It’s hard to imagine a time when Ancoats was home to “lonely cottages”. But that’s exactly what the area’s original name meant — Elnecot. Today, the area is overflowing with mid-rise apartment buildings, cool bars and acclaimed restaurants, with some of the best food in the city to be had in this former industrial zone, then derelict neighbourhood, now hipster enclave that’s among the most sought after districts in the city. Inspired by that name, Elnecot is an award winning British casual dining gem that stands out from the crowd on all fronts, from eats to drinks.
Headed up by Chef Patron Michael Clay, the concept is pretty simple: source the best possible ingredients from UK producers, and keep it local when and where possible. Then create recipes that celebrate the natural quality of that stock while delivering innovative dishes. Think plates filled with imagination that play to a good sense of humour. Standouts from this award-winning kitchen include the Manchester Egg with Piccalilli, Big Head Croquettes, Devon Brown Crab Crumpets, and the iconic, eye catching disco cabbage.
Breakfast and lunch are served here from 11AM each day, with a soup and sandwich offering available for those that want to keep costs down. Things go bottomless on Saturdays, food-wise at least, while Sundays are all about a renowned roast dinner. Options include Yorkshire lamb and butter roasted Goosnargh Chicken, and this is one of very few spots in the country serving Welsh Wagyu Beef — which is worth a trip alone. Alongside the excellent wine list, created by Buon Vino and including both conventional and natural bottles, you’ll also find beer canned, bottled and tapped from celebrated local breweries like Cloudwater and Shindigger. Ideal to accompany a relaxed, informal-yet-chic interior design that encourages customers to take their time, savouring every mouthful and moment.