The Counter House: Contemporary Comfort Dining in Ancoats, Manchester
A relaxed modern European restaurant in Manchester’s Ancoats, offering hearty comfort food with a healthy twist and excellent wine service.
The Counter House is a modern European restaurant located in the vibrant Ancoats district of Manchester. Known for its relaxed atmosphere, generous portions, and a menu blending comfort food with healthy twists, it offers a diverse selection of small plates and hearty dishes. The welcoming staff, excellent wine service, and stylish setting make it a favored spot for brunch, casual dining, and cozy evenings.
A brief summary to The Counter House
- 35 Blossom St, Manchester, Ancoats, M4 6AJ, GB
- +441614140065
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 11 am-11 pm
- Tuesday 11 am-11 pm
- Wednesday 11 am-11 pm
- Thursday 11 am-11 pm
- Friday 11 am-12 am
- Saturday 11 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 pm-9 pm
Local tips
- Try the Sunday roast for a generous, expertly prepared meal that’s highly recommended locally.
- Ask staff for wine recommendations to enhance your dining experience with expertly paired selections.
- Gluten-free diners should inform the staff to ensure safe meal preparation and enjoy clearly marked menu options.
- Reserve ahead, especially for weekend evenings, as the restaurant can get busy.
- Enjoy the relaxed music and artistic decor that add to the welcoming atmosphere.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
The Counter House location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about The Counter House
A Modern Culinary Hub in Ancoats
Nestled on Blossom Street in Manchester's historic Ancoats neighborhood, The Counter House stands out as a beacon of contemporary dining. The restaurant embraces a modern European cuisine style, offering a menu that balances comfort food classics with innovative, health-conscious twists. Its location in Ancoats places it within one of Manchester’s most dynamic and rapidly evolving districts, known for its industrial heritage and vibrant creative scene.Menu Highlights and Dining Experience
The Counter House’s menu is celebrated for its variety and generous portions. Diners can enjoy a range of dishes from small plates like halloumi chips and charred Padron peppers to substantial mains such as roast chicken served with rich, cheesy cauliflower cheese. The kitchen’s approach combines hearty flavors with fresh, quality ingredients, creating dishes that are both satisfying and thoughtfully prepared. The restaurant also caters well to gluten-free diners, with clearly marked options and attentive staff ensuring safe preparation.Atmosphere and Service
The atmosphere at The Counter House is relaxed yet stylish, featuring chilled music that often nods to retro vibes, enhancing the dining experience without overwhelming conversation. The decor blends modern designs with subtle artistic touches, creating a welcoming environment. Service is frequently praised for being attentive and knowledgeable, especially regarding wine pairings, where staff provide detailed stories and recommendations that enrich the meal.Community and Cultural Relevance
As part of Manchester’s thriving food scene, The Counter House contributes to Ancoats’ reputation as a destination for food lovers seeking quality and innovation. The restaurant’s commitment to accommodating dietary needs and fostering a friendly, inclusive environment reflects the diverse community it serves. It is a popular choice for a variety of occasions, from brunches and casual lunches to intimate dinners and special celebrations.Accessibility and Visitor Experience
Open throughout the week with extended hours on weekends, The Counter House is accessible for both locals and visitors. Its location in a lively urban area means it benefits from good transport links and nearby amenities. The venue’s balance of casual comfort and culinary finesse makes it suitable for solo diners, couples, families, and groups looking for a dependable yet exciting dining option in Manchester.Signature Offerings and Notable Features
Among the standout dishes are the beef tacos and fish sliders, which have garnered particular acclaim. The Sunday roast is often highlighted as one of the best in the city, featuring generous portions and expertly crafted accompaniments. The wine list, with selections such as Spanish wines from Galicia, complements the menu expertly, and the cocktail offerings add to the venue’s appeal as a social spot. Overall, The Counter House combines a modern European culinary approach with a warm, inviting atmosphere, making it a must-visit in Manchester’s Ancoats district.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Murrays' Mill
0.2 km
Explore Murrays' Mills, the world’s oldest urban steam-powered cotton mill, where industrial heritage meets modern living in Manchester’s historic Ancoats district.
Statue of the Duke of Wellington
0.6 km
A commanding Victorian bronze statue in Piccadilly Gardens honoring the Duke of Wellington’s military valor and political legacy.
Great Ancoats Street Tunnel (tram) east portal
0.7 km
Historic tram tunnel portal in Manchester’s industrial Ancoats district, linking past mill heritage with modern urban regeneration.
Great Ancoats Street Tunnel (tram) west portal
0.7 km
A historic tram tunnel portal in Ancoats, symbolizing Manchester’s industrial heritage and urban transformation.
