Where The Light Gets In in Stockport

First visit to WTLGI after trying for months and months to book a table. It was well worth the wait. The food, the wine flight and the amazing service from all staff members was personal i have never been to a restaurant and been seeved by every visible member of staff with such a wealth of knowledge about what they were delivering to the table. What we can only describe as a phenomenal experience in a vibrant setting. I have a massive phobia of pears (mad i know) so when the dessert was delivered and there sat a conference pear I almost landed it onto my husbands plate but no I ate it and I'm so glad I did as Jess certainly knows how to create a food explosion in the mouth. It was delivered with a cake a crumble and a broth custard and in my opinion the absolute best dessert I've ever had. I can't say anything more about this hidden from sight gem. We will be back.

What else is there to say other than wow! No actual menu, you get what is given to you & it's a wonderful experience. One of us had the wine with food option so had a different wine with each course. It blew him away as the wines were so much in harmony with the food. The other two shared a bottle of red wine. I had sparkling water as I don't drink so can't really comment on the quality of the wine but the three others were very positive. The staff were very attentive, friendly & knowledgeable. We could see the food being prepared & it was so far away from The Bear It was calm, thoughtful, teamwork at its best. All in all we had a fantastic evening. NB: There's a free (after 6.00pm) car park next to St Mary's church. WTLGI is a one to two minute walk from the car park.

Superb. Everything about WTLGI is amazing, brilliant, wonderful... The staff, the service, the atmosphere...were all fantastic. And the food was stupendously good.

The twisty steep and well concealed entrance does opens into a glowing space of warm old brick. Hipster luxe. Staff were friendly and appeared relaxed, but the operation was slick. Delicious seasonal food which felt very British - quite joyous. Beautifully judged tasting menu accompanied by terrific bread. Main Course and Pudding with a touch more substance to deliver satisfaction all round.

With such fantastic reviews we were expecting great things for a birthday visit, sadly left feeling short changed. The atmosphere and space itself is great, it's light and modern with part of the kitchen at one end of the room which all tables of two point towards, a nice concept meaning you can chat and watch what's going on at the same time. Music mostly good with a few odd tracks chucked in. Staff were very nice and welcoming, detailed in their explanations although we had trouble hearing most of what our waiter was explaining to us. Food - on the whole the food was very good but not great. There's a lot of skill on show and some tasty, balanced dishes. However, when charging prices like this I'm expecting more than it being just as good as a lot of other non tasting menu restaurants that charge a lot less. The main course was the biggest disappointment - essentially a fancy pie and mash (pomme puree) where the puree and sauce were far too salty, the pie was just a pie and a hare loin was that a comically tiny morsel on a huge plate (see picture). Dessert was tasty but too sugary. In pictures from other favourable reviews I see more interesting plates, maybe we got unlucky. The bread from yellowhammer was great. Drinks - we had the mixed pairing, while we enjoyed the variety and flavour of all of them we still felt incredibly short changed here. One wine, low alcohol fizz, Kernal saison, soft drink and a tea for £66 (inc service) is obscene. Generally small measures and one top up. Several times left drinking water as I didn't want to pay even more money for an extra wine. The saison came with the main course which was a big dissapointment, I'd have much preferred a decent red wine but maybe that's personal pairing preference. I regret ordering the mixed drinks menu and it's absurd that it cost me the same as 3 bottles of wine! Overall I really really wanted to like this place but looking at the bill I just can't recommend you spend so much money here. It simply wasnt worth it.

A long overdue review of a place we have visited many times. This place is amazing. Each dish takes you on a journey of taste. The chefs use some amazing combinations that surprise your tastebuds and leave you wondering how they ever thought that would work, but it does, every time.

Fantastically welcoming and engaging staff, in an open kitchen that feels frank rather than performative. Getting a comprehensive description of each dish can sometimes feel like it's intended to impress rather than inform, but here the introductions were all about the origins of the ingredients, the suppliers, and the time the staff had spent with them. The food itself is as exquisitely crafted from a fine dining experience, and the pairings particularly well curated. The option for an alcohol-free or mixed pairing was really welcome as someone travelling to the restaurant.

A strangely erratic experience. The room is laid so everyone faces the kitchen, but it's not clear why as the staff calmly go about their work. The cooking technique is excellent but the choice of flavours is skewed to astringent ingredients which works well with say an oyster but is an absolute failure with a flavourless, textureless slice of courgette. Everything down to the butter has to be 'quirky' which eventually becomes tiresome. The best single thing was the bread from next door which is simply excellent at being bread rather than needing an explanation of why I should appreciate it. The wine list is eye wateringly expensive and the short list of wines by the glass includes a Georgian red which is so light and young that it's unpleasant. Fine but give us some warning that it's a very oddball choice. There is no ventilation for the kitchen so if you're a vegetarian who finds the smell of meat cooking a bit stomach turning then don't go. Overall a strange place that can't decide if it's fine dining or just very expensive casual. It's just not very enjoyable as either of those.

Easily one of the best dining experiences I’ve had in the UK thanks to the menu of course, but also the emphasis on readily available seasonal produce which is beautifully and thoughtfully featured by a very skilled team. The setting is charmingly authentic yet unexpectedly whimsical. The theatre of the centrally located open kitchen adds (a great deal) to the electric atmosphere and the evening unfolds at a leisurely and luxurious pace. The wine pairing was just another thing that delightfully punctuated the evening and the sommelier was both knowledgeable and approachable, not to mention a generous pourer! Highly recommend! All-in-all an incredibly indulgent night of understated romance and fantastic British fare.

My girlfriend and I visited for our anniversary and absolutely loved it. Great no-waste concept, awesome to be in the environment to see the chefs work and the hospitality was welcoming, friendly and fun from the owner and the staff. Feels like a Michelin experience but without all the whispering and white tables clothes. Much more relaxed environment and couldn’t speak highly enough. Plus, the music playlist was also really good. Will be back with friends next year.

