Michelin Bib Gourmand Awards Manchester
Multiple Manchester and North West UK restaurants just scored Michelin Bib Gourmand awards for quality, affordable cooking. The recognition highlights the region's growing culinary scene beyond traditional fine dining. Food writer Sarah Campbell also reviewed Vinette, the new Edinburgh spot by Michelin-starred chef Stuart Ralston.
The Bib Gourmand is an award presented by the Michelin Guide to restaurants offering "good quality, good value cooking." In 2026, 37 restaurants in Great Britain and Ireland were newly awarded this distinction, which was first introduced in 1997. This brings the total number of restaurants holding a Bib Gourmand in the region to 187. Among the new recipients are three establishments in and around Manchester. Erst, located in the Ancoats neighborhood, is a natural wine bar and restaurant praised for its Mediterranean-inspired small plates. Cantaloupe, a contemporary spot in Stockport's historic town centre, focuses on seasonal sharing plates with European and Mediterranean influences. Almanac in Glossop is led by self-taught chef Luke Payne, also of The Pack Horse in Hayfield, and offers a menu inspired by pre-war American classics with a Louisiana twist. Chef Patrick Withington, a former plumber who switched to a culinary career at 27, heads the kitchen at Erst. The restaurant, co-owned by Withington and Will Sutton, has received national acclaim for its simple yet creative dishes, including its signature flatbreads. Almanac's chef, Luke Payne, had to rebrand his new restaurant from its original name, Trillium, after discovering another chef was opening a venture with the same name, a process that cost nearly £30,000. The awards for Erst, Cantaloupe, and Almanac highlight the growing reputation of Manchester's food scene, which is increasingly seen as a top UK foodie destination outside of London. The city is recognized for its diverse culinary offerings, from fine dining establishments like the Michelin-starred Mana to a vibrant independent cafe and street food scene. Meanwhile, in Edinburgh, acclaimed chef Stuart Ralston has opened Vinette, a Parisian-style wine bar. Ralston's restaurant group also includes the Michelin-starred Lyla, and two other Bib Gourmand winners, Noto and Tipo. Vinette's kitchen is headed by his younger brother, Calum Ralston, serving bistro-style dishes. Vinette is located on Broughton Street and aims for a relaxed and informal tone with a focus on seasonal European-style dishes. Below the restaurant is Vivien, a cocktail bar named after the Belle Époque poet Renée Vivien. Ralston, who once worked for Gordon Ramsay in New York, was named Restaurateur of the Year at the 2025 Catey awards.
