Two Manchester restaurants have been added to the esteemed Michelin Guide, and both have barely been open for a year.
Higher Ground, in the city centre, and Örme in Urmston have been picked out for praise, the latter having been featured in Finest’s Hidden Gems series back in July.
Meanwhile, Higher Ground opened up in February this year, and has been the subject of rave reviews ever since.
Joseph Otway, chef at Higher Ground, said: “We’re delighted to be included in the Michelin Guide having only opened the restaurant this year.
“In the kitchen we spend a lot of time sourcing our produce, fish and meat as carefully and locally as possible, so to have this recognised by such a prestigious guide is fantastic.”
The project was started by Otway, front of house Richard Cossins and wine expert Daniel Craig Martin as a pre-lockdown pop-up.
The trio then founded the Flawd wine bar on Islington Marina, using produce from their own market garden, Cinderwood, in the Cheshire countryside.
Higher Ground also uses produce from Cinderwood, as well as meat from Jane’s Farm, also in Cheshire, across a menu with plates designed for sharing.
The Michelin Guide notes: “Sit at the large counter to see the chefs putting care and pride into every dish. The whole team, led by the owners, are charming and cheery, making your visit that extra bit more enjoyable.”
Örme, meanwhile, an old cafe on an unassuming row of shops, has become renowned for its amazing value £45 tasting menus.
Run by chefs Jack Fields and Tom Wilson, who grew up in Urmston, and Rachel Roberts, dishes are modern British and European, using local ingredients.
Like Higher Ground, they also follow the notion of ‘nose to tail’ eating, buying in whole animals and championing cheaper cuts.
Their entry reads: “There’s a distinct Nordic touch to proceedings, yet British produce is at the heart of the appealing tasting menu – which gives you the option to add supplementary courses for a more bespoke experience.
“Attractively presented dishes offer bold, vibrant flavours with a mix of the classic and the modern in their influences. Wine flights are also available, including a particularly interesting British themed option.”
Other Greater Manchester restaurants to feature in the guide include 63 Degrees, El Gato Negro, Adam Reid at The French, Erst, Another Hand, The Sparrows, OSMA, Perfect Match, Where The Light Gets In, The White Hart and Borage.
mana, in Ancoats, is the only entry – so far – to hold a coveted Michelin star.
