The Spärrows, a Manchester restaurant tucked under railway arches in Cheetham Hill, has been named one of the UK's best in the Good Food Guide's Best Local Restaurant awards, landing 58th place. It is one of only two Greater Manchester representatives on the 2026 list, alongside Lupo in Prestwich at 19th.
Good Food Guide Recognition
The Good Food Guide, now in its 16th year, unveiled its Best Local Restaurant awards on Monday, celebrating 100 community-driven restaurants offering excellent value and high-quality cooking. The top spot went to Italian trattoria La Locanda in Gisburn, Lancashire, followed by Cantina Caruso in Margate and Ar Bòrd on the Isle of Mull.
Lupo, an Italian café in Prestwich's Mountheath Trading Estate, was praised for bringing 'the most authentic Roman dining experience outside of Rome' with its coffees, antipasti, pastas, and pizzas. The Spärrows, co-owned by Kasia Hitchcock and chef Franco Concli, has built a strong reputation since opening in 2019.
Menu and Accolades
Located at 16 Red Bank within the Green Quarter, The Spärrows is known for dishes like pelimenti stuffed Russian dumplings, homemade Polish pierogi, and Swabian German spätzle noodle pasta with sauces including beef ragu bolognese and Käse with 10-month Emmentaler cheese. The restaurant has earned praise from critics: Jay Rayner of The Guardian called it a 'glorious carb-fest' soon after opening, Tom Parker Bowles of the Daily Mail described it as a 'cosy hideaway' with 'comfort food of the highest calibre' in 2023, and the Telegraph's William Sitwell hailed its 'magic' and 'gentle flavours' last year.
In 2023, The Spärrows became the only new Greater Manchester addition for a Bib Gourmand by Michelin, an award recognizing great quality cooking at great value. It has retained the award and is listed among Manchester's best restaurants, with particular praise for its 'excellent' pierogi and fresh, in-house pasta and dumplings.
Community and Events
Beyond its menu, The Spärrows offers seasonal specials with locally sourced and authentic continental ingredients. It hosts masterclasses, winemakers' dinners, and participates in local artisan markets. The restaurant's hidden location and consistent quality have made it a standout in Manchester's dining scene.