Absolutely delicious experience! The chefs were so passionate and knowledgeable about the British seasonal ingredients they had sourced, and had come up with some beautiful dishes

Whilst I might appear to be a philistine my wife and I were underwhelmed by the “experience “ which is akin to saying the emperor is not wearing any clothes , the menu was hit and miss some very good options and some poor eg the broth which was a bit like oxo ! The staff were pleasant however it was irritating too see them cleaning up to get away early whilst we were finishing our desserts , the toilets were poor and the room was cold towards the latter end of the evening, it is an experience but so is bungee jumping !

Absolutely amazing. Staff were so friendly and informative. I love that everything for everything on your plate you are told where it’s been sourced from and why. We went for the mixed pairing, so soft drinks and alcohol, and it was perfect. What an experience! I am vegetarian and coeliac, but we booked for my partner’s birthday and he eats everything. It was so nice that he could enjoy his fish and meat whilst I was looked after as well with my dietary requirements. We had the best time. Yes, it’s pricey, but you get what you pay for and then some. It’s an experience and the food and attention to detail is just wonderful.

I recently dined here with my Dad for my 18th birthday. And I must say, it was amazing. As soon as we entered the building, everyone was very welcoming and friendly. They all knew my name, and that it was my birthday, which was lovely. We got to sit at the seats where you can see the chefs prepare the food which was very entertaining to watch. There is no menu for this restaurant, so we ordered some drinks, and then they started to bring our food out. There was about 9 or so courses, and they were all outstanding and very exciting. I particularly enjoyed the lobster and monkfish. They were excellent catering for my gluten allergy, as everything thing they served for my Dad, they served for me but gluten free, including fresh bread and cakes. The atmosphere was fantastic, and i loved the fact we got to speak to the chefs about the food and where it is sourced from ect. They were all lovely. We were eating for about 3 hours, so there was no rush and we enjoyed it for the whole evening. And to top it off, the head chef brought me a little whisk as a present for my birthday, which made it that much better. Overall a very special and memorable experience. 10/10 would recommend.

was lucky enough to go to WTLGI this week with my son and daughter to mark a very special family occasion, and all I can say is WOW!!!! From the moment you enter the building which externally has shall we say “character” to the inside which is simply stunning, you are treated to a culinarily and sensual treat. The staff are incredibly attentive without being intrusive, knowledgeable without being condescending and the explanations of the food and its journey from source to plate combined and wine pairings were absolutely perfect. You are always not sure what to expect with a blind tasting but I would say this was one of the top 2 meals of my life! The food was INCREDIBLE and displayed many techniques but felt effortless for the team (with an open kitchen you can see everything)they are that good!! Also what was nice is that although the meal is very much fine dining my 6ft4 son left saying he literally couldn’t eat anymore so all in all perfect. WTLGI provides guests an interesting, intelligent and highly skilled tasting menu combined with incredible drinks what more could you ask for!! And all in SK1😊 Thank you Becky, Anna, Matt, Callum and the incredible team of chefs for not just an amazing meal but for a memory my family and I will never forget it was WONDERFUL!!

Visited for a birthday meal recently and had the best experience. Not only the food was incredible, the wine was carefully paired and explained and the service was brilliant. It’s fascinating how the dishes are created, how ingredients are sourced and the whole ethos of the place. Really special place and experience.

I was lucky enough to go to WTLGI this week with my son and daughter to mark a very special family occasion, and all I can say is WOW!!!! From the moment you enter the building which externally has shall we say “character” to the inside which is simply stunning, you are treated to a culinarily and sensual treat. The staff are incredibly attentive without being intrusive, knowledgeable without being condescending and the explanations of the food and its journey from source to plate combined and wine pairings were absolutely perfect. You are always not sure what to expect with a blind tasting but I would say this was one of the top 2 meals of my life! The food was INCREDIBLE and displayed many techniques but felt effortless for the team (with an open kitchen you can see everything)they are that good!! Also what was nice is that although the meal is very much fine dining my 6ft4 son left saying he literally couldn’t eat anymore so all in all perfect. WTLGI provides guests an interesting, intelligent and highly skilled tasting menu combined with incredible drinks what more could you ask for!! And all in SK1😊 Thank you Becky, Anna, Matt, Callum and the incredible team of chefs for not just an amazing meal but for a memory my family and I will never forget it was WONDERFUL!!

Absolutely INCREDIBLE!!! Food was so beautifully presented, had such an interesting story behind it and tasted unbelievable. The wine pairings were all natural wines and delicious and well thought out. Staff were what made it even better (if even possible) Every single member of staff came over at one point with food / wine and were so friendly and knowledgeable. We cannot wait to come again! Such a unique experience and we were so so impressed!! Thank you!!! Ps. Don’t want to attach any pics as it was a blind tasting menu and won’t ruin it for others but believe me… you won’t be disappointed

Absolutely INCREDIBLE!!! Food was so beautifully presented, had such an interesting story behind it and tasted unbelievable. The wine pairings were all natural wines and delicious and well thought out. Staff were what made it even better (if even possible) Every single member of staff came over at one point with food / wine and were so friendly and knowledgeable. We cannot wait to come again! Such a unique experience,and we were so so impressed!! A little gem! Thank you!!!

We enjoyed lunch at WTLGI on Saturday and it was an exceptional experience. From the moment we arrived we were taken care of and treated to a faultless 10 course menu. The menu is incredible - we tried some amazing dishes and the drink options are extensive. I had let the staff know in advance that I am pregnant and they had gone to every length to ensure I could enjoy as unique a dining experience as my friends. Not only did I feel reassured that it was no extra trouble (it quite clearly was!) but I also don't think I've ever experienced customer service like it. They'd considered everything and discussed my options up front with me. I can't wait to return in the future for the full dining experience with wine pairing!

What an amazing restaurant. Food, service, atmosphere absolutely incredible. Thank you so much for having us.

Amazing food, service and atmosphere ..first visit and I will definitely be visiting this restaurant again . Never experienced anything like it ..so well looked after fabulous by a great team.

