Two Greater Manchester restaurants named in Michelin Guide for 2023/4

Two new Manchester Michelin marvels have been named in this year's Michelin Guide, as the city once again shows its skills in the kitchen.

By Thom Bamford
Last Updated 2 months ago

The Michelin Guide, a prestigious authority on fine dining, has just unveiled its latest additions, highlighting two remarkable restaurants in Greater Manchester.

With the Michelin Guide now shining its starry spotlight on the city’s dining scene, it’s official: Manchester isn’t just about football and music anymore; it’s where your taste buds come to the party.

From the eclectic streets of Chinatown, where Higher Ground beckons with its British bistro charm, to the cosy corner of Urmston, where Örme crafts Nordic-infused culinary magic, Manchester is serving up a storm.

Örme and Higher Ground join the city’s culinary elite, like Erst, Adam Reid at The French, The Sparrows in the Green Quarter, and Osma in Prestwich who are also on the guide.

Higher Ground: A Manchester Sensation

Located on the bustling New York Street, right on the edge of Chinatown, Higher Ground is a relative newcomer, having opened its doors in February.

Despite its brief existence, it has garnered significant attention and was featured in the September edition of the Michelin Inspectors’ Favourite New Restaurants.

Higher Ground is described as a ‘British bistro and bar’ and was launched by the team behind Flawd at New Islington Marina. It has been brought to life by three friends who have worked at some of the best restaurants across the world.

Front-of-house expert Richard Cossins boasts experience with three-star chef Simon Rogan, while Chef Joseph Otway honed his skills at the Michelin-starred Relae in Copenhagen. Together with wine expert Daniel Craig-Martin, they created a culinary masterpiece reminiscent of their global adventures.

The people of Manchester seem to have taken to the place, with plenty of regulars among those contributing to the lively buzz in the air. A large counter is at the heart of proceedings, overlooking the open kitchen.

In its description of the restaurant, The Michelin Guide wrote: “From arrival to departure, you’ll have a warm, welcoming and thoroughly enjoyable experience at Higher Ground.

“It’s owned and run by three friends, who lead the cheery, well-organised service themselves. They happily chat away with diners while explaining the dishes, which extract bold flavours from British produce.

“The people of Manchester seem to have taken to the place, with plenty of regulars among those contributing to the lively buzz in the air. A large counter is at the heart of proceedings, overlooking the open kitchen.”

Örme: Urmston’s Culinary Jewel

Örme, a cosy restaurant on Church Road in Urmston, is the second exciting addition to the Michelin Guide.

Opened in May, this establishment is the brainchild of chefs Jack Fields and Tom Wilson, along with partner Rachel Roberts.

They offer a tantalising tasting menu priced at £45 per person, inspired by the changing seasons.

The Michelin Guide said: “You will find a pleasantly welcoming quality at this small restaurant run by three young owners.

“There’s a distinct Nordic touch to proceedings, yet British produce is at the heart of the appealing tasting menu – which gives you the option to add supplementary courses for a more bespoke experience.

“Attractively presented dishes offer bold, vibrant flavours with a mix of the classic and the modern in their influences. Wine flights are also available, including a particularly interesting British-themed option.”

Sharing their joy on Instagram, the owners of Örme expressed their excitement about joining the Michelin Guide alongside Greater Manchester’s culinary elite.

They lauded their dedicated team and celebrated the recognition as a dream come true.

These two additions to the Michelin Guide now join the ranks of Manchester’s finest dining establishments, standing alongside renowned city centre spots like Erst and Adam Reid at The French, The Sparrows in the Green Quarter, as well as Osma in Prestwich.

The Michelin Guide, updated annually, continues to celebrate exceptional culinary experiences across the globe.

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