The Good Food Guide has named the best Sunday roasts in the UK and there’ve been a few nods for Greater Manchester (naturally).
After 18,000 public nominations, the guide and its team of inspectors have pulled together a list of the very best roasts around the country.
While the overall top spot went to The Abbey Inn in North Yorkshire, there were plenty of shouts for roasts in the North West.
Shrub in Chester took home Best Vegan, with judges saying ‘You miss nothing and gain everything’ with its brilliant trimmings.
And although it’s one of the London branches that was technically listed, Blacklock nabbed the title of having the best Sunday roast for group dining.
ADVERTISEMENT
Blacklock recently opened its first restaurant here in Manchester, serving traditional chop house food with a modern twist.
The Good Food Guide said: “Unrivalled if you’re with a group of friends, this Canary Wharf chophouse (part of a small London group, with a Manchester outpost), is considered a ‘Sunday wonderland’ by its many fans.
ADVERTISEMENT
Blacklock has been listed in the Good Food Guide’s Best Sunday Roasts list. Credit: Supplied
“With ‘super-accommodating staff’ and roasts that are ‘almost as good as mum’s’ (their words), it’s a star turn. Order the ‘all in’ sharing feast, which comprises a trio of ‘succulent’ dry-aged beef rump, lamb and pork loin with gigantic yorkies, duck-fat roast potatoes and limitless gravy.”
Another cosy spot in Marple Bridge in Stockport also made the Good Food Guide’s Sunday roast list, hailed for its fire-roasting.
The guide said: “‘Sophisticated yet comforting’ is the verdict on the elevated Sunday deal at this bottle shop and bistro in one of Stockport’s more comely corners.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Fire-roasting is Fold’s USP, and the flames lick around everything from aged beef bavettes with ‘Yorkie bits’ and smoked salt to porchetta with Manchester ale, fennel and Pink Lady apple. Each plate comes with a wagyu-fat potato slice, but it’s worth ordering some extras (perhaps roast sandy carrots in lamb fat). Great for kids.”
Outside the Pack Horse in HayfieldInside The Pack Horse Hayfield. Credit: The Manc Group
The Pack Horse in Hayfield – which recently caught our eye with its brilliant breakfasts – has rightly been praised for its post-hike atmosphere and its ‘stylishly rustic and warmly welcoming interior’.
The guide said: “All the Sunday roast trimmings come as standard, whether you’re ordering the melting beef sirloin, the braised lamb shoulder, the venison loin or even the veggie option (carrot, tenderstem broccoli and Tunworth tart, say).
“Everything is thoughtfully prepared, full of flavour and of the highest quality, and the kitchen runs proudly with the seasons.”
Hawksmoor has been listed in the Good Food Guide’s Best Sunday Roasts list. Credit: Supplied
And finally, to absolutely no one’s surprise, Hawksmoor also placed comfortably on the top 50 Sunday roasts list.
ADVERTISEMENT
‘The quality of the meat is unrivalled,’ observed one fan, and there were also rave reviews for the crispy beef-dripping roasties and ‘bottomless’ bone-marrow gravy.
Where’s your favourite roast in Greater Manchester?
Manchester’s favourite Irish pub Mulligans is giving away hundreds of FREE pints next week
Emily Sergeant
Manchester’s oldest and most iconic Irish pub has announced that it’s giving away hundreds of free pints next week.
Mulligans is finally adding the beloved Irish stout Murphy’s to its already-exceptional draught beer lineup, and to celebrate the launch of Guinness’ slightly lesser-known cousin, the first 1,989 people through the doors will get a pint of the good stuff for free on one day only next week.
Originating from Cork, Murphy’s is known for its smooth, mellow profile with subtle notes of caramel and malt.
The much-loved stout was first introduced on draught in the UK all the way back in 1989, hence the number of free pints being given away next week.
The unmissable giveaway will be taking place for one day only next Thursday (8 May) from 11am right through to 1am, and open to all punters on a first-come, first-served basis, with one free pint per person… but you’ll need to be quick if you want a freebie, because once those 1,989 pints are gone, they’re gone for good.
Mulligans is giving away hundreds of free pints of Murphy’s next week / Credit: Supplied
Murphy’s joins Guinness as the second stout on draught at Mulligans, and with the Deansgate institution already famed for pouring what many call ‘the best Guinness outside of Ireland’, you can expect that every pint of Murphy’s will be just as expertly poured.
Those heading to Mulligans for their free pint next Thursday can also look forward to the venue’s famously-lively entertainment being in full swing all day long.
“Murphy’s has been a long time coming and we’re excited to finally be serving it on draught,” commented Pádraig Brady, who is the owner of Mulligans, ahead of next week’s highly-anticipated giveaway.
“The idea behind this giveaway isn’t just to introduce the stout and celebrate its history, but to give people another reason to enjoy a proper Thursday day and night at Mulligans with our extensive live entertainment offering.”
In case you missed it, Mulligans recently had a bit of makeover, which most-notably included the renovation of its upstairs space complete with vaulted timber-beamed ceilings, a mezzanine-level stage, and two new bars with even more room for dancing and drinking.
So if you haven’t had a chance to check out the new space yet, then what could be better than sipping on a free pint while you’re at it?
The Murphy’s giveaway will take place on Thursday 8 May from 11am, and guests are encouraged to arrive early to claim their freebie.
Featured Image – Supplied
Eats
Popular Thai street food restaurant Zaap Thai is finally coming to Manchester
Daisy Jackson
A Thai street food restaurant with sites all over the North has finally announced plans to come to Manchester for the first time.
Zaap Thai is famed for its authentic and affordable street food-inspired menu, served up in restaurants designed to mimic the bustling street food markets of Bangkok.
Expect colourful fairy lights, illuminated signs, graffiti art, enamel crockery and even seating booths built into tuk tuks.
Zaap Thai already has locations in cities including Leeds, Sheffield, Nottingham and Durham, but hasn’t made it into the North West before now.
It’s now set to open on Lincoln Square – where you’ll already find Maray – this June.
This new Zaap Thai location is set to be one its biggest venues to date, with 160 covers.
The expansive menu features 80 dishes from across Thailand, from street food small plates to big bowls of noodles and fiery curries.
Their menu highlights include chicken satay, crispy pork belly, stir-fries like Pad Ga Prao, and sweet dishes such as mango sticky rice and pandan custard pancakes.
That’s alongside Thai-inspired cocktails and mocktails, plus Thai lagers like Singha.
Zaap Thai is coming to ManchesterFood at Zaap Thai
Ban Kaewkraikhot, founder and executive chef at Zaap said: “We’re thrilled to be bringing Zaap Thai to Manchester.
“This is a city with a rich and diverse hospitality scene, and we’re delighted to be joining that fantastic community.
“Our mission is to share our authentic flavours of native Thailand with the city – we want to transport guests to sunny South East Asia by providing an amazing and affordable menu where you can try something new each time.
“Our restaurant is inspired by the places we love back home and everyone is welcome. We can’t wait to bring the Zaap experience to Manchester!”
Zaap Thai Manchester will open on Lincoln Square in June 2025.
Daisy Jackson -
23rd November 2024 