We’ve been visiting WTLGI about once a year since it opened. It’s always something to look forward to, although the nature of the experience means we wouldn’t really want to be coming more often. And that’s in spite of the absolutely excellent feeling of hospitality – service is completely on the ball with everything happening just as it should. And I like the fact that staff remember your names and address you by them. And introduce themelves as well. It’s a good touch. Food continues to be by way of a tasting menu running to twelve courses, if you count snacks, bread and the like as being courses. At first glance, dishes may appear quite straightforward but look a little deeper and you see top quality ingredients, imagination and some considerable skill. This is what the menu said we had to eat, which includes produce from The Landing (their own kitchen garden built on top of the Merseyway precinct’s car park) and Yellowhammer (their own bakery) Tomato, woodruff Monkfish cheek, preserved blood orange Carlingford Oyster, orange leaf Tellowhammer bread & butter Asparagus, Landing flowers Lettuce, pil-pil Cornish lobster, Tomalley Sladesdown duck Kebab on the way home Orange leaf parfait Burnt honey custard slice Woodruff chouquette As with every longish tasting menu, there are some dishes you’re going to like more than others. There was nothing we didn’t like (so that was a result in itself) but there were some stand-outs. For example, the tomato dish that kicked off the meal. Now, you might wonder how English cherry tomatoes in early June can possibly be a WOW dish. What they do is skin them and lightly dehydrate them to concentrate the flavour but not so much that it particularly affects the texture. They are served in a “tomato water” which is the absolute essence of tomato. Then there was a single oyster, served on the half shell. It had been lightly poached in a blood orange leaf sauce (Sicilian blood orange is the only citrus currently being used in the kitchen). Then there were the two duck dishes, served together. For one, the duck crown had been cooked outside on the BBQ, which is set up on the first floor landing. There was a lovely smell as you carefully climbed the uneven steps outside up to the second floor restaurant. It’s perfectly pink, with crispy skin and served with a chimichurri sauce, that was full of flavour but was, perhaps, just the wrong side of being too vinegary. And for the second there was a very long cooked ragu, made from the gizzard and heart, wrapped up in a small flatbread (just as you might get from the local kebab shop). Both dishes were just lovely in their individual ways. They come back to the use of that blood orange for the first dessert – the parfait has a perfect consistency and just the right balance between sweet and the citrus sharpness. Congrats to the pastry chef, Jess. As always, it had been an interesting and enjoyable evening.

Fantastic celebration meal at WtLGI. This is hands down one of the best meals/tasting menus we've ever eaten. They catered to my wifes vegetarianism well with the dishes being the same excellent quality. The venue is relaxed (based in an old warehouse off a back Stockport street) and casual but with attentive and polite service. An excellent themed menu throughout the evening with not a single course being anything but excellent. The food was chosen with passion, sustainability and care and the staff were knowledgeable and explained the menu well. The drinks paired well and we sampled some unique beverages! We're lucky to have such a gem on our door step. Perfect.

Spent my 30th birthday here and it couldn't have been better! From the moment you step through the door to the moment you leave you are made to feel special, nothing is too much. Amazing food and perfectly matched wines!

A relaxed yet elevated dining experience, the team here are definitely focused on delivering not only a fine dining tasting platter but also engaging the customer in the journey of the food and wine. It was such a relaxed experience even though you are literally in the kitchen and watching how they prepare and deliver your food. The food may seem small but the flavour certainly packs a punch and if you really want yo elevate your experience then get the wine pairing and enjoy the delicate and robust flavours that it brings to the dining.

My partner and I have visited twice now, once for his birthday as a surprise in April 2023 and because we loved it so much we went again for our anniversary in September 2023. Both times have been such memorable experiences. Not only do we love the 9 course menu which changes constantly, but the staff and the ambience at this restaurant is just perfect. It feels so special because they only do a certain number of covers each night, so there’s no rush and chefs visit your table to talk about every dish…I’ve never experienced it anywhere else and it’s truly a very special place. I love how open and rustic the restaurant feels, the kitchen is right in front of you so you feel like you’re really amongst it all. I tend to go for the vegetarian version of the menu, and the first time we went my partner said he was jealous of some of my dishes! You certainly don’t miss out if you don’t eat meat. I have been absolutely blown away by the food served here and what makes it even better is you know it was grown locally or ethically sourced. On top of this, my partner has a disability and we never once felt that staff didn’t make the effort to accommodate him….we love it here and will try to save up and come at least 1-2 times a year from now on.

Loved our trip to where the light gets in! Friendly staff were knowledgeable about each dish, enjoyed all of the food and a cracking setting

Incredible gastronomic experience paired with interesting and unique wines, it’s a complete Pleasure from start to finish. The front of house staff are relaxed, knowledgeable and intuitively attentive without being overbearing.

Cracking restaurant in a lovely setting. Service is excellent and is just the right side of friendly, but not over friendly. The food is good, really good. The wine pairing menu is excellent. Highlights from our visit - the lobster crumpet, the monkfish, the duck and the orange ice cream. There are a few negatives,and whilst this is picky, at this price point its fair. The restaurant is not accessible up two flights of stairs, and whilst I accept its a facet of the building that's still the restaurants problem. Chairs are uncomfortable by the end of three hours. The music is just that bit too loud which meant we struggled to hear each other. As has been said it's fine dining, which means the portions are small. For me including bread as course, although very nice bread, is a cheat. That being said it's still the best meal I have had in Manchester for some time, and I will be returning at some point on a special occasion

Had the honor and privilege to visit the WTLGI on Saturday, meet an exceptional staff lead by Becca including Callum the Head Chef and the Master of Deserts Jess pre choose the tasting menu which was exceptional tasty experience, with great selection of ingredients and professional cook and presentation.

Fantastic experience, we enjoyed all the food. The wine paring was incredible and they do a mix wine & homemade soft drinks pairing if you don’t want to get too tipsy which I loved! Incredible staff, very knowledgeable and loved hearing about where the food/wine came from.

The venue, the food and the service was excellent. However the portions were tiny. The champagne for £105 a bottle was not good quality. The red wine was very overpriced. Would we eat here again, probably not. Its overpriced for tiny tiny portions

Just fantastic. The food was amazing and the staff were friendly and really knowledgable. The atmosphere is great - not overly formal, which we like. Really cool having the kitchen there for all to see. And well done on the sustainability - it makes for a really unique experience.

