Erst in Ancoats climbs the National Restaurant Awards top 100

Erst has long been a favourite among Ancoats regulars, and in 2026 it earned a place among the best restaurants in the country. The small plates restaurant and wine bar on Murray Street placed 37th in the National Restaurant Awards Top 100, recognised for its seasonal cooking and natural wine selection.

It was one of four Manchester restaurants on the list, alongside Skof, Higher Ground and Winsome, a strong showing for the city.

Erst was created by friends Patrick Withington, Will Sutton and Marcus Saide, who also run the bakery Trove. Their idea was a relaxed evening spot pouring low-intervention wines and craft beers, with a short menu of sharing plates, many of them cooked over a grill.

Since opening in 2019, the restaurant has built a loyal following. Reviewers often mention the flatbreads, especially the grilled beef fat and urfa chilli version, which has become something of a signature. Critics have described the menu as surprising and built on excellent ingredients.

The atmosphere is part of the appeal. Reviewers describe Erst as communal and laid-back, with a small dining room and seats at the bar for anyone who simply wants to drop in for a glass. The ever-changing menu means there is usually something new to try.

The team has also invested in the space. According to the Good Food Guide, Erst reopened in January 2025 after a refit that extended the kitchen and revamped the bar area, giving the restaurant room to keep evolving.

Its rise mirrors that of Ancoats itself, which has grown from a historic mill district into one of the most exciting places to eat and drink in the North. Erst sits at the heart of that story, a neighbourhood restaurant that has quietly become a national name. Its place on the 2026 list is a fitting reward for a small team that has stayed true to its original idea.

Erst is at 9 Murray Street in Ancoats. The menu changes often, so the restaurant's online listings and social channels are the best places to check what is cooking and how to book.