Level 3 at Mercure Manchester

Level 3 is the in-house restaurant for Mercure’s Piccadilly Hotel, based – surprise surprise – on the third floor. It boasts superb views over the city, and manages the unthinkable task of making Piccadilly Gardens look charming and appealing, all twinkly lights and city-dwellers hurrying about. But the food is the reason we’re here, and it’s a nicely varied menu that caters to all tastes.

We begin with ham croquettes, that comes with a moreish and surprisingly gentle English mustard mayonnaise. The croquettes are jam-packed with shredded ham, hot, salty and delicious, lightly golden and crispy on the outside. Exactly what you’d want from a good quality croquette. The nachos are equally good. A big bowl of tortilla chips, smothered with cheese and chopped spring onion, it’s easily enough for two.

For mains, the beef and Doombar ale pie proves irresistible. It’s a fine quality pie, hefty and packed full of chunks of beef in a nicely-beery gravy with pastry that’s thick and crunchy on top, soft and pliable at the base – just like all good pies should be. The thick cut chips are excellent, chunky and crispy like the best home-cooked type.

Level 3 boasts a view that’s not-to-be-missed

The half roast piri piri chicken is another solid choice. Two chargrilled pieces of chicken, one breast, one leg and thigh. The flavours are good, if a little mild, but a pot of peri peri sauce on the side would be useful, particularly for those diners with a taste for something spicier. The sweet potato fries are perfect, both crunchy and pliable, not too oily or overcooked. A decent pot of coleslaw and some plain rice round things off.

Of course, Manchester has plenty of world-class restaurants just outside but if you’re looking to grab a good-quality convenient bite to eat, Level 3 is a great option, with a view that’s not-to-be-missed.