We enjoyed our evening at this unique restaurant. The tables are all laid out with a view of the kitchen and the concept of each dish and where the ingredients were sourced is explained in detail. Staff were very attentive and polite. You do pay a high price for the freshly prepared, sustainability sourced food but in these tough times I suppose their expenses have gone up enormously. Still, expectations are high given the price. There was nothing I wouldn't eat but some dishes were better than others for sure. We were served maybe 9 or 10 plates altogether, some just being small snacks. We also got the dry pairing which I enjoyed thoroughly. It's £4 for water. On a critical note, I was getting full towards the end but my partner said he could have eaten more, so expect quality not quantity. I also really have to mention the chairs, were they made for people with no backside? I shuffled around feeling uncomfortable all evening. I've seen other reviews saying the music is loud and I agree, it was difficult to hear the explanations and each other even though we were sat directly next to each other. If English is your second language or you are hard of hearing, good luck.

An exceptional dining experience.

Amazing experience, kicked off my Birthday celebrations in style. The food is beautifully presented and delicious. Really impressed by the relaxed vibe and layout. Would definitely recommend.

Nothing short of amazing. I had purchased the visit as a Xmas gift for my son; a seat at the bar to the kitchen. I spoke to staff before hand and let them know of his interest in becoming a chef. On the night the staff were so good at engaging him (and me) and talking to us about what was going on. The food was delightful. My son's interest piqued. Job done. Thank you Team WTLGI

Great experience, great to know that all ingredients are from sustainable and British suppliers

We were served eleven different dishes on our visit to Where The Light Gets In, our children had bought it for us as a Christmas gift so we splashed out on the wine pairing as well. It was a wonderful experience all the staff who served the various dishes and wines were passed on their knowledge with enthusiasm. Yes the portions are small but as I said we had 11 different things to enjoy. Overall a faultless and very enjoyable evening.

Overall a pleasant and interesting dining experience. The building is beautiful and there is a lovely feel and ambience to the restaurant, and the staff are all very attentive and knowledgeable. The food was a little more mixed however - a good number of the dishes were great, but there were others that didn't quite hit the mark and in some cases were just 'ok'. Considering the £125 pp cost before drinks, I don't think there is room really for any of the dishes to not have the wow factor. It is hard not to compare this to Higher Ground in Manchester City Centre where on 2 visits I have had a better overall standard of dishes (with no 'duds'} for less than half the price (served in a similar curated tasting menu style, with the same excellent service, perhaps in not quite as nice surroundings). This is still an interesting restaurant and a lovely experience but on the food side I don't think it lives up to the hype and there is better to be had in Manchester for less.

Incredible food, service & style. I have a mixture of allergies and intolerances and the service really shone through, they knew exactly what they were doing, catered to them amazingly well. I had no doubt every meal came through correctly. Didn’t feel like I missed out on anything. The drinks paired excellently, food was stunning and they even gave me a little jar of the mushroom parfait to take away as i commented that it was so good I’d buy it at their yellowhammer store. Which is just going the extra mile and was really appreciated. Couldn’t recommend them enough.

Without a doubt our best restaurant experience in Manchester. Food is really special and service is faultless. Really memorable evening.

- overpriced - small portions - left hungry - only some of the courses were enjoyable - staff were pretentious and a little rude, favouritism given to older couples (probably based on how much they thought they would tip)

This place deserves every bit of its growing reputation. Innovative and fabulous food in relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The fennel posset and apple granita was my absolute favourite but I can't fault anything. I loved it.

Customer service was good but not amazing, perhaps stressed as didn’t seem to enjoy interacting with us. The food didn’t impress. Seems like the ingredients are cheap and courses basic but served as fine dining. Loved couple of courses but then thinking how much we paid left me with bitter feeling of being overcharged. Dined it other fine dining restaurants and that gives us pretty good comparison of what to expect. PS. Massive mould on the wall is a health hazard and it is just black patch in the corner of the ceiling.

We have been wanting to come here for ages and we were not at all disappointed. The setting is fantastic with easy parking across the road (council car parking, but plenty of spaces when we arrived for a Saturday lunch). The room is incredible and on a sunny day, certainly lived up to the name "Where the light gets in". The choice of background music was very enjoyable, although for a few songs it did sound a tiny bit loud and I found it difficult to hear the description of what we were served for one course. The staff were fantastic: very knowledgeable, attentive and helpful. The good itself was really great. The deep fried oyster was exceptional, one of the best things I have eaten in a fine dining restaurant. It was interesting to be served mutton as the main red meat dish which I thoroughly enjoyed, however for this course, a slightly larger portion would have been appreciated. The wine pairing was interesting with what felt like genuine descriptions of the wine by the staff (as opposed to the generic "minerality" and "herbaceous " which is all too common these days for wine pairings). Similarly, the non-alcoholic pairing was interesting and I would recommend it. To sum up: great food, a great venue and fantastic staff.

Amazing dining experience for a special occasion. Exceptional food, great drinks selection delivered by a friendly, enthusiastic and engaging team.

Beautiful food, lovely building and concept. The staff are the real stars of the restaurant. They were attentive, knowledgeable, and nothing was too much trouble for them. I think every single diner felt special under their care. It truly was five star service. The car park across the street is free after 18:00, and had ample spaces. It was an almost perfect visit. The chairs became uncomfortable after a few hours, but that may just be a symptom of our staying too long!

Saw you guys on some Israeli tv show, and it looks amazing!

Incredible once in a life time experience can definitely recommend

I booked where the light gets in for me and my husband's wedding anniversary. We didn't expect the restaurant to be as comfortable, cosy, and have a warming atmosphere, but it has that! It makes a refreshing change in contrast to going to other restaurants where they are formal, and the atmosphere makes you feel like you don't belong there. We were welcomed by James, who gave us a drink of duck consommé in which duck was a running theme and then led us to the chef's table. I loved seeing the chefs work their magic to music varying from funk, disco to rock. The chefs also played a part in service, which I was surprised but I enjoyed it, we got to see who was making our menu and also connect with them. Kemi and Becca served our drinks, and they are full of helpful information in regard to the drinks. Every dish didn't miss a beat. They were all delicious and fabulously presented. We enjoyed every minute, and it was so worth it. I love how they source local ingredients from their allotment in Stockport to a fishermen in Cornwall. Thank you for making our dining experience so wonderful WTLGI! I would do it again in a heartbeat.

