The Pearl | British dining room — Restaurant in Bury

After hearing glowing reviews, I excitedly recommended this spot to visiting friends. Despite traffic snarls, the staff graciously accommodated our request to delay our table reservation. Upon arriving at the very snug (very compact), charming venue amid wind and rain, we were warmly greeted. Although our coats were not offered to be taken (other peoples were) and my partner was told had to be quick due next to the table needing to be free. As we settled in, menus were handed out; immediately, a £14 cocktail caught my eye, boasting a blend of sparkling wine, honey, and basil. Curiosity piqued, I ordered it while requesting a mocktail, a daiquiri, for my friend.

My cocktail, though refreshing, arrived in what felt like a thimble-sized portion, leaving me slightly stunned by the price for such a petite serving. Similarly, the daiquiri my friend received tasted overwhelmingly of lemon juice, prompting efforts to salvage it with sugar syrup, to no avail. Eventually, the staff graciously replaced it with coke.

Moving to the food, our order included oxcheek chips, deep-fried anchovies, lamb, chicken parfait, smoked haddock omelette, and beef. We found ourselves navigating the menu without much guidance on portions or sides, only realizing the distinction between mains and starters upon ordering.

The initial dishes, anchovies, and oxcheek, boasted fantastic flavors but found the amount of oxcheek scarce in between six chips, the anchovies were a nice portion. The so-called 'mains,' despite their increased price tags, didn't differ much in portion from the starters, an impression amplified by their expansive plates. Surprisingly, my £11 omelette turned out to be the heartiest dish among them, cooked flawlessly with tantalizing flavors.

While the lamb and beef flaunted exceptional flavors, they fell short in quantity, begging for a larger serving or some accompaniments to complement the experience. On the flip side, a companion's 'main' emerged as a solitary slice of chicken parfait accompanied by a piece of bread, which left us slightly underwhelmed.

Despite my request for wine and dessert, the former was overlooked, and time constraints forced us to relinquish our table. I requested the service charge be removed finding the service lacked engagement throughout the meal, coupled with overlooked items, unclear menu explanations, and what felt like inflated prices without options for sides. I was asked if the service was lacking/ not up to scratch in response to my request to remove the service charge.

While my own choices left me content hungerwise, I couldn't shake the feeling of disappointment for my friends' experiences. Though the flavors dazzled and the presentation was delightful, my hopes for a fulfilling fine dining affair were somewhat dashed. The rushed (even with the original half hour bolted on would not have been enough)and unsatisfactory atmosphere sadly dissuades me from considering a...

My wife and I ate at The Pearl on Sunday for lunch to end a weekend of celebrations for my Birthday. From the first step through the door the experience was nothing short of magnificent. The two guys who were front of house were incredibly welcoming and throughout the whole time we were never once made to feel rushed or in anyway like they wanted the table back. The two guys set the whole tone of the Pearl which is relaxing and comfortable. The decor instantly makes you feel like you’re in either a Tuscan or Parisian cafe and instantly makes you feel at ease. All of these first impressions were the perfect introduction to what was one of the best meals and eat out experiences we’ve ever had. My Wife & I ordered the same from the small Sunday lunch menu, Sticky venison to start, followed by the rump cap and all the trimmings for main and the sharing apple crumble for desert. Each course was out of this world. There aren’t enough superlatives in the dictionary that can shower enough praise onto the guys that produce the food at The Pearl. The Venison was melt in the mouth, the beef was tender, juicy and cooked to perfection, the roasties and cauli cheese were ridiculously good, the gravy was straight up liquid heaven and the apple crumble sharer must have been made by some higher power because the decadence of this desert was off the scale. At the end of the meal there was a lovely touch from the kitchen when one of the chefs brought out a personal slice of strawberry tart as they were aware that it was my Birthday. This was something that they didn’t need to do but was such a kind gesture and really made me feel special. The strawberry tart itself, go on, have a guess……….was flipping incredible!! 10/10, 100/100, 1000/1000, whatever I could rate the Pearl out of it would score the highest mark. The Pearl is a truly wonderful little restaurant which I will be recommending to anyone I know that appreciates the time, effort and cost that goes into creating a high quality product like The Pearl has to offer. Thank you very much for rounding off my birthday weekend in the best...

We had an incredible anniversary evening at The Pearl, made unforgettable by the warmth and artistry of the entire team. Sam, Grace, and the kitchen crew weren’t just cooking — they were crafting memories. Every dish felt intentional, expressive, and full of character — just like the people behind them.

We began with a beautiful salmon toast crowned with caviar — a fresh, luxurious opener that set the tone. For our starters, I had the beef tartare, which was perfectly seasoned and boldly presented, while my wife enjoyed the venison, tender and full of woodland depth.

But the heart of the meal — for both of us — was the Ex-Dairy Sirloin, cooked with reverence. The rich jus and silky pomme purée turned it into something more than steak — it was elegant and comforting all at once. We paired it with a bottle of 2019 Domaine de Courcel Pommard Les Rugiens Premier Cru, a wine that sang as it opened, echoing earth, cherry, and spice with a structure as poised as the service.

And just when we thought we’d peaked, along came the pistachio soufflé. I usually lean savoury, but this dish turned me — light as air, with a depth of flavour that somehow surpassed even the mains. It was, without question, a showstopper.

The hospitality was faultless — gracious, attentive, never overbearing. Everyone seemed genuinely proud to be part of what they were creating, and that made all the difference.

We will absolutely be back — not just for the food and wine, but for the feeling: that sense of being welcomed into something special. Thank you for helping us...