The Lead Station — Restaurant in Manchester

Just received an absolute masterclass in customer service during breakfast sitting at The Leady this morning! Waking up Hank Marvin and hungover on a rare Saturday morning at home with no plans, we decided to treat ourselves at our local eatery and each ordered a Full English, both of which turned out disappointing (tepid rubber eggs, flabby bacon, barely cooked sausage, etc.). Mr G decided to tuck in anyway (for reasons described above) whilst I quickly realised after a few mouthfuls that it just wasn’t worth the calories. When asked by a passing waitress if everything was OK with our meals, I politely informed her of the issues and why I couldn’t eat it. As the manager happened to be within earshot, she took over to ascertain the position and offered me the menu to choose an alternative dish whilst she took my plate away to relay what she’d been told to the kitchen (having provided her apologies). Shortly thereafter I was presented with perfectly prepared Eggs Benedict, which I inhaled in a heartbeat. After a polite passage of time, the waitress was no doubt relieved to hear that I was very happy with my meal! Whilst I ate my husband had the opportunity to look around him rather than at his plate, and noted that subsequent plates of Full English breakfasts being carried out from the kitchen looked far better than those which we’d received, presumably meaning that my comments were taken as the polite constructive criticism in which they were intended, taken on board and rectified. This was impressive and reassuring to know. When the bill arrived the manager explained that, not only had she discounted the cost of my Full English, she’d reduced Mr G’s to half price, because whilst he ate what he could of it, she knew he didn’t really enjoy it. We both thought this was wonderfully observant and generous of her, which is why we doubled the tip we’d normally pay, to show our appreciation. Seriously guys, no one is perfect 100% of the time, but that was acknowledged and handled 100% perfectly! We left happy (and full...

08/10/22: The Lead Station opened in August 1995. Upmarket establishment with a small selection of craft ales and fantastic food. We sat outside on the occasion as part of out Corlton Ale Trail. Benches heated by infrared lamps. Adequate on a cool evening. Dog friendly, outside at least, bowl of fresh water provided.

Formerly Chorlton Police Station when it opened in 1885. It was also home to a Police Sergeant, his family of 5 and 2 Police Constables from 1911. The headstone dated 1885 adorned above it's entrance. Old Police cells became the kitchen, the Station refers to its Police origin and apparently Lead used in construction of the bar.

The Lead Station also opened a sister venue in Manchester's Northern Quarter in April 2015, named Tariff and Dale. Tariff and Dale so named after it's location in a Victorian fabric warehouse on the corner of Tariff Street & Dale Street.

To celebrate 20 years in business, in February 2016, it honoured 2 decades by launching its own cook book, headed by owner Nick de Sousa. Nick took over The Lead Station in 2007 and laid it's foundations for one of the cafe cultures we see so often today. The book was a collaboration of owner, staff and 2 head chefs, with over 30 years experience...

Haven't eaten here for over two years so was disappointed at how standards have slipped. Popped in at a not very busy 3pm, with only half the tables occupied.

Ordered the burger and expected to it to be at least 1/4 pounder for £10.50. However it was as small as a MaccyD's 99p job and didn't come with side salad, only four slices of gherkin, and some decent fries. No choice as to how it should be done (menu says 'cooked through')

Wife had smoked haddock with poached eggs, again a small fillet and overdone with gloopy hollandaise.

Kids mains of fish & chips, bangers & mash were ok although daughter said she was still hungry (she's 6, tiny and usually can never finish a kid's meal).

Side order of 'Baker fries' was eight smallish potato wedges for £4.50!!!

Had to order pudding to fill kids up, but two chocolate ice creams took 35 mins to arrive (maybe it was the two slices of strawberry that took the chef a while) - not a delay that most parents want.

Overall nearly £60 for food and a couple of beers. Ended up going to the local deli to stock up for an evening light...