Harden's survey result
Summary
Very promising but limited (too much so for a rating) feedback on the food at this funky new boutique hotel, which opened shortly before our annual diners’ poll concluded and inhabits a six-storey building near Chinatown. The Observer’s Jay Rayner was an early fan too, declaring in a May 2022 review that – “the kitchen… led by chef Iain Thomas, is cooking a truly delightful and admirably tight menu of diverting dishes, which reveal their joys a little at a time... and all at a price positioned to comfort rather than terrorise”.
For 32 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at The Alan?
The Alan Restaurant Diner Reviews

"I’ve clearly been missing out on the developing Manchester food scene by not buying in to the small plates thing much. Food here was excellent. A sort of slightly spicy shredded lamb special that was crispy to bite and just the right amount of dressing to make it not too dry. The Asparagus, Jersey Royals with duck egg recommended by the waitress was a spectacular triumph in mid- May. All I could do to stop myself from licking the plate clean. The cavatelli with crab was well done but a bit rich for my liking. I know it’s the tapas way to get it served when the kitchen cooks it but I would have liked it first rather than the lamb. Only a minor grumble though. Great, friendly service from an Estonian with a Mancunian accent, limited but good wine choice. Look forward to visiting again"

"A stunning environment with food to match. The counter seats at the open kitchen were terrific and every single dish we ordered was exquisite. "
Prices
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Wine per bottle | £29.00 |
Filter Coffee | £2.50 |
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Service | 10.00% |
18 Princess Street, Manchester, M1 4LG
Opening hours
Monday | 7 am‑4 pm, 5 pm‑9:45 pm |
Tuesday | 7 am‑4 pm, 5 pm‑9:45 pm |
Wednesday | 7 am‑4 pm, 5 pm‑9:45 pm |
Thursday | 7 am‑4 pm, 5 pm‑9:45 pm |
Friday | 7 am‑4 pm, 5 pm‑9:45 pm |
Saturday | 7 am‑4 pm, 5 pm‑9:45 pm |
Sunday | 7 am‑4 pm, 5 pm‑9:45 pm |
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