Victory Over Blindness
0.8 km
A powerful bronze memorial at Manchester Piccadilly honoring WWI veterans blinded in battle, symbolizing resilience and solidarity at eye level.
Robert Owen Statue
0.8 km
Honoring Robert Owen, pioneer of social reform and the co-operative movement, through a striking statue in Manchester’s city heart.
The Undamaged Red Post Box
1.0 km
A resilient symbol of hope standing where devastation once reigned on Manchester's Corporation Street.
Arch of Chinatown
1.0 km
Europe's only imperial Chinese arch, a stunning gateway to Manchester's vibrant multicultural heart.
Connaught Building
1.0 km
Discover the historic Connaught Building in Manchester, a captivating landmark reflecting the city’s rich architectural heritage and vibrant urban spirit.
Lowry Footbridge
1.1 km
A Victorian iron bridge immortalized in art, connecting Manchester's industrial past to its present.
Manchester City Council
1.2 km
Manchester City Council’s majestic Town Hall in Albert Square: a Victorian Neo-Gothic masterpiece and symbol of civic heritage.
St. Peter's Square
1.2 km
Manchester’s historic St Peter's Square blends rich heritage, iconic architecture, and vibrant urban life at the heart of the city centre.
John Bright Statue
1.2 km
A marble tribute in Albert Square honoring John Bright’s legacy as a champion of free trade and social reform in Victorian Manchester.
Albert Memorial
1.2 km
A grand Victorian Gothic monument in Albert Square celebrating Prince Albert’s legacy through art, science, and culture.
2 Albert Square
1.2 km
Explore the enchanting Albert Square in Manchester, a hub of culture, history, and culinary delights in the heart of the city.
Unmissable attractions to see
Cutting Room Square
0.0 km
A vibrant urban square in Ancoats blending industrial heritage, contemporary dining, and cultural art installations.
Hallé at St Michael's
0.0 km
Historic church transformed into a vibrant music and community venue in Manchester’s cultural heart of Ancoats.
The Horsfall
0.2 km
A vibrant creative venue in Manchester’s Ancoats, empowering youth mental health through art and community.
Express Building
0.2 km
A timeless Streamline Moderne masterpiece blending historic print heritage with vibrant modern workspaces in the heart of Ancoats, Manchester.
Old Naval Yard
0.3 km
Discover the Old Naval Yard in Ancoats, a historic gateway to Manchester’s rich maritime and industrial heritage nestled in a vibrant urban district.
Greater Manchester Police Museum & Archives
0.3 km
Explore Manchester’s historic police station, original cells, and magistrates’ court in this immersive museum dedicated to policing heritage.
Mural - Cityscape under colourful sky
0.3 km
Vibrant cityscape mural brightening the historic Rochdale Canal Tow Path in Manchester’s urban waterside setting.
Band on the Wall
0.4 km
Historic Manchester music venue famed for intimate gigs, jazz roots, punk legacy, and a unique stage high on the wall.
Stevenson Square
0.4 km
Manchester’s Stevenson Square: the energetic Northern Quarter hub for bars, culture, and vibrant nightlife in the city centre.
Hilton House Mural
0.4 km
A powerful street art mural in Manchester’s Northern Quarter blending social themes with vibrant urban creativity.
The Whiskey Jar
0.4 km
Discover The Whiskey Jar in Manchester, where an extensive whiskey collection meets a lively atmosphere, perfect for every occasion.
Manchester Craft and Design Centre
0.4 km
Discover handmade crafts, meet local artists, and enjoy artisan café culture in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter.
Ancoats Green
0.4 km
Ancoats Green: a vibrant, sustainable city park blending nature, community, and urban renewal in Manchester’s historic district.
DRY BAR
0.4 km
Discover the lively ambiance and eclectic music scene at DRY BAR, a premier bar and nightclub in Manchester's vibrant nightlife.
Fell Northern Quarter
0.4 km
Experience the heartbeat of Manchester's nightlife at Fell Northern Quarter, where craft beer meets vibrant culture in an inviting atmosphere.
Essential places to dine
The Counter House
0.0 km
A relaxed modern European restaurant in Manchester’s Ancoats, offering hearty comfort food with a healthy twist and excellent wine service.
Jimmy's Manchester
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Discover Jimmy's Manchester: A lively bar serving delicious American BBQ and inventive cocktails in Ancoats.
Elnecot
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Ancoats’ vibrant modern British bar and kitchen blending inventive seasonal dishes with a warm, industrial-chic atmosphere.
Rudy's Pizza Napoletana - Ancoats
0.0 km
Experience authentic Neapolitan pizza with light, airy crusts and traditional toppings in a lively, rustic setting in Manchester’s Ancoats district.