We’ve been to this restaurant a few times now, it’s hard to not want to keep coming back. Setup in the same mentality of Michelin starred restaurants, to give an experience as much of a meal with the restaurant and kitchen essentially in the same room and chairs turned to face the kitchen to watch the action. It’s much more casual than some Michelin restaurants I’ve visited, which I very much enjoy. The room is a beautiful attic, a great setting and the staff incredibly attentive. The food is well thought through, a strong emphasis on sustainability as with many similar restaurants with incredible flavours. Portions are small, it is a tasting menu, but include several courses. You won’t leave stuffed but still well fed and very satisfied. Sitting at the kitchen table is good fun as you are right in the action and always interesting to watch how the dishes are constructed. It’s not for everyone and different people may have different expectations. The price reflects the experience and the work and ingredients that go into creating the dishes. But it is seriously good food and remains one of our favourite restaurants. I couldn’t recommend it higher for food lovers.

Fantastic dining experience here last week. Food was stunning and matched wine really made it a wonderful experience. Staff were brilliant but monkfish was the star of the night.

Brilliant Tasting experience with matched wine on Thursday night. Staff were fantastic and food was incredible.

This restaurant underwhelms and is very pretentious. The 9 course tasting menu plus an amuse- bouche of duck broth is overpriced at £110, the amount shown on our bill not the website, and lacks imagination and flair. There is neither style nor elegance in the courses served. I suspect the ethos of sustainability overshadows any aspiration to a full Michelin Star as opposed to a green one. Each course, served approximately 20 to 25 minutes apart, and is given an explanation by the server, without which we would indeed be wondering what it was all about. But to start at the beginning. The amuse-bouche is served as you arrive at the foot of a metal staircase, so anyone with mobility issues please note, behind which is a barbecue so one hand rail is very hot, inside wood tables and chairs adequately spaced but note two of them are in full sun (WTLGI – yes I get it) if it’s a sunny day, pretty uncomfortable to eat at and nowhere to move them. The toilets are up another flight of stairs and the sink outside the toilets is two planks of wood which slope together, do I detect style over substance? On to the food itself; the main event after all. First is a pickle plate, six pieces a little bigger than a thumb nail and two carrots (dried?) about 2 inches by a ¼ inch with three spots of black garlic. Two oysters follow which were admittedly tasty then chunks of sourdough (from local Yellowhammer bakery) with duck rillette are next. Kholrabi with a gooseberry puree follows; gooseberries from a chap in Marple (sustainability). Cornish mackerel in a corn chowder was I felt a bit odd, we were told it also had mussels in it; my portion had half a mussel but for the life of me I couldn’t find any more. Then the main event; confit of duck leg finished somewhere to render down the fat and crisp up the skin. Needless to say neither mine nor my husband’s was rendered or crispy, such a classic rooky error, just undercooked fat – yuck. Finally an upside down plum cake which was admittedly light in texture but hardly palate cleansing. Oh and a cobnut macaron. Cheese is extra. Drinks? A 125ml glass of wine is between £12 and £19 and a bottle somewhere between £69 and £110, soft drinks and beer £6/7. Stockport’s finest (tap water) is free and plentiful. Regretfully I cannot recommend this restaurant nor, probably to their relief, will I be back.

This restaurant underwhelms and is very pretentious. The 9 course tasting menu plus an amuse- bouche of duck broth is overpriced at £110, the amount shown on our bill not the website, and lacks imagination and flair. There is neither style nor elegance in the courses served. I suspect the ethos of sustainability overshadows any aspiration to a full Michelin Star as opposed to a green one. Each course, served approximately 20 to 25 minutes apart, and is given an explanation by the server, without which we would indeed be wondering what it was all about. But to start at the beginning. The amuse-bouche is served as you arrive at the foot of a metal staircase, so anyone with mobility issues please note, behind which is a barbecue so one hand rail is very hot, inside wood tables and chairs adequately spaced but note two of them are in full sun (WTLGI – yes I get it) if it’s a sunny day, pretty uncomfortable to eat at and nowhere to move them. The toilets are up another flight of stairs and the sink outside the toilets is two planks of wood which slope together, do I detect style over substance? On to the food itself; the main event after all. First is a pickle plate, six pieces a little bigger than a thumb nail and two carrots (dried?) about 2 inches by a ¼ inch with three spots of black garlic. Two oysters follow which were admittedly tasty then chunks of sourdough (from local Yellowhammer bakery) with duck rillette are next. Kholrabi with a gooseberry puree follows; gooseberries from a chap in Marple (sustainability). Cornish mackerel in a corn chowder was I felt a bit odd, we were told it also had mussels in it; my portion had half a mussel but for the life of me I couldn’t find any more. Then the main event; confit of duck leg finished somewhere to render down the fat and crisp up the skin. Needless to say neither mine nor my husband’s was rendered or crispy, such a classic rooky error, just undercooked fat – yuck. Finally an upside down plum cake which was admittedly light in texture but hardly palate cleansing. Oh and a cobnut macaron. Cheese is extra. Drinks? A 125ml glass of wine is between £12 and £19 and a bottle somewhere between £69 and £110, soft drinks and beer £6/7. Stockport’s finest (tap water) is free and plentiful. Regretfully I cannot recommend this restaurant nor, probably to their relief, will I be back.

Fantastic meal. Interesting, delicious courses served by enthusiastic & friendly waiters. Superb sommelier who provided some fascinating wines to complement the food. Lovely decor & relaxed atmosphere. We will definitely return!

A unique experience, from food to people. An almost perfect machine that is there to Surprise you, with local flavours that taste like the world. Every person we met, every food we have tasted was worth it ( but also drinks ). It's hard to describe it with words, I can only suggest you to go there and try.

