POLLS: Good Food or Big Burgers? Simon Rogan or Almost Famous?

A tale of two lists this week, each with their own story to tell.

Apparently, it was National Burger Day at some point this week, although it’s not in my Paperchase 2014 diary, so I’m hard-pressed to justify it as an actual thing.

Manchester took an interest, as you’d expect: #nationalburgerday

Our local newspaper ran a poll to find the city’s favourite – Beau Myers’ Almost Famous beat Solita and Red’s True BBQ in the podium places, although someone also voted for a branch of Wetherspoons in Rochdale. No accounting for taste I suppose.

At the other end of the scale, Waitrose published its Good Food Guide, detailing the top 50 restaurants in the country.

Manchester’s highest – and only – entrant was Simon Rogan’s The French at The Midland, scoring an impressive 8/10 to secure 14th spot. Or joint 8th if you want to be pernickety. Nothing, however, for Manchester House – surprising given that they have tended to become something of a double act.

Number one of the pubs list was The Freemasons at Wiswell, a short drive out into the Lancashire hills. They don’t sell burgers.

So which list reflects the real Manchester? Good food or big burgers? The answer, of course, is both and the audience for either isn’t mutually exclusive.

Keeping the quality up is the key. And Rogan and Myers are both doing the city proud so far. Brioche bun or not.

Picture credit: Chris Bull