Canto
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Experience vibrant Portuguese tapas and Mediterranean flavors in the stylish heart of Ancoats, Manchester’s buzzing culinary hotspot.
mana
0.1 km
Manchester’s first Michelin-starred restaurant, Mana serves avant-garde British tasting menus in a sleek open-kitchen space in Ancoats.
Erst
0.1 km
Seasonal sharing plates and natural wines in Ancoats' industrial-chic haven, where Manchester's food scene thrives.
RIGATONI'S Ancoats
0.1 km
Specialized Southern Italian pasta kitchen in Manchester’s vibrant Ancoats, serving bold, hearty rigatoni dishes in a modern setting.
SUD Pasta Ancoats
0.1 km
Experience vibrant, handmade Italian pasta and lively communal dining in the heart of Manchester’s trendy Ancoats district.
Viet Shack Restaurant
0.1 km
Experience bold Vietnamese street food flavors and vibrant fusion dishes in the heart of Manchester’s creative Ancoats district.
Street Urchin
0.2 km
Bold British seafood and market dining in a modern, plant-filled space with warm service and inventive, seasonal dishes in Manchester’s Ancoats.
Turtle Bay Manchester Northern Quarter
0.4 km
Experience vibrant Caribbean flavors and lively island vibes in Manchester’s Northern Quarter at Turtle Bay.
Evuna NQ
0.4 km
Experience authentic Spanish tapas and vibrant hospitality in Manchester’s Northern Quarter at Evuna NQ, a lively hub for food, wine, and culture.
Almost Famous NQ
0.4 km
Bold, indulgent burgers and vibrant vibes in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, a must-visit for burger lovers and casual diners alike.
Tariff & Dale
0.5 km
Historic industrial charm meets modern British cuisine and inventive cocktails in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Norah Store
0.1 km
Boutique womenswear in Ancoats with a slow-fashion, carefully curated edit of rare and independent labels.
Twisted Smile
0.1 km
Discover eclectic style at Twisted Smile, Ancoats' boutique beacon of unique apparel amid Manchester's creative revival. Curated finds and expert advice await in this urban fashion haven. (162 characters)
HighMidLows
0.1 km
Uncover eclectic contemporary fashion in Ancoats' creative heart at HighMidLows, where unique local designs meet everyday style in a vibrant boutique setting.
Ancoats General Store
0.1 km
A modern corner shop in Ancoats mixing everyday essentials with craft beers, vegan options, coffee and an in‑store post office.
Store Retail Group Ltd
0.1 km
Explore the vibrant retail scene in Ancoats, Manchester, at Store Retail Group Ltd, where local craftsmanship meets urban charm.
Form Lifestyle Store
0.3 km
Discover Manchester's hidden gem: a light-filled Grade II listed haven brimming with indie-crafted homewares, gifts, and creative workshops in the Northern Quarter.
GRACIOUS APPARELS
0.3 km
Discover diverse fashion treasures in Ancoats: custom T-shirts, alterations, designer clothes, and more at this vibrant Manchester clothing hub.
Nordic Muse Lifestyle Store
0.3 km
A quietly curated Northern Quarter boutique for simple, well-crafted jewellery and Nordic-inspired homeware.
Kiku Boutique
0.3 km
Bespoke corsets and vintage lingerie in Manchester's Northern Quarter: handmade elegance that defies fast fashion.
Crown HQ
0.3 km
Retro threads meet rhythmic beats in Ancoats' industrial gem—a vintage shop by day, dance haven after hours.
Urban Exchange
0.3 km
Manchester's Ancoats shopping hub where outlet deals meet industrial chic and canal-side revival.
Bionic Seven
0.4 km
Discover expertly curated vintage menswear and unique streetwear styles at Bionic Seven, a Northern Quarter icon since 2003.
Suzylovesmilo concept store
0.4 km
Discover unique vintage fashion and sustainable style at Suzylovesmilo, Manchester’s curated concept store blending Japanese influences with local creativity.
Fred Aldous Ltd
0.4 km
Manchester’s vibrant, family-run arts and crafts emporium with 30,000 products, vintage photo booths, and a creative spirit spanning over 130 years.
Studio One - Jewellery, Craft, Gifts and Homewares
0.4 km
Discover exquisite handmade jewellery and crafts at Studio One, a vibrant artisan studio within Manchester’s historic Craft and Design Centre.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Jane Eyre
0.1 km
Ancoats' inventive neighbourhood bar serving bold small plates, creative cocktails, and Sunday roasts in a buzzing industrial space—perfect for grazing and lingering.
The Edinburgh Castle Pub
0.1 km
Historic Ancoats boozer reborn: cosy Victorian pub vibes meet seasonal gastropub mastery and local brews in Manchester's industrial heart.
