Food and Drink in the North

Ian Jones, Food and Drink Editor

Apologies in advance, it’s time to look ahead to autumn and winter. The nights are drawing in, and the temperature is dropping.

With that in mind, we’re heading into heartier territories, meaning big bold plates at some of the North’s very best dining establishments, plus Manchester’s best new Sunday roasts options.

So join us as we dive headfirst into the best places to eat and drink across the North. Think of your tastebuds and start planning your next four weeks around this month’s food and drink guide to Manchester and the North.

Our top picks

Sampa

Sampa, Northern Quarter, Manchester, M4 - Visit now

Manchester’s most exciting chef is at it again. Born in Brazil and adopted by the UK, Caroline Martins is the very definition of independent. No shady hedge fund backers, no corporate overlords reining her in, just dazzling idea after dazzling idea. Her Brazilian tasting menu concept, Sampa, is one of the year’s absolute must-visit events. Get booking.

Pip at Treehouse Manchester

Pip at Treehouse Manchester, Blackfriars Street, Manchester, M3 2EQ - Visit now

Everyone’s favourite low-waste chef, Mary-Ellen McTague, is behind the Sunday roast at Pip, the ground-floor restaurant at Manchester’s Treehouse Hotel that recently got a respectful nod in this year’s Michelin guide.

The Stables Restaurant at Manor House Alsager

The Stables Restaurant at Manor House Alsager, Audley Rd, Alsager, Stoke-on-Trent , ST7 2QQ - Visit now

Live out those Jilly Cooper fantasies with an evening at Stables in East Cheshire. It’s the in-house restaurant at the excellent Manor House Hotel & Spa in Alsager, and while hunky beefcakes might be thin on the ground, fear not, you’ll find beef, cake and other great British nosh on this luxurious menu.

The Cut & Craft Manchester

The Cut & Craft Manchester, 38-42 Mosley St, Manchester , M2 3AZ - Visit now

The Cut & Craft brings a sense of occasion to Sunday lunch. The restaurant is based in a grand old building, and their take on the UK’s most cherished meal matches up nicely.

House of Social Food Hall

House of Social Food Hall, 10 Coleman Street, Manchester, M15 4ND - Visit now

The newest addition to Manchester’s First Street, House of Social is primarily a student accommodation, but at its base lies a 12,000-square-foot food and drink space featuring five independent kitchens and a central 360 bar.

House of Social Drinks and menu
Demi Sheridan

Salt & Pepper

Salt & Pepper, 60-62 High St, Manchester, M4 1EA - Visit now

Salt & Pepper isn’t your typical takeaway. Since opening in 2019, this Chinese fast food restaurant has been on a wild ride, starting with queues that snaked round the Arndale Market, ending up with a following that borders on cultlike.

Titanic Spa

Titanic Spa, Low Westwood Lane, Linthwaite, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, HD7 5UN - Visit now

The Titanic Spa is one of the more impressively kitted-out spas in the North, with an expert team to match.

Winsome

Winsome, 74 Princess St, Manchester, M1 6JD - Visit now

Chef extraordinaire Shaun Moffat has had quite the impact on Manchester since landing in the city in 2022. He’s transformed multiple restaurants with his style of bold British cooking and his very own place has been mentioned as one to watch in the recent Michelin guide.

Winsome
Ian Jones

Sunday Roasts in Manchester

Clear the next few Sundays from your calendar and get booking. Manchester has some of the finest roast dinners in the North, and we’re here to help you discover the one that’s most up your street.

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