What a great experience. I went with my fiancée for dinner as part of my 40th birthday celebration and we didn’t have a complaint about any part of the evening. From the welcome to leaving, the service was absolutely phenomenal and couldn’t have asked for more. The food was fantastic, very inventive and each dish was really well executed. The crackers that were served with the cheese course are amazing and made on site. I’ve never seen them before and would buy them by the case if they were on sale separately. Homemade by one of the team and worth ordering the cheese board just to try them. The place is very relaxed and feels welcoming. We were sat at the chef’s counter and could hear the chefs making changes to sauces etc during the cooking process. It’s not cheap but I think it was definitely worth the cost and we’ll definitely be returning for our next special occasion. Definitely worth a visit. Thanks to the team who looked after us.

Very disappointing. It had been recommended but wouldn’t go back again. Some courses didn’t taste good, one was far too salty, tiny portions, nothing wowed us. The first course was a few tiny pieces of pickled veg that didn’t taste good The second was one tiny carrot each, which didn’t taste that good Some parts of the menu did taste good but nothing exceptional

Lunch at WTLGI was an absolute delight this afternoon! Service was friendly and warm. The food was elegant, simple and satisfying. The sharing of knowledge about the food and drink we were consuming was refreshing and enriching to the whole experience. We left feeling indulged and nourished in equal measure!! Cant wait for the next visit. x

Hard to find words worthy of expressing how we felt at WTLGI. We could say we were transported to a whole different universe, embarking on a culinary adventure. The team behind the place is amazing, really kind and very passionate about their work. You can see that by talking with them, which you get the opportunity to while they bring out the small plates, 1 by 1, sharing the story behind each ingredient. We went here for the summer/autumn tasting menu but we also had a wine pairing. We tasted 5 wines which actually went really well with each of the meals so thumbs up to their sommelier. The wines also carried some interesting stories which were shared with us by a very kind and passionate Becca. I won't say much about the food, but it was definitely the best we've had so far, and knowing a bit about it's history adds so much more to the experience.

Thank you so much for giving daughter the opportunity to do work experience in your restaurant, she really enjoyed her time there.

Once you get past the "interesting" location, our experience exceeded our expectations. I would recommend coming from the St Mary's church end, rather than the bottom of the road as it's quite steep and cobbled, which wasn't a good combination with heels! The dining room is light and airy and there was plenty of space between adjacent tables - which were all full during our visit. The open kitchen is fascinating to watch as the staff interact with the food and each other in an incredibly smooth way. The food was all delicious, interesting and thoughtfully selected to be both seasonal and as locally sourced as possible. Portions were fine, except for the main, which needed another slice of meat and some potatoes. I will definitely visit again.

The food was hit and miss, by far the best thing was the lobster crumpet which was exceptional. The mangalitza pork belly was very chewy and not cooked long enough. The wine pairing was very dissapointing and did not really complement the meal. The sommelier was also quite condescending and whilst knowledgeable gave the impression of not having actually tasted much wine. Overall dissapointing and not upto the standard I would expect.

We went to WTLGI for our anniversary and it was fantastic. The food was excellent. Good variety of flavours to try. The staff were delightful - they explained every dish to us and were friendly and welcoming throughout. They all felt relatively equal too, which improved the experience. For example, the chefs would occasionally bring meals to us and do exactly the same explainer as the waiting on staff. No one felt like they were “beneath” any particular task.

One of the best food experiences I’ve had, full stop!

Outstanding food followed up with the perfect service. The kohlrabi with that blue cheese sauce was something else.

Only one problem for me which was the fact it's not disabled friendly. Great location in the top of an old mill , and I mean right at the top. As yet, no lift has been installed but hopefully this will happen in the future. It was a wonderful culinary experience with around ten tiny courses each one surpassing the last. Our party was in there for two and a half hours. The service staff told you about how each course was produced and grown as local as possible to make it sustainable. Even though it was a hike to get in to the restaurant , I will go again 😊

Perfect from start to finish. We went for our wedding anniversary and cannot fault anything. The food was exceptional. The mackerel dish was heavenly, the oysters delicious, the chestnut mushroom accompaniment to the sourdough bread was simply divine. The staff work cohesively as a team together and are friendly and knowledgeable. It has a relaxed atmosphere and isn’t pretentious like other fine dining establishments. The menu is varied and beautifully presented. Will definitely be returning in the autumn to sample the menu then.

We booked WTLGI a few months ago. There is a reasonable amount of time until one usually obtains a reservation which shows the restaurant is popular. A deposit is required on booking. On arrival we we shown to our table. We noticed all the tables/seating face the open kitchen which was a nice touch. The tasting menu comprised of 11 courses. We got matching wines with the courses. I usually don’t do the matching wines as it is probably cheaper to get a descent bottle or two if you chose your own. The “sommelier” spoke to us about each wine. I asked a couple of questions which let’s say had vague answers. A few wines were from the well known wine area of Poland! I wouldn’t recommend the matching wines and would rather see the wine list. The food was good to excellent. Not Michelin star quality on some courses but others were excellent. The first “pickle plate” was as what it says. Pickled veg cut into fancy ways on a plate. I could do the same if I bought a jar of pickles. The next plate, The Lobster Crumpet was excellent. Juicy Lobster on a small buttery crumpet.. delicious. Again some of the other dishes were ok to excellent. Lacking perhaps was another meat dish. The Braised Saddleback was just about good for the standard of food to expect. Maybe get rid of the Gem lettuce and replace it with a meat dish? Again the Gem lettuce was just ok. I would recommend to go for the dining experience. One particular let down is the service. The staff did serve the tables well and were well mannered. The sommelier was obviously told what to say. Towards the end of the meal the kitchen and waiting staff went into overdrive cleaning the kitchen as though they was in a rush to get home. Standing on the surfaces to wipe down shelving all done in a military manner. It didn’t take long to clean the kitchen but I think they may have waited another 30 mins or so till everyone left. I was going to give a 3 star review but that maybe a bit harsh. Would I go back. Probably not for a while as it’s quite expensive and there’s Michelin restaurants for the same price. But if you havn’t been then I would go.

