Higher Ground — Restaurant in Manchester

A nice enough meal that was marred by something petty. My partner booked this for my birthday for a party of 5 of us. We ordered about 13 small plates with a cheese plate and 2 desserts. The food was fresh, well presented and mostly tasted good though all was very salty. My friends had the ice cream for dessert which tasted like butyric acid (not my cup of tea) and the bilberry tart was very underwhelming. Just sweet, not much fruity flavour and a very hard base. No single dish blew my socks off. My sister is lactose intolerant and although they did ask about food allergies/intolerances and made one substitution for butter, it wasn't clear what she could have on the menu and the choices for her were very restricted. I certainly went home still feeling a bit hungry. My partner had made me a birthday cake and in my naivety, I thought it would be nice to bring a slice in a tupperware for my friends to try as he'd done an excellent job. I realise in retrospect this may have come across as disrespectful, though we had ordered desserts and spent a lot of money (over £300). The hostess came to me directly to say they were going to charge us for bringing in the cake. She did not outline what this charge would be. I apologised that I'd misjudged the situation and after some back and forth making repeated requests to waive the fee, she did concede. The situation however left me feeling alienated and upset. My partner specifically mentioned on the booking that this was for a birthday and there is no mention of charging to bring a cake on the website whatsoever. I understand the principle of charging to bring cake - but this was a taste of a single slice shared between 5 people after we ordered their desserts. I have to mention that our server and other staff were friendly and attentive throughout. I enjoy eating out and Manchester has a lot to offer, but the competitors have the edge in value, ingenuity and taste. Having only attended once, I don't know if my experience is representative of their typical service. However, I won't be going again and I can't recommend it based on...

Higher Ground in Manchester truly elevates the dining experience! From the moment we stepped inside, the atmosphere buzzed with a sophisticated yet relaxed energy. We were there to celebrate a dear friend's 50th birthday, and it proved to be the perfect choice. The wine and champagne selection was exceptional. Our server offered insightful recommendations, guiding us to some truly delightful pairings that perfectly complemented our meal. Each glass was a treat, adding a layer of elegance to the celebration. We opted for the tasting menu, and it was an absolute journey for the palate. Every dish was thoughtfully crafted, showcasing fresh, seasonal ingredients with innovative techniques. The presentation was artful, and the flavors were both surprising and harmonious. It was clear that the kitchen team has a real passion for food. Beyond the exquisite food and drink, the service was impeccable. The staff were attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely warm. They made our friend feel extra special on his milestone birthday, adding thoughtful touches that didn't go unnoticed. Higher Ground managed to strike that perfect balance of fine dining without any stuffiness. It felt like a special occasion, yet we were completely at ease. The ambiance contributed to this – it's stylish and contemporary without being pretentious. For a memorable celebration, a special night out, or simply an indulgence in exceptional food and drink, Higher Ground is a must-visit in Manchester. It certainly made our friend's 50th birthday a truly unforgettable experience. Highly...

The most disappointing and overpriced meal of my UK trip—it ruined my entire evening.

I had high expectations for this £60 set dinner, but it turned out to be the worst dining experience of my trip. For the price (which is far from cheap), the quality, creativity, and execution of the food screamed cheap—and worse, it simply didn’t taste good.

The meal started with a bland cold soup, topped with fried garnishes (which, bafflingly, reappeared in nearly every subsequent dish, even the dessert!). The next few courses were equally underwhelming: forgettable bread, ham indistinguishable from my hotel’s breakfast buffet, and pickled carrots (sour, unremarkable). Then came two disastrous dishes—a deep-fried cheese ball (overwhelmingly salty) and dumplings that tasted like overcooked, flavorless glutinous rice balls.

The "highlight" was the beef: a few meager slices per person, cooked far beyond the intended doneness for such a small cut—impressively chewy for its size. The dessert? A generic sweet-and-sour concoction that felt like an afterthought.

At this price point (akin to a tasting menu), diners rightly expect thoughtful ingredient pairings, skilled seasoning, and effort to impress. Instead, the menu relied on repetitive, low-quality components, unbalanced flavors (salt overload!), and lazy presentation. If this is the restaurant’s "best," it’s a dire reflection of their standards. Avoid unless you enjoy paying premium prices for...