Now plenty of restaurant interiors might be considered ‘interesting’ – but what we’re looking for here is something extra. We hate to say this but, the WOW factor (forgive us, that’s a bit Simon Cowell).
Take Jöro, stacked up in shipping containers, or the roof terrace at Ox Club, the stunning views at The Samling, the Bavarian dance-on-the-tables madness of Albert’s Schloss or the contemporary vibes of Man Behind The Curtain – which looks more like a modern art gallery than a fine dining restaurant.
For some reason or another, walk into one of this lot and you’ll be well impressed way before any food or drink has hit the table…
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South Yorkshire
Jöro
Offering Nordic-inspired fine dining inside a shipping container, Jöro has secured accolades galore, including a clutch of AA Rosettes and Michelin Bib Gourmand.
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Stockport
Where the Light Gets In
With no menu and esoteric wines, Where the Light Gets In doesn’t adhere to the typical fine-dining formula. But it’s been a success for Stockport, thanks to chef-patron Sam Buckley’s belief in doing things his own way.
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Manchester City Centre
Albert’s Schloss
Albert’s Schloss is a Bavarian-inspired fun palace of extraordinary dimensions and clever design. Behind the glistening tiles of the former Manchester and Salford Wesleyan Mission building (est in 1910) you’ll discover a vast bar, real fires, perfectly preserved original plaster, and a wall stuffed generously with flowers by floral artists’ Frog. You’ll also find a stage, DJ booth and network of beer pipes and tanks serving unpasturised Pilsner Urquell to hordes of adoring punters.
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Cumbria
The Samling
The Samling is a delightful lodge and fine-dining restaurant oozing exclusivity. A favourite of Hollywood celebs (like Tom Cruise), it’s easy to see why this charming collection of restored farm cottages is thriving.
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Book Now Spinningfields
Australasia
Cool Pacific Rim fusion fare for the fashion set. Australasia combines a sense of theatre with professionalism and culinary wizardry, making any occasion feel special.
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Manchester City Centre
The Refuge
Winning small plate fusion in an iconic and glamorous setting. Housed in Manchester’s iconic The Refuge Assurance Company dating back to 1858, this DJ-run restaurant and bar is large and sassy.
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Spinningfields
20 Stories
Manchester’s highest restaurant, bar and terrace 20 Stories was the opening of 2018 and still maintains its status as one of the city’s most popular place to eat, drink, be snapped and be seen.
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Spinningfields
Hawksmoor
The first Hawksmoor steakhouse outside of London is a confident affair. Well sourced steak and attention to detail have created a place like no other.
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Aughton
Moor Hall
Mark Birchall, ex-head chef at L’Enclume, is chef-patron of Moor Hall, an outstanding, two Michelin star, five AA Rosette restaurant with rooms.
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Manchester City Centre
El Gato Negro Manchester
El Gato Negro is an upmarket Manc-Spanish fusion restaurant that really, really works. Originally from Yorkshire, chef Simon Shaw has created an indulgent, three-storey church to his passion for the best in Spanish food and wine.
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Book Now Leeds
Crafthouse
The slick Crafthouse restaurant serves up seasonal British fare from a roof-top perch. It’s a D&D group restaurant, and like their Manchester operation, 20 Stories, it has a spacious outside terrace and bar. But the real draw is the food.
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Book Now Leeds
Ox Club
The Ox Club offers sumptuous, grill-based cooked from the Belgrave gang.
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Spinningfields
Tattu Manchester
Located in the heart of the Spinningfields business district, Tattu Manchester is an Instagrammer’s dream. Think penumbral lighting, body art-inspired cocktails and a full-size cherry blossom tree with hand-sewn silk petals. You’d be forgiven for expecting such opulent surroundings to outshine the food. Not so.