Higher Ground has gone from strength to strength since opening less than a year ago. It was named among the UK’s best restaurants just months after opening, and recently Rick Stein named it as one of his favourite places to eat in the whole country.
The restaurant started life as a pop-up at Kampus but has since put down roots with floor-to-ceiling glass windows on two sides, and a whole wine room where diners can pick out a bottle to take home.
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It’s operated by three friends – bright young chef Joseph Otway, front-of-house man Richard Cossins, and wine expert Daniel Craig-Martin.
Now, the restaurant can add a Bib Gourmand to its belt, which Michelin says is ‘not quite a star, but definitely not a consolation prize’.
Higher Ground in Manchester has been awarded a Michelin Bib GourmandHigher Ground in Manchester has been awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand
Bib Gourmands are awarded to ‘friendly establishments that serve good food at moderate prices’.
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Michelin launched the category to recognise restaurants that serve ‘high-quality food at pocket-friendly prices’, rather than the incredibly high standard (and high cost) of fine dining restaurants.
The guide described Higher Ground as an ‘all-round brilliant package’.
They wrote today: “There is no better place to start than in Manchester, the host city of this year’s MICHELIN Guide Ceremony.
“One of the new jewels in the city’s culinary crown is Higher Ground, a great value restaurant run by a trio of friends who provide friendly service alongside a selection of full-flavoured small plates.”
The Michelin Guide’s entry for Higher Ground reads: “In the heart of the city, not far from Piccadilly Gardens, three friends are making serious waves in the Manchester food scene.
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“With chatty service, a lively buzz and ingredient-led cooking bursting with bold flavours, they’re providing a brilliant all-round package for the city.
“Dishes are designed for sharing and often utilise ingredients from their Cinderwood Market Garden. There’s a brilliant wine list too, showcasing small producers and low-intervention choices, of which you can find more at their wine bar, Flawd, in Ancoats.”
Ian Wright raves about Chorlton takeaway Jerk Junction
Daisy Jackson
Ian Wright has publicly raved about a Greater Manchester takeaway, saying it’s the ‘only reason’ he comes to the city.
The TV personality and football great took to Instagram yesterday to share his short but sweet review of Jerk Junction.
It’s a beloved takeaway and restaurant that has a few sites across Greater Manchester and tonnes of loyal followers – including more than a few famous faces.
And now Ian Wright has joined the legions of fans celebrating Jerk Junction, a Caribbean spot famed for its jerk chicken and curried meats.
On his Instagram page yesterday, Wrighty shared a video of himself tucking into a huge helping of curry and rice, with fried dumplings on the side.
In it, he gives the camera a big thumbs up before saying: “It’s the only reason I come to Manchester really.”
Jerk Junction has also shared a photo of them delivering the food to Ian, writing: “Special delivery to everyones favourite Uncle, The Legend himself Mr @wrightyofficial.”
Ian Wright raving about Jerk Junction on Instagram. Credit: Instagram, @wrightyofficialIan Wright with Jerk Junction. Credit: Instagram, @jerkjunction
Ian Wright has then replied: “Too much food! But it was amazing!! Thank you so much.”
The takeaway’s menu is filled with dishes like Jerk chicken, curried goat, and vegetarian options like Ital stew, all served with rice and peas, and prepared with traditional spices and ingredients.
Family-run tapas restaurant shames customers who stole decorations
Daisy Jackson
A family-run restaurant in Whitefield has publicly shamed a couple who stole new decorations from them.
Campo Blanco, a popular tapas joint in the Bury suburb, threatened to call ‘Santa’ over the petty theft.
Owned and operated by high school sweethearts Aaron and Faye Cummins, the charming local spot opened back in 2018 and has been a firm favourite in Whitefield ever since.
But it’s not just their tapas menu that’s caught the attention of locals – now apparently it’s their new table decorations.
Campo Blanco has shared CCTV footage of a couple who dined there recently pocketing lamps off their table.
The customer in question quietly reaches across her dinner, picks up the pretty gold lamp, turns it off, and shoves it into her coat pocket.
The restaurant shared the video online and pleaded for them to return the lamps by Christmas Eve.
They then said they’d be telling Santa – ‘and by Santa, we mean the police’.
Campo Blanco wrote: “We love our new table lights too. We actually can’t get them anymore as they’ve stopped making them so please bring them back. Also, they aren’t yours!
Daisy Jackson -
29th January 2024 
