Andy Spinoza, the boss of award-winning Manchester PR agency SKV Communications loves to dine out, with clients, friends and family. He lives in Heaton Moor with his wife and their three teenage children
Andy Spinoza, the boss of award-winning Manchester PR agency SKV Communications loves to dine out, with clients, friends and family. He lives in Heaton Moor with his wife and their three teenage children
The Lime Tree8 Lapwing Lane, West Didsbury, Manchester, M20 2WS.0871 811 4873Chef-patron Patrick Hannity’s obvious love of good food and wine has made this an evergreen favourite: 25 years on, The Lime Tree has an army of loyal fans and I’m one of them. Lovely rooms, a terrace among the leafy oak trees, plus sparkling service and great cooking with lots of local ingredients, make it a special occasion every time.
El Rincon de Rafa244 Deansgate, Manchester M3 4BQ0161 839 8819I love the hideaway nature of El Rincon. Down the stairs off St John Street, this basement is the ideal antidote to the winter blues and a perfect recreation of Spain serving the best tapas in town. I sit at the bar Spanish-style, for draught cervezas and the lip-smacking Chuletitas de Cordero (lamb chops in white wine, lemon, garlic and parsley), and the service is thankfully of ‘no messing’ school.
Damson113 Heaton Moor Road, Stockport, Cheshire0161 432 4666My own manor, Heaton Moor, has finally got the eaterie the locals deserve with Steve Pilling’s luxurious but unfussy success story, now boasting a classy extension. A great treat with decadent decor, a mega wine list and top modern British cooking. Plus Mr P himself usually wandering among his flock dispensing wisdom and bonhomie. Superb value set lunches and early evening menus.
Heaton TandooriShaw Road, Heaton Moor, Stockport, Cheshire0161 442 9766Is this the best neighbourhood curry house in Greater Manchester? Distinctive flavours, fair prices, friendly service, my family and I use it weekly. When I’m on holiday, I miss its perfect pappadoms, flavoursome sauces and perfectly spiced tandooris and tikkas. Try the savoury yumminess of the Chicken Maconie (yes, that’s the way they spell Makhani). A sure sign of a popular Indian – they don’t deliver, because they don’t need to.
San Carlo CicchettiHouse of Fraser ‘Kendal’s’, Ground Floor, King Street West, Manchester 0161 839 2233.The San Carlo restaurant across the road is a phenomenon, a place to see and be seen, but its younger sister is even more stylish. Gigantic slabs of white marble, a super-wide two-way viewing window onto the street, and scrumptious Venetian snacky bites – all served up with the endearingly shouty and occasionally chaotic service of the original - make this the most enjoyable place in the big city for a glass of fizz and good value eats.
