The Pearl in Prestwich celebrates as Matt Bennett is named chef of the year

Prestwich has plenty to celebrate in 2026. At the Manchester Food and Drink Festival Awards in January, Matt Bennett was named Chef of the Year for his modern British cooking at The Pearl, the independent restaurant on Bury New Road in Prestwich Village.

The Pearl has a lovely origin story. Owners Sam Taylor and his wife Mel raised £25,000 on Kickstarter in just a few weeks and set about converting a former computer shop into a restaurant. It opened in November 2023 with the aim of feeling like going to a friend's house.

Today the kitchen is led by Bennett, whose previous kitchens include Mana in Ancoats and Gidleigh Park in Devon. According to the Good Food Guide, he and his two sous-chefs all previously worked at Mana, bringing serious pedigree to a neighbourhood dining room.

The restaurant describes itself as independent and family-owned, and it works with like-minded producers and growers from across the British Isles. The Good Food Guide highlights a menu built on ethically sourced, regional ingredients, and its reviewer singled out dishes such as a saddle of lamb.

Recognition has come steadily. The Pearl was included in the Good Food Guide's 100 Best Local Restaurants for 2024, and the guide describes it as a popular local dining room known for its confident cooking. Diners seem to agree, with the restaurant rated highly by guests on its booking platform.

Bennett's Chef of the Year win puts The Pearl alongside some of the biggest names in the city. The same awards night saw Skof named Restaurant of the Year and Stow named Newcomer of the Year, proof that some of the region's most exciting cooking is happening well beyond the city centre.

For Prestwich, which has built a reputation as one of north Manchester's liveliest villages, the award is a welcome boost and a reminder of how much a small, independent restaurant can add to a high street.

The Pearl takes bookings online, and opening times can vary, so it is best to check directly with the restaurant before planning a visit.