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TWO Greater Manchester restaurants awarded prestigious Michelin Bib Gourmands 

Congratulations are in order

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 2nd February 2026

Two restaurants in Greater Manchester have been presented with one of the most prestigious accolades in hospitality – a Michelin Bib Gourmand. 

Both Erst in Ancoats and Cantaloupe in Stockport have been awarded the distinction, alongside Almanac in Glossop (technically just outside the region, but close enough). 

The new additions bring our region’s total to five Bib Gourmands in total, joining El Gato Negro, Higher Ground, and The Sparrows. 

Michelin Bib Gourmand recognises ‘restaurants that serve high-quality food at great value’ and are often much more accessible than the Michelin Star selections. 

The news of the extra additions comes ahead of the Michelin Guide ceremony, where the ultimate accolade of the Michelin Stars will be awarded.

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Michelin inspectors said that Erst is ‘inch perfect’ and a ‘great fit’ for the local dining scene. 

Erst is one of the Greater Manchester restaurants awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand
Erst is one of the Greater Manchester restaurants awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand

They wrote: “A restaurant that feels inch perfect for 2026, Erst combines a natural wine bar with small plates and stripped-back industrial design. 

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“It’s a great fit for the Manchester dining scene and is another success for the city after receiving several other accolades in recent years.

“Bold flavours burst out of every dish, with the signature topped flatbreads being just one highlight.”

As for Cantaloupe in Stockport, the guide pointed out that the North West has a glut of wine bars and small plates restaurants, but praised this one in particular for its ‘welcome simplicity’. 

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Cantaloupe in Stockport has been awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand
Cantaloupe in Stockport has been awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand

They wrote: “Another wine bar and restaurant designed for sharing – anyone living in northwest England is certainly spoilt for choice. 

“It’s Stockport’s turn this time, with Cantaloupe offering locals and visitors alike a daily changing menu packed with bright Mediterranean flavours and a welcome simplicity. The chefs know when to hold back and their dishes are all the better for it.”

Addressing their win, Cantaloupe wrote: “Well, wow, what fantastic news. Today we’ve discovered we’ve been awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand. We’re thrilled and are grateful to all our staff for making it happen.

“Big thanks to all our guests too for spending their hard earned money and time with us.”

And of Almanac, the Michelin Guide said: “One of three new Bib Gourmands in and around Manchester this year, Almanac has revealed itself as a gem of Glossop High Street. 

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“Operating as both a bar and restaurant – look out for the concise but well-curated wine list – it’s got the kind of welcoming feel that makes you want to come back again and again. The cooking is traditional and proud of it; order the mince on dripping toast for evidence.”

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Featured image: The Manc Group

Eats

Beloved Northern Quarter restaurant TNQ announces shock closure after two decades

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Beloved Northern Quarter restaurant TNQ announces shock closure after two decades

One of the Northern Quarter’s most long-standing restaurants has announced its shock closure after almost 22 years in Manchester.

TNQ, an independent restaurant with a British menu, said that the current climate has made the restaurant ‘no longer a viable business’.

In a shockingly honest statement, the business said that its energy bills have rocketed to a staggering £8,000 per month, and that the two owners have forgone their salaries to try and keep TNQ afloat.

But despite being ‘busy and often fully booked’, the business has been left in a ‘heartbreaking situation where we have to close the doors for good’.

“Thanks E-on and thanks Rachel Reeves”, TNQ said in a statement today.

As for the staff who work at the High Street restaurant, TNQ bosses say they’re committed to paying them ‘every penny they are owed’ and are helping them to find new jobs in the industry.

TNQ said of their staff: “Our amazing team have worked blood sweat and tears over the years, grafted 80 hour weeks busting a gut to deliver our best for our guests. We are incredibly grateful to all our staff for their endeavours, loyalty, commitment and support over the 22 years.

“We are so sorry to all of them that we can no longer continue.”

TNQ statement in full

Unfortunately this is a heartbreaking situation where we have to close the doors to TNQ for good after nearly 22 years.

We have got through the banking crisis, double dip recessions and Covid but the current climate has made the restaurant no longer a viable business.

Our E-on bills are up to £8000 per month, wage costs have rocketed particularly after the last two budgets, food costs have soared and business rates continue to increase.

This has created a perfect storm resulting in the permanent closure of our beloved restaurant.

Last October we borrowed £100k which was personally guaranteed by 2 of the shareholders in order to try and weather the storm and 2 owners stopped being paid salary but unfortunately this wasn’t enough to save our restaurant.

Our amazing team have worked blood sweat and tears over the years, grafted 80 hour weeks busting a gut to deliver our best for our guests. We are incredibly grateful to all our staff for their endeavours, loyalty, commitment and support over the 22 years.

We are so sorry to all of them that we can no longer continue. We are committed to paying all our staff every penny they are owed. We are also working with our friends in the industry to find new jobs for everyone where we can. It is a truly gutting and heartbreaking situation. Sorry.

Thank you to all our partners and suppliers over the years, many of whom we have formed great friendships with.

Finally, thank you to all our wonderful guests who have supported us over the years, many of whom we are proud to call our friends. We will be in touch with all our bookings in due course and we can only apologise that we can no longer accommodate you.

Our restaurant has been busy and often fully booked but it’s just not enough to be a sustainable business. We are so sorry but this is goodbye from us at TNQ, one of the longest established independent restaurants in our magnificent city.

Thanks E-on and thanks Rachel Reeves

Jobe and Ant xx

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Featured image: Google Maps

Eats

A restaurant in Manchester is hosting a bottomless carbonara night

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson A restaurant in Manchester is hosting a bottomless carbonara night

A restaurant in Manchester has announced its first-ever ‘Carbonara Night’, with unlimited helpings of the popular pasta dish.

The Pasta Factory on Shudehill will be inviting diners to tuck into bottomless carbonara, with the chance to eat it all for free.

The restaurant recently celebrated its 10th birthday in the city, where it’s been serving fresh pasta dishes made by hand every single day.

When The Pasta Factory first opened, it chose not to sell carbonara, worried that the traditional recipe (guanciale, egg yolk, cheese – and absolutely no cream) wouldn’t be to the taste of diners in Manchester.

But realising there was an appetite for authentic Italian cooking, carbonara has made its way onto the menu and become a firm favourite.

And now The Pasta Factory is hosting an entire night dedicated to this delicious pasta dish.

There’ll be bottomless carbonara being served up in this cosy corner of Manchester, for one night only this month.

Your booking will get you a table for 90 minutes, during which time you can order unlimited portions of carbonara.

And if you manage to eat more than five carbonaras, Pasta Factory will give you your meal for free.

The bottomless carbonara night at Pasta Factory in Manchester will take place on Wednesday 18 February, with tickets priced at £30 per night.

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Featured image: The Manc Group

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