Last night was a true gastronomic adventure at WTLGI. As soon as we entered the restaurant, we were greeted by a warm and relaxed atmosphere that set the tone for the rest of the evening. The highlight of our experience was undoubtedly the 11 courses we were served. Each dish was more impressive than the last and was accompanied by an exquisite wine flight that truly complemented the flavors of each course. The restaurant takes great pride in sourcing the best quality ingredients from all over the country. And they even started their own garden on top of a car park during lockdown! It was fascinating to hear the tales of where each ingredient came from and how it was prepared. The standout dish for me had to be the Carlingford oyster. I've had my fair share of oysters over the years, but this one truly stood out. It was fresh, briny, and perfectly shucked. I could have eaten a dozen more and never grown tired of their delicious flavour. Overall, our experience at WTLGI was truly unforgettable. It's not just about the food, but the whole experience. From the incredible service to the unique atmosphere and outstanding cuisine, it was a night that we will never forget and made my partners birthday special.

Last night was a true gastronomic adventure at WTLGI. As soon as we entered the restaurant, we were greeted by a warm and relaxed atmosphere that set the tone for the rest of the evening. The highlight of our experience was undoubtedly the 11 courses we were served. Each dish was more impressive than the last and was accompanied by an exquisite wine flight that truly complemented the flavors of each course. The restaurant takes great pride in sourcing the best quality ingredients from all over the country. And they even started their own garden on top of a car park during lockdown! It was fascinating to hear the tales of where each ingredient came from and how it was prepared. The standout dish for me had to be the Carlingford oyster. I’ve had my fair share of oysters over the years, but this one truly stood out. It was fresh, briny, and perfectly shucked. I could have eaten a dozen more and never grown tired of their delicious flavor. Overall, our experience at WTLGI was truly unforgettable. It's not just about the food, but the whole experience. From the incredible service to the unique atmosphere and outstanding cuisine, it was a night that we will never forget and made my partners birthday special.

Unfortunately, after a mostly enjoyable meal with good service, I immediately suffered from food poisoning and had to leave hastily. Several hours of extreme struggle followed (details omitted), but eventually, I recovered. Upon reaching out to the restaurant to explain what happened, I was informed that I must have had an allergic reaction instead of them taking any responsibility and the staff suggested I get tested for allergies. Several months later, and even after eating the similar food at other restaurants (mainly we think the culprit was the oyster), I have not experienced any such allergic reaction, though I admit that I never got tested. Nevertheless, the way the situation was handled felt unsatisfactory, especially given the high cost of the meal per head. Best of luck to anyone dining there – hopefully, you will have a better experience.

We’ve visited the restaurant once a year since it opened. And maybe that’s as much as it takes to be a “regular” in this sort of place. It’s food that’s always interesting and inventive but once a year is probably enough. These days, chef and owner Sam Buckley is more “hands-off” than he used to be, not being in the restaurant all the time and leaving things much more to his team. And the team is doing things very well. Front of house is welcoming, engaging and on the ball. And the chefs in the very open kitchen, have really got a good handle on things. Of the various tasting menus we’ve eaten here, this one probably worked the best of all them – less of the “earnest and worthy”, more of the “just damn good food”. In the past I’ve written in some detail about what we’ve eaten but this time I decided to leave my notebook at home so will just transcribe the menu, with maybe a memory or two. Pickle plate Asparagus and hollandaise Lobster crumpet Yellowhammer bread, butter, mushroom Millet pudding, hen’s yolk, crispy pork BBQ lobster, head sauce Gem lettuce, split pea, toasted yeast The whole of Katie’s pig Burnt apple sorbet, artichoke vodka Sheep’s milk parfait, rhubarb Petit four As well as the three chefs in the kitchen, there was a fourth outside using a charcoal BBQ to grill things like the asparagus, lobster and Little Gem. It brought a smokiness to those three dishes that really enhanced the flavour. And, by way of explanation of the “Whole of Katie’s Pig”, pork has been the final savoury course every time we’ve been. They buy a whole rare breed Saddleback direct from the farm and, over time, use all of it in different ways. This evening, there was a slice of loin, a Chinese style dumpling of long cooked piggy and some just wilted greens. It was fab. But there were two absolute standout dishes. The first was the lobster crumpet – just about a single mouthful if you opened wide. A small, nicely chewy crumpet topped with lobster butter, shredded lobster and Little Gem lettuce. The first dessert was an outstanding example of the skill of the young pastry chef. She’d caramelised the apples so they were rich and sweet, but not overly sweet, and turned them into a sorbet. But basis for the sauce predated her arrival here. When the restaurant first opened, they decided to steep leaves of globe artichoke in vodka. Yes, a wacky idea which is why it may have sat on the shelf for six years. Now, I don’t know what she’d then done to it for it to become a sauce but it was absolutely inspired. Delicious. There will be those who might baulk at the cost and the fact that you have to pay up front at the time of booking, with no refund if you cancel. And they would have a point. But it would mean they miss out on a really nice evening.

I started writing a lengthy review and then decided not to bother as it's all been said before in the neg reviews. It's not for me, the most amount I've ever paid for a meal with such little substance. Disappointing to say the least, would...

I am a big fan of their ethos of cooking sustainable and using every bit of produce instead of producing mountains of unnecessary food waste. The food overall was nice and I got dishes I've never tasted before. However my greatest disappointment with an otherwise nice evening was that every dish was not more than a mouthful and the ingredients where in large parts so basic that they don't justify the price for that tasting menu. I left the restaurant quite hungry which is very disappointing as you would assume to be quite full after about 8 dishes. Unfortunately, I had the impression that making money was prioritised over actually feeding people. Therefore my first visit will also be my last.

Just arrived home from a fabulous meal. Staff absolutely fantastic. Talked me into my first oyster. Excellent service and food. Fantastic ambience and music. Loved it. Will be back!

Unbelievable good! I would say one of the best I’ve ever been in my life. It was fantastic experience.

A beautiful dining experience. The staff could not have been friendlier or given better service. The food was simply a work of art and it was also the opportunity to enjoy unique and original flavours. The wine pairing was spot on. Thank you and I hope your business continues to flourish.

Overall great experience! Beautiful setting with only a small number of tables. Just a few dishes were a bit too strong for us like oysters (although I love fresh oysters), rest was amazing. We had a wine pairing and sommelier was rushed between the tables and had a character which was a hit and miss with us as clients :)

Outstanding experience. Staff were exceptional, taster menu exceeded all our expectations. The wine pairing was perfect. Will be back soon! Thank you.

