Best Casual Restaurants in Stalybridge

Lunch for 2 on the seasonal £40 sharing menu in the Saturday before Christmas. I’d heard and read so many good things about Higher Ground but not managed to get here until now, all of which were entirely justified. The interior (my bag) is cool, stylish and well laid out, tables not too close to each other. A really friendly welcome when we walked in, genuine and warm. Superlative staff, informed, enthusiastic without being over attentive, and knowledgable. Wonderful food, a smashing selection of dishes from the full menu. Pea fritters, British crab, incrediblly tasty cured meat, golden beets, warm freshly baked bread & whipped butter, succulent leeks - all excellent. Then a sharing main of Dexter beef on a delicate but hearty mushroom spelt porridge and a bowl of mash homegrown on the HG farm in Cheshire. I’ll be attempting to recreate smoked butter at home but doubtless will fail to make it this delicious. For the quality of food, attention to detail, quality of service, this was £40 per head very well spent. Wouldn’t hesitate to go back.

This is our 4th time with Erst and it’s become our favourite place to dine in Manchester. The menu changes with the seasons but keeps a few of the favourites all year round so we’re always able to order the anchovies, flatbread and beetroot ajo blanco along side discovering something new to rave on about until the next time we join them Last night was the second time we were served by Louie (I’m sorry if that’s not spelt correctly!) who remembered us from a year prior. He authentically and enthusiastically provides the best service we’ve ever experienced in any establishment. His warm, light and knowledgeable approach makes dining with any dietary requirements fun and exciting (which never happens, ever.) Couldn’t recommend erst more!

The rib-eye was absolutely perfect, succulent and cooked to perfection! All four sides were delicious, we highly recommend the turnsworth mash, beef dripping fries, creamy spinach and mac&cheese. The wine was rich and the sticky toffee pudding was the cherry on top. The service was great, our host checked up on us regularly and made sure we had everything we needed. You never have to wonder how to call over for some help! The restaurant is beautiful and feels old and rustic however the noise levels were way too high, the acoustics need to be looked into as I found myself almost having to yell across the table. Some light jazz music would also be nice!

Wonderful meal with my mum, fantastic choices on the set menu. Lovely to see the place full even if it did make it quite loud. The ladies who looked after us were wonderful and I’m sorry I didn’t get their names. Always my favourite place for a treat and already looking forward to coming back soon. X

Service and food were incredible. Lucas who served us was as good a server as I’ve ever had in my life. 10/10 all round!