Manchester to boost fine-dining reputation in 2013

The year 2013 could be the one that Manchester "eventually" becomes a top culinary destination, according to Harden's Restaurant Guide co-owner and editor Richard Harden.

Speaking to Harpers about his predictions across the restaurant trade for next year, he said that bringing in Simon Rogan to the city to manage two restaurants at the Midland Hotel could be a real boost to its reputation, putting it firmly on the map for fine dining.

Harden said Manchester has been "threatening to break out from a bar-fixated culture" for a long time.

He said: "It looks like perhaps next year could possibly be the year. It's definitely beginning to mature as a city. If we go back 10 years there wasn't really anything there. Birmingham has since emerged and now Manchester is looking like it's showing signs of developing a strong restaurant culture."

He added: "The Midland is a very iconic hotel and it now has a chef that is clearly going somewhere. Let's hope the city is looking towards some good times ahead."

However, Harden said his predictions don't always pan out. "Three years ago I said there would be a restaurant bloodbath round the corner on the back of the recession. That hasn't happened. In fact the opposite has and London in particular is currently flourishing."

He added: "So I'm not sure we should have faith in my ability to predict such things."

Celebrity chef Aiden Byrne is also planning to open a fine-dining restaurant in 2013 in Manchester in a bid to obtain what would be the city's first Michelin Star.

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