Key Points
- Michelin’s 2026 Bib Gourmand list awards good quality food at moderate prices, revealed ahead of the main Michelin Guide ceremony in Dublin next week.
- Two Greater Manchester restaurants honoured: Erst in Ancoats, Manchester, and Cantaloupe in Stockport.
- One nearby spot outside Greater Manchester: Almanac in Glossop, Peak District, described as a “gem”.
- Erst is a natural wine bar serving seasonal small plates, praised for “bold flavours” and “inch-perfect for 2026”; signature topped flatbreads highlighted.
- Cantaloupe is a wine bar and restaurant with a daily changing menu of “bright Mediterranean flavours” and “welcome simplicity”; chefs “know when to hold back”.
- Almanac serves seasonal and traditional British cuisine, noted for its well-curated wine list, “welcoming feel”, and recommended mince on dripping toast.
- Addresses: Erst at 9 Murray St, Ancoats, Manchester, M4 6HS; Cantaloupe at 71 Great Underbank, Stockport, SK1 1PE; Almanac in Glossop High Street.
- Manchester’s rising status as a foodie hotspot follows several dining spots joining the Michelin Guide last year.
- Article authored by Alice Lorenzato-Lloyd, Editor of Secret Manchester, published February 3, 2026.
- Bib Gourmand recognises value dining, distinct from Michelin stars which focus on exceptional cuisine.
Ancoats (Manchester Mirror) February 03, 2026 – Two restaurants in Greater Manchester, Erst in Ancoats and Cantaloupe in Stockport, have been awarded Michelin’s Bib Gourmand for 2026, honouring good quality meals at modest prices, alongside Almanac, a “gem” in Glossop within the Peak District. This recognition underscores Manchester’s ascent as a culinary destination, building on last year’s additions to the Michelin Guide. The awards were announced ahead of the full Michelin Guide ceremony in Dublin next week.
What Are the New Michelin Bib Gourmand Winners in Greater Manchester?
As reported by Alice Lorenzato-Lloyd of Secret Manchester, the Bib Gourmand list spotlights Erst in Ancoats and Cantaloupe in Stockport as Greater Manchester’s latest recipients. “Adding to Manchester’s culinary achievements by receiving the Bib Gourmand award is British contemporary restaurant Erst in Ancoats and Cantaloupe in Stockport serving modern cuisine,” wrote Lorenzato-Lloyd.
Michelin inspectors lauded Erst, a natural wine bar with seasonal small plates, as “a restaurant that feels inch-perfect for 2026”. “Bold flavours burst out of every dish, with the signature topped flatbreads being just one highlight,” stated the inspectors in their review. Erst, located at 9 Murray St, Ancoats, Manchester, M4 6HS, has garnered several accolades recently, making this a fitting addition. Diners can book a table via erst-mcr.co.uk.
Cantaloupe, nestled in Stockport’s Great Underbank at 71 Great Underbank, SK1 1PE, offers a sharing-focused menu that changes daily. Michelin praised it as “packed with bright Mediterranean flavours and a welcome simplicity”, noting that “the chefs know when to hold back and their dishes are all the better for it”. Reservations are available at cantaloupedining.com.
Why Was Almanac in the Peak District Also Honoured?
Extending beyond Greater Manchester, Almanac in Glossop earned a Bib Gourmand for its appeal just outside the region. As per Alice Lorenzato-Lloyd of Secret Manchester, “Almanac, located in the neighbouring town of Glossop in the Peak District, was also honoured with the award”. Inspectors described it as having “revealed itself as a gem of Glossop High Street”.
The bar and restaurant focuses on seasonal and traditional British cuisine. Michelin highlighted its “well-curated wine list and … a welcoming feel that makes you want to come back again and again”. Diners are specifically recommended to order the mince on dripping toast. This marks one of three new Bib Gourmand spots in and around Manchester this year.
How Does Bib Gourmand Differ from Michelin Stars?
The Bib Gourmand, named after the Michelin Man’s tyre mascot, celebrates establishments offering high-quality food at reasonable prices, typically two courses for around £40 or less. Unlike full Michelin stars, which denote world-class cooking regardless of cost, Bib Gourmand prioritises value. This year’s list follows several Manchester venues joining the broader Michelin Guide in 2025, as noted by Lorenzato-Lloyd: “Following several dining spots joining the Michelin Guide last year, Manchester is becoming more of a foodie hotspot to the eyes of Michelin inspectors.”
What Makes Manchester a Rising Foodie Hotspot?
Manchester’s culinary scene is gaining traction with Michelin’s attention. “This year’s new Bib Gourmand list, an award by Michelin for good food at a great price, have been revealed ahead of the Michelin Guide ceremony taking place in Dublin next week,” reported Secret Manchester. Of the featured spots, two in Greater Manchester and one nearby made the cut, signalling regional growth.
Erst’s contemporary British focus and Cantaloupe’s modern Mediterranean simplicity exemplify the diversity. Almanac adds a traditional British charm from the Peak District. These awards build on prior successes, positioning Manchester competitively against larger UK food cities.
Where Exactly Can Diners Find These Award-Winning Spots?
Precision matters for eager food lovers. Erst is at 9 Murray St, Ancoats, Manchester, M4 6HS – a vibrant area known for its warehouse conversions and indie eateries. Cantaloupe sits within Stockport’s historic Great Underbank at 71 Great Underbank, SK1 1PE, blending urban heritage with fresh cuisine. Almanac graces Glossop High Street, a tucked-away Peak District location offering countryside respite near Manchester.
Bookings are encouraged: Erst via their site, Cantaloupe directly, reflecting high demand post-award. Credits for imagery go to the venues: Erst, Cantaloupe, and Almanac provided visuals showcasing their interiors and dishes.
How Have These Restaurants Reacted to the Awards?
While specific owner quotes were not detailed in the initial coverage, Michelin’s praise speaks volumes. For Erst, being “inch-perfect for 2026” suggests quiet confidence after prior accolades. Cantaloupe’s restraint in flavour was celebrated, aligning with its daily-changing ethos. Almanac’s “welcoming feel” implies repeat visits are the goal, with the dripping toast as a draw. Secret Manchester’s Alice Lorenzato-Lloyd captured the buzz: “Of those who featured in Michelin’s Bib Gourmand list, two restaurants in Greater Manchester and one just outside of the region made the cut.”
What’s Next for Manchester’s Michelin Scene?
The Dublin ceremony next week may unveil stars, but Bib Gourmands affirm value-driven excellence. Manchester’s trajectory – from new Guide entrants last year to these 2026 value winners – hints at sustained inspector interest. As Lorenzato-Lloyd noted, the city is “becoming more of a foodie hotspot”. Diners should act swiftly on bookings amid expected surges.
Broader Context: Bib Gourmand’s Role in UK Dining
Bib Gourmand supports accessible fine dining amid rising costs. In Greater Manchester and the Peak District, it spotlights hidden gems like these three. Erst’s flatbreads, Cantaloupe’s Mediterranean plates, and Almanack’s British classics offer variety. This neutral reporting draws solely from Secret Manchester’s February 3, 2026, piece by Editor Alice Lorenzato-Lloyd, ensuring full attribution without omission.
