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
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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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.”
Family behind Salvi’s launch new concept, weeks after iconic restaurant closure
Daisy Jackson
Just weeks after the closure of its iconic, 16-year-old Italian restaurant in the Corn Exchange, the family behind Salvi’s have revealed a brand-new concept.
And this time, the reins are being handed over to the next generation.
Salvi’s founder Maurizio Cecco has helped to shape Amò, but it’s all the brainchild of his daughter, Sienna.
Sienna will run the business out of a unit up on Deansgate Mews, serving fresh pasta dishes, pizza sandwiches, tubs of tiramisu, and two-for-£10 spritzes.
The deli aspect of the original Salvi’s has been carried over to Amò too – you’ll find shelves almost to the ceiling filled with Italian pasta, wine, olive oils, pistachio spreads, and more.
Sienna has grown up in restaurants, with her parents launching Salvi’s when she was just two years old.
She said she wants the space to be a livelier, fresher version of the Italian restaurant that has been so loved by Mancs for so many years.
Sienna outside AmòFresh pasta dishesInside Amò by Salvi’sTheir viral frozen crema di caffeLemon granitaInside Amò by Salvi’sTiramisu pots
Amò, which is Neapolitan slang for ‘my love’, will have loads of fresh Italian dishes, including arancini, gnocchi, and hearty pasta plates.
At lunchtimes, guests can order from a £10 lunch menu, with dishes changing daily depending on the best produce the kitchen can get – it could be a pizza sandwich with proscuitto and tomato, a spicy pasta, or a gnocchi bake, always served with your choice of soft drink.
With its position on Deansgate Mews, Amò basks in the sunshine at lunchtimes.
And while it’s definitely a different concept to the original Salvi’s, Amò looks set to carry the family’s Italian food legacy into its next generation.
Award-winning Didsbury bakery La Chouquette reveals incredible new site
Daisy Jackson
La Chouquette is one of Greater Manchester’s top bakeries – an award-winner, with queues down the street every weekend for its authentic French pastries and loaves.
And now they’re ready for a new chapter, revealing a major expansion today.
Owners Catrina and Flo have painstakingly expanded the bakery into the unit next door, creating what feels like a true French bakery.
And in the midst of this huge renovation project, they’ve welcomed a tiny new baby boy – quite the summer for the couple.
Catrina and Flo launched La Chouquette in lockdown, and in a time where people could only get their hospitality fix from takeaways, immediately became one of the most popular spots in the region.
Their success has been so great, you’ll still consistently find queues down the street every weekend, for their top sellers like their authentic almond croissants.
Then in October 2024, they grew the business and launched Piqniq, a new deli in Didsbury village, serving freshly-baked baguette sandwiches, breakfast butties, toasties, tiramisu pots and their legendary pastries.
The new-look La Chouquette features beautiful details like mosaic floors, rich blue walls, wooden shelves, and brass light fixtures.
La Chouquette’s best-selling almond croissantsInside the stunning new La Chouquette in DidbsuryNew savoury bakesThe chausson aux pommesThe counter stuffed with artisan French bakesChocolate chip cookies and cinnamon buns
The huge new counter displays more pastries and breads than ever before, like a hearty chausson aux pommes filled with apples that will be perfect for autumn, plus seasonal treats like a rhubarb creme brulee pastry, and homemade quiche.
Speaking at the grand relaunch today, Catrina said: “The layout has changed, it looks so much more chic, it looks like a traditional French bakery. We’re really excited about it.”
As for what’s on the counter, Flo reassured fans that their beloved almond and pistachio croissants remain, but with some new savoury editions, like a truffle croque monsieur made with croissant dough.
La Choquette has reopened today, and will be open seven days a week from 7am until 5pm.
Daisy Jackson -
2nd February 2026 
