This is one of those difficult ones. What do you do when you like a place but have seen some shockingly awful reviews of it also? Who's right? Who had them on an off day, or who experienced a good day? It's come back to haunt me. One of my friends went to Papa G's in Manchester on my Yelp recommendation and proceeded to berate me because they had a horrible time there. It's not my fault!
Anyway, I risk the same thing happening with Upstairs at the Bluecoat, the most literal name for a restaurant since... the word restaurant. I found it pleasant. Don't use it against me if you don't. Okay, the service wasn't quite as outstanding as I've experienced in some restaurants but it was pleasant enough all the same, it's not like they gave us dirty looks or tipped the food over our heads or anything. All the ingredients are locally sourced, something it prides itself on, and dishes include the likes of melt in the mouth tender lamb (again, I had to get my companion's take on this but they confirmed for me that it was good) and delicious poached salmon with pickled cucumber and potatoes that tastes both healthy and indulgent. Plus they do hot pot, great for those wintery days.
They do a very worthy Sunday lunch here too, and the space is large and airy with 80 potential covers but can get a little chilly from time to time. And what is it with me and sticky toffee pudding? This place does a great offering too. Now before I click submit, I just want to be clear that I take no responsibility for any dreadful experiences you may have here. Maybe Upstairs is the Russian Roulette of restaurants. I had a good time... but will YOU? Dun dun duuuuuun... read more