Chalk Bar & Grill launched last month in Didsbury. The independent restaurant and bar is the brainchild of businessman Chris Longmate and Dominic Gottelier, former general manager at The Wizard in near Alderley Edge. Food is provided by head chef Colin Mckevitt, who has worked with Mark Prescott and Nigel Haworth and was head chef at the Wizard. It's an upmarket casual place with week night wine deals and - get this - special offers on champagne on Saturdays. Food is smart casual; the menu takes in gourmet steak, coffee and cakes, salads, hearty breakfasts and more. We particularly like the sound of the Chalk and Cheese Burger (£12.95) with minced beef, pulled pork, Lancashire cheese, onion rings and triple cooked chips.
Chalk Bar and Grill, 784-788 Wilmslow Road, Didsbury, Manchester M20 2DR. Tel: 0161 445 1042; www.chalkbar.co.uk