Semi-final: The Cricket World Cup Food Chronicles

There is only one solitary talk around town in these parts: India's match against New Zealand. The ICC Cricket World Cup semis at that. With the earlier group stage game slated between the two cricketing big wigs (on June 13) being declared a wash out without a single ball being played, it was on everyone's mind whether the semis would face a similar fate. But thanks to the the British Met department forecast, 'cloudy with outbreaks of rain through much of the day', the game might face intesne rains later. What a bummer indeed. 

While most of us watching from our homes and offices will not be greatly affected, those ardent cricket fans who have made the journey to England will surely be distressed. However, this food guide will look to diminish your worries as we tell you the best food joints and watering holes in and around Old Trafford as you seek respite from the rain and still have a gala time. (Another piece of good news for ticket holders: a full refund is certain if less than 15 overs are played and if 15.1 to 29.5 overs are played then you are looking at a 50% reimbursement, pheww.)

 

 

 

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Bookings for July are now open! When we return from our spring break on 15th May, we are excited to announce that we can welcome vegetarians to the restaurant permanently! For more information, and to hear about a few other important changes, please see the journal link on our page or head to the website. To book, please visit wtlgi.co #spring

A post shared by WTLGI (@arestaurantwherethelightgetsin) on May 1, 2019 at 8:50am PDT

Where The Light Gets In  

The ambience: Situated on the first floor of an old coffee warehouse in Stockport Old Town, the reconditioned Victorian warehouse only accommodates 30 guests (so you better make a move on). 

With a stonking wine list, outstanding seasonal tasting menu, attentive service and unperturbed environs make it the ideal place to kick back and enjoy a meal. With ingredients sourced from their own farm close by, you can be assured of freshness and quality, as is the case with most farm to table establishments. 

What to order: While there’s no published menu, they serve a rare breed of saddleback pork. The pastrami and black pudding are fan favourites. 

Cost: ££££

Address: 7 Rostron Brow, Stockport SK1 1JY, UK

Dishoom

The ambience: If you feel like home is where the heart is then this restaurant offers a taste of Old Irani cafes of Bombay and with a stylish décor to match. A multi-sensory hit, Indian tunes from the 60’s float from the speakers, thick incense smoke drifts through the corridors, dark wood paneling and leather adorn the Grade II listed Manchester Hall (a former freemason lodge).          

The only thing eclipsing the décor is the food, with hits such as pau bhaji, slow cooked daal (over 24 hours), nihari biryani all making an appearance.

What to order: Dishoom showcases their ingenuity as they combine an Indian classic – biryani with a Manchester favourite of plump rice and butter-soft lamb shank cornered in a crisp pastry case. 

Cost: ££-£££

Address: 32 Bridge St, Manchester M3 3BT, UK

Baratxuri

The ambience: A cozy, backstreet Basque establishment that features a cozy bar – the kind everyone hoped was in their own neighbourhood. Here diners can simply pull up a stool and help themselves to a enticing line up of wines, cheeses and pintxos. 

Baratxuri serves up a slice of northern Spain, it’s as close as you can get to San Sebastian without actually going there! A solid wooden bar top, mismatched Moorish tiles and a host of colourful dishes are all reminiscent of the place.   

What to order: The wood-fired Pereruela oven is at the center of this operation, ensuring that it imparts a smoky, chargrilled flavour to huge cuts of meat and whole fish, dramatically carved at the table.

Cost: ££

Address: 1 Smithy St, Ramsbottom, Bury BL0 9AT, UK