Lowry Hotel

Designer Olga Polizzi had a hand in the look of the fashionable River Restaurant at the culinary heart of Manchester's stylish Lowry Hotel, so you can expect an immaculate super-cool setting, which draws a crew of celebs from the entertainment and sports worlds. The venue overlooks the River Irwell through a sweeping wall of glass, with a ringside alfresco terrace for fine days; inside, bright artworks pep up a neutral backdrop of duck egg blue leather seats, pale woods, banquettes, and immaculate, white linen-clad tables, while obliging staff play their bit in an ambience of style and sophistication. The kitchen deals in honest, straightforward modern brasserie dishes, with locally-sourced materials given due credit. Pan-fried salt marsh lamb's sweetbreads with smoked bacon is a spot-on starter, ahead of roast poussin, fondant potato, baby leeks and chicken sauce. Dessert ends on a high note: Snickers crème brûlée with a peanut butter mousse.