Gladstone Barber & Bistro

Nobody goes to the barbers expecting a roast dinner, or for that matter, a feast of home-style Palestinian food. Unless they live in Stalybridge that is, where Gladstone Barber & Bistro does all three, and cut-throat shaves too.

The barbers has been open for a decade, while the bistro launched in summer 2020. A glass wall separates the two but they’re essentially the same business. A local family with Palestinian roots is the force behind Gladstone – and the food reflects their heritage.

There’s plenty to love on the menu, which really comes into its own when it moves from classic breakfast and brunch dishes to their more idiosyncratic lunch options.

Go for mezze such as mshat – little parcels of spicy cauliflower with vibrant sumac yoghurt for dipping, or ‘Dad’s recipe’ falafel on tahini sauce. Follow it with a homemade taboon flatbread stacked with chicken musakhan or lamb shawarma, and topped with yoghurt, salad, pickle and almonds. On Sundays, traditional roasts are served. An evening menu will launch in autumn 2021.

It’s all wholesome, healthy fare – an approach matched by the smoothies, kombucha and Karma softs on the drinks menu.