What an amazing experience. This was a Christmas gift from my children and we had an fabulous evening. The wine pairings were spot on and watching the talented chefs working was a sight go behold. Highly recommend.

Wow. This is seriously good. The whole experience as unique and different as the amazing food. Sat at the kitchen space and fully enjoyed talking with the lovely a Az be down to earth staff. Speedy and attentive service, good conversations and left hugely satisfied...

Just Divine! I can’t believe it’s taken me so long to get to this place! The food, the service, the ambience were perfect. A really special tasting menu and really unusual variations on many things. We just loved it. Not only is the cooking, presentation and the food itself exceptional, the wines are different, challenging and thoughtfully chosen. A constant series of small bites were each in their own way quite stunning. The team really work together as a team, which was great to us. We certainly absolutely enjoyed our evening here and intend to return. Thanks so very much.

We were very excited to visit after hearing so many good things but unfortunately our experience didn't live up to the hype. The food was nice enough, but the menu is overpriced in my opinion.

A stellar dining experience in an historic, industrial setting. The menu changes with the seasons and is heavily focussed on ultra-local ingredients (some of which coming from an urban allotment atop a multi-storey car park!). Service is attentive and unpretentious…beat only by the quality of the food and wine. The team readily accept dietary requirements without compromising the quality of the end result. This team are surely destined for great things and we cannot wait to dine there again.

I've been wanting to come here for about 2 years. My expectations were so high yet they managed to exceed everything I expected. The food is beyond incredible, would recommend to everyone!

My sister took me and my wife to WTLGI for a special birthday celebration and we absolutely loved it. The dishes were absolutely delicious with a wide variation of intense flavours extracted mainly from locally sourced fungi and vegetables. Absolutely amazingly skilful chefs. The very...

My sister took me and my wife to WTLGI for a special birthday celebration and we absolutely loved it. The dishes were absolutely delicious with a wide variation of intense flavours extracted mainly from locally sourced fungi and vegetables. Absolutely amazingly skilful chefs. The very helpful and friendly front of house team explained in detail each course. The wine pairings by the sommelier were excellent. We all absolutely loved it and will be back.

I've been here three times over the past 2 years. The past 2 times were incredible. For £95 you had a meal that reflected that. I'd say now they focused so much on the green aspect of their michelin star that the range of food was greatly diminished. Over the courses they provided, the only course resembling anything of expense was a small serving of pollock. The oyster dish was described as the leftover of the oysters by the staff which I also agreed tasted less than fresh, nothing of the oysters I've had previously (oyster with Thai basil infused ice.. amazing). Admittedly they had a wide variety of vegetables and fungi they provided from their garden. Tasty for something that came from a rooftop in Stockport but nothing that resembled dining of that price range. At one point I was teased by being given a steak fork, for which I was provided with a very small portion of perhaps chicken of the woods (mushroom)... A teaspoon would of sufficed. Tasty for a mushroom but not what I'd expect of an establishment that used to be striving for a michelin star. I was truly disappointed by my meal tonight and feel the large profit margin between cost and product was the main priority of their latest tasting menu. I guess my third visit will be my last. I understand it is likely not the fault of the excellent chefs providing the food, but that of the management. It was with a heavy heart that I write this as I've been a great admirer of WTLGI, but feel truly unsatisfied by my meal tonight. P.s. Less fennel in the dessert. At points it was truly overpowering to the more subtle elements of the dish.

Growing up in SK2, fine dining meant going to the Bamford Arms and praying. So, decades on, it's wonderful to find this restaurant in the marketplace and my visit in January was up there with anything I've ever eaten including your Steins, Kerridges and Fergus...

Came here for a birthday dinner. Service and food were very good. What really spoilt the experience was the smoke from the kitchen. The kitchen is open in the restaurant which is great. But it appears to have no air extraction system at all, so when they griddled the meat etc the whole restaurant filled with smoke. No exaggeration to say everyone's eyes were watering and we didn't want to linger. Our clothes also stank. A real shame which marred what otherwise would have been a lovely dinner as a special treat.

Overall our experience here was positive however the menu on the day was a little lacking, especially for the price which has increased recently. The menu was packed with flavour and the wines were exceptional. However, for a menu that is almost £100 per person,...

Overall our experience here was positive however the menu on the day was a little lacking, especially for the price which has increased recently. The menu was packed with flavour and the wines were exceptional. However, for a menu that is almost £100 per person, the main course was not good enough. We were served a small sliver of venison, without any sides or vegetables. Only to see a post of other diners being given a venison cottage pie alongside their main just a few days later. My opinion is that if you're paying a premium, you shouldn't leave the restaurant still hungry.

My wife and I went for my birthday, to try the taster menu. The food was exemplary; all locally sourced and the staff were very well versed in its origins. We were blown away by some of the courses. Some of the paired wines were a little more challenging and it felt as though they were chosen by how complicated the description was, over its palatability or enjoyment. Despite previous experiences with taster menus at Michelin starred restaurants we left feeling satisfied. I would highly recommend this anyone looking to try somewhere different and it is wonderful to have an establiment like this so close to home.

Exceptional experience eating here. Loved it

There is a sincerity, authenticity and passion here that makes for a very special experience. The food is, of course, superb and the matched wines are clever, unusual and work really well. The staff are enthusiastic, relaxed and friendly, the time they take to talk about the wines and the food, its suppliers and preparation, made possible by an efficiency that they make look effortless. The building, decor, lighting and ambience are exactly right for the old commercial heart of Stockport - smart, comfortable industrial. It's not a cheap night out, but it is good value for the quality and the experience. Highly recommended.

Worth every penny. Superb dining space playing excellent music, staff were excellent and extremely knowledgeable about the menu offered. I was blown away by the food, every course of the 12 or so we had was outstanding, wine was also excellent paired to the menu. Some of the highlights were their own bread with mushroom ‘sauce’, lamb with donut, and mussels. We had to book 2-3 months in advance and price wise it is expensive but both these things absolutely justified based on the overall experience. I will 100% come back.