My favourite place to eat out in Manchester is…
Am I allowed to choose my own restaurant here? Our new menu for me is the best we have put out and I’m incredibly proud of the whole team's efforts over the past few months. However, I will do my best to put bias aside! I really enjoy El Gato Negro, I think Simon Shaw has done a phenomenal job, I've never had a bad experience there. I especially like the rooftop space, which tends to be my go-to spot throughout summer, whether I'm eating or just having a drink. Despite being a well-known, reputable Manchester restaurant it still retains that feeling of stumbling in to a hidden spot that only locals would know.
The best dish I’ve eaten in Manchester recently is…
There are a number that spring to mind, however the one that really does stand out is the yakitori eel in a roasted yeast and blueberry glaze at Mana. I was blown away by this dish along with most of the menu. Eel isn't always a popular dish and one most people would shy away from. However, in this case it was delivered exceptionally.
My favourite dining room in Manchester is…
There are some very impressive grand dining rooms in the city, The Refuge, Grand Pacific, even Manchester Hall. These venues give you a really regal feeling when you walk in. I bloody love a high ceiling, too! However, i'm going to take this in a modern direction and mention one of my neighbours as I think the boys from Tattu have done a design job and a half on all of their now three venues. The level of detail that went into each piece of furniture, light fitting and, of course, the most instagrammed tree in Manchester is incredibly impressive. Tattu has always had a real New York or downtown LA feel to me, an almost aspirational place to be seen.
My favourite lunch spot in Manchester is…
This is a tricky one for me as i'm normally running around too much to eat lunch, but when I find myself in the Northern Quarter at lunchtime I will tend to head to Rustica on Tib Street. The girls always crack me up in there and the butties aren’t bad either. At weekends I like going to the Altrincham Markets, great options, great atmosphere and all independents. There’s nothing to not like. Reserve Wines normally have something interesting to quaff, too, which is never a bad thing.
If I had to eat only one thing for the rest of my days it would be…
It would definitely be pizza. It works with every occasion, it's my number one comfort food. It's also one of the most consistently delivered options to eat around the world. You can always find a good pizza spot in each city.
Andrew Mcloughney is Director of The Range on Spinnngfields Left Bank. A former semi-pro golfer himself, he has created a virtual reality clubhouse experience, incorporating five state of the art golf simulators available for use by members. His other passion is for food and drink, so alongside is Albatross & Arnold, a stylish bar and lounge, open to the public, whose small plate menu is curated by chef Curtis Stewart.