Culture Guides
Destination Guides
It’s March, the weather is appalling and a worrying health crisis is sweeping the world. Despite all this, and the rush to ‘self-isolate’, we can – and should – still go out and enjoy ourselves, providing we stay safe, and here are ten great reasons why in this month’s food and drink guide.
Restaurants across Manchester and the North are making it clear that they’re taking all the necessary precautions, so it’s important not to panic and put your life on hold. We have word that Italian and Chinese restaurants, in particular, are suffering, so if you’re wondering where to dine, support your local food scene and put those top of your list.
As for this month’s recommended eats, we’ve covered a wide range of venues, new and old. A trip to the Lake District uncovered some of the most spectacular food and drink around, while we revisit some old favourites, and we’ve even got news of a special charity event featuring our very own food and drink editor cooking for Manchester’s great and good.
So join us as we dive headfirst into the best and most unique places to eat and drink across the North. Expect everything from cute tearooms to probably the best (and most affordable) tasting menu in Manchester. They’ll all leave you delighted and hungering for a return trip. Don’t let doom-mongering tabloids scare you off, keep dining and keep supporting your local food scene.
Here are our picks
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1. Baha
Ian Jones Baha, 18 Ash St, Bowness-on-Windermere, LA23 3EB - Visit now
Baha provides a stylish and unique hang-out for the people of Bowness-On-Windermere, offering up smart, original ideas from a passionate and talented chef. If you’re thinking of heading to the Lakes once this pre-springtime storm frenzy clears up, put this superb restaurant high on your list.
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2. Six By Nico Manchester
Six By Nico Six By Nico Manchester, 60 Spring Gardens, Manchester, M2 2BQ - Visit now
Measure for measure, Six By Nico is shaping up to be Manchester’s best restaurant. The courses are always a delight, complex but easy to understand, and with a smart, modern ever-changing theme that brings together diners from all ages, palates and income.
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3. Isca Wines
Isca Wine -
4. Sicilian NQ
Sicilian NQ -
5. Rosa’s Thai Cafe Manchester
Rosa's Thai Cafe -
6. El Capo
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7. The Cranleigh Boutique
Ian Jones The Cranleigh Boutique, Kendal Rd, Bowness-on-Windermere, LA23 3EW - Visit now
If you’re looking to impress a date, or try something different, look no further than the award-winning Cranleigh Boutique. It’s a truly unique hotel, in the heart of the most exciting part of the Lake District.
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8. Bryson’s Of Keswick Craft Bakery & Traditional Tea Rooms
Ian Jones Bryson’s Of Keswick Craft Bakery & Traditional Tea Rooms, Royal Square, Bowness-on-Windermere, LA23 3ED - Visit now
Bryson’s feels like the kind of place where you could pop in every day, offering up that old-school friendliness and high-quality fare that’s often difficult to find. It’s straight out of an Enid Blyton book, and wonderful for it.
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9. Dakota Bar & Grill Manchester
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