktails, low alcohol drinks on the menu.

(Image: NQ) Porn star martini is one of the bar's most popular and the daiquiris also went down a treat.

The sharing menu also extends to cocktails, with  Banyan’s Teapot Sharers, Florence Flask Sharers or the deliciously sweet and nostalgic Rhubarb and Custard cocktail tree.

We ordered a couple of starters from the menu, including crispy fried oyster mushrooms and fries.

First impressions, when the sharing platter was brought out was that will not fill three of us up - how wrong we all were.

Admittedly there was nothing left at the end, but we certainly couldn't have eaten anymore save for obviously dessert - of which there is a mouth-watering selection.

(Image: NQ) The crispy duck - pulled duck, cucumber, spring onion, hoisin sauce and chilli and lime jam, served with pancakes and prawn crackers - was delicious.

The chicken trio included bang bang chicken, sticky karage chicken and Thai marinated chicken breast, served with egg fried rice and prawn crackers. The flavour of the sizzling hot platters were lovely - billed a tantalising journey through Asia's most delicious chicken dishes - a sentiment which we agreed with.

What was clear to see - or taste - was these platters were put together with as thought and detail a restaurant would put into an individual dish.

Sharing platters are the perfect dish for those who don't quite fancy Tapas or a dish to themselves.

The sharing platters are great way to leisurely eat and drink over a catch-up.

The dishes are not just thrown together, even though the cost is unbelievable - with just £22.95 for the duck and chicken £29.95.

In Manchester on a Saturday night,  split between a few people that really is quite a bargain.

And thrown in is a party atmosphere, with an amazing soundtrack - the venue certainly has a holiday and cosmopolitan vibe about it.

(Image: Banyan) Banyan Spinningfields is place where an evening can be started and finished, or a great place to catch up over food and drinks and perfect for celebrations given its party vibe. There is also a quieter place to eat too.

Laura Lewis, Marketing Director at Arc Inspirations, said: “At Banyan, we love bringing people together, whatever the occasion. Whether you're catching up with friends, celebrating a special occasion, or simply enjoying a night out, our new food and drink menu specialises in sharing.

“We're excited to introduce this new sharer menu to our Manchester Banyan venues in Spinningfields and The Corn Exchange, as well as our other venues including Leeds City Centre, Harrogate, and Newcastle."

For reservations and to experience Banyan’s new sharer menu, please visit www.banyanbar.co.uk or contact your nearest Banyan venue.