Going out for tea on Friday and can't decide on where to go - any one had any good experiences recently? Preferably somehwhere with ooey gooey puds ;-)
Mongolian Barbecue is good but is a chain - if you want a truly unique place check out Afrika on Deansgate, but only if you have a LOT of time to spare. The woman who owns it describes it as SLOW food (instead of fast food) and we must have been in there two hours before our main courses arrived as they cook everything from fresh. Great experience/atmosphere and the food is so good it's nearly worth the wait!
Hey shinky - what continent, so to speak, would you like to dine on?
Every type of food has its star and there are too many to mention so if you could give me something more specific i could help more.
Well...I don't fancy Italian, Indian, Chinese etc, taking a 3 year old so has to be child friendly - and preferably serve good pudding - sticky toffee pud and the like! Fairly traditional English grub'd be nice - although ate at the Chop House a few weeks ago so dont want to go back this weekend! Thanks
If its sticky puds you're after then you can't go too far wrong with Sams Chop House on Chapel Walks;
www.samschophouse.co.uk
The menu is British food done really well, I'd highly recommend the Roast Duck or Corned Beef Hash. The hash sounds very unglamourous but really is lovely. And the Treacle Tart should more than satisfy your pudding craving.
It has a sister pub/restaurant just down the road, Mr Thomas's Chop House, but it tends to be booked up quite early.
www.tomschophouse.co.uk
Both buildings are well preserved Victorian affairs but are far from being theme pubs. Front of house and service are excellent and I've never had a bad meal in either Sam's or Tom's.
Enjoy!
Does it have to be in town?
There is a bit of a hidden gem in Levenshulme (hear me out!.....)
Its a place called "That Cafe" and its on the A6 near the end of Broom Lane. Possibly not the most salubrious area but restaurant is ace and the food would fit your "British grub, hearty puddings" requirements. I have to say I've not been for a while but a friend went about a month ago on my recommendation and really enjoyed it. I don't have children myself so you might have to call to check their child-friendliness but it is a very friendly place and I doubt they'll have a problem.
Bit different but definitely worth a try.
Jenna they are the BEST suggestions ever, thank you SO much! Have decided to go to Simple in the Northern Quarter tonight, but I will certaintly be trying all of your suggestions over the next few weeks!!!