Mr Cooper's House and Garden

Fancy a taste of Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan but can't quite muster the jaw-dropping prices of his first Manchester restaurant, the French? Mr Cooper's House and Gardens, also situated in the Midland hotel, offers almost-affordable dining, with excellent value lunch menus (2 courses for £15). Whilst Rogan is unlikely to be found cooking in the kitchen here, his inventive and near-faultless execution makes for an exciting menu, infused with inspiration from around the world. Named after the late Mr Cooper, whose gardens once sat on the Midland's site, the interior brings the outside in - with walls made of logs, bird houses and even a tree in one section of the restaurant. Other areas are cosier, mimicking an intimate, library-esque environment. If food's not your thing, the bar boasts one of the best cocktail menus in the city - though the 'lager' list could do with taking note of the recent craft beer revival.

Mr Cooper's House and Garden was named one of the best date places in the North West in The Skinny Food and Drink Survey 2015. Check out the other winners as voted for by The Skinny readers, and take a look at our full-length feature on Mr Cooper's House and Garden. In 2014, Mr Cooper's House and Garden was named one of the Best Newcomers in the North West in The Skinny Food and Drink Survey 2014.

[Anna Tully]