KERB
0.1 km
Intimate natural wine haven in Ancoats: curved peach walls, pet-nat sparklers, and expert tastings in a Scandi-style cocoon.
blossom street SOCIAL
0.1 km
Chilled wine bar in Ancoats with vinyl vibes, bottle walls, and pop-up fine dining—where sophisticated sips meet casual social hours in Manchester's creative heart.
The Crown & Kettle
0.2 km
Grade II-listed Ancoats gem with a world-class tin ceiling, craft beer mastery, and cozy Victorian vibes—Manchester's perfect pub hybrid.
cask
0.3 km
Craft beer haven on Manchester's New Islington Marina, with canal views, games, and a relaxed vibe in trendy Ancoats.
Bar Fringe
0.3 km
A cozy Northern Quarter bar with quirky charm, top Belgian beers, live music, and a welcoming vibe for relaxed socializing.
Mean Eyed Cat Bar Manchester
0.3 km
Dive into Manchester’s Northern Quarter for rebellious rock ’n’ roll vibes, free pizza, and legendary dice games at Mean Eyed Cat Bar.
The Fitzgerald
0.3 km
Velvet seats, craft cocktails and live jazz in a 1920s‑inspired Manchester speakeasy with a stage for cabaret and private hire.
7Sins, Northern Quarter
0.4 km
A vibrant basement bar and gaming hub in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, mixing cocktails, pool, arcade games, and dance club energy.
Flok
0.4 km
Lively pub with excellent drinks and friendly vibes in the heart of Manchester’s Northern Quarter nightlife.
Behind Closed Doors
0.4 km
Descend into debauched delight at this Northern Quarter speakeasy, where retro telephones summon saucy cocktails amid erotic art, neon booths, and funky DJ beats until 4am.
Hold Fast Bar
0.4 km
Dive into Manchester's Northern Quarter basement gem: nautical vibes, retro tiles, banging tunes, and chill nights at Hold Fast Bar.
Wilson's Social
0.4 km
All-day Northern Quarter hub: brunch by day, cocktails and beats by night in a multi-level party palace with pool, courtyard, and private den.
Dusk Til Pawn
0.4 km
Secretive pawn-shop façade, intimate speakeasy interior and a menu of inventive cocktails in Manchester’s Northern Quarter.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
YDSA Events | Queer Clubbing
0.1 km
Dive into Manchester's most inclusive queer rave: grungy beats, diverse dancers, and unapologetic joy at YDSA Events in Ancoats.
Aatma
0.3 km
Manchester's underground heartbeat: live beats, pizza slices, and all-night vibes in the Northern Quarter's hidden gem.
Mint Lounge
0.4 km
Experience Manchester’s Northern Quarter nightlife at Mint Lounge, a lively club with eclectic music, affordable drinks, and an inclusive vibe.
Funkademia
0.4 km
Manchester's longest-running funk and soul night pulses at Mint Lounge in the Northern Quarter—dance to electric disco until dawn in an underground haven.
Twenty Twenty Two
0.5 km
Manchester's gritty basement haven where ping pong battles rage under DJ beats and craft brews flow freely in the Northern Quarter's creative underbelly.
Cargo
0.8 km
Manchester's Printworks powerhouse: light-up dance floors, bottomless brunches, and non-stop beats until dawn in the city's nightlife epicenter.
Club Tropicana
1.0 km
Dive into 1980s glamour at Manchester's premier gay nightclub, where drag, DJs, cocktails, and retro beats fuel the Gay Village's electric nightlife.
Satans Hollow
1.1 km
Manchester's infernal punk-rock abyss: demonic decor, dirt-cheap drinks, and mosh-pit mayhem for metalheads and rebels.
Bijou Club
1.1 km
Manchester's hidden riverside gem: celebrity vibes, secret garden terrace, and LED-lit beats in an exclusive Deansgate nightclub.
FAC251 - Factory Manchester
1.3 km
Experience Manchester’s legendary Factory Records heritage with three floors of indie, rock, and electronic music at FAC251 - The Factory.
Club Liv Manchester
1.3 km
Experience Manchester’s vibrant nightlife with exclusive VIP vibes, world-class Pan-Asian dining, and a stylish rooftop terrace at Club Liv.
Venue Nightclub
1.4 km
Manchester's underground indie haven: cheap drinks, packed dance floors, and anthems till dawn in Deansgate's electric night scene.
Kable
1.5 km
A compact, late‑night basement club on New Wakefield Street, favoured for punchy electronic nights and close‑up DJ sessions.
Hidden at Downtex Mill
1.5 km
Manchester's raw warehouse nightclub in a historic mill: underground beats, industrial grit, and all-night raves in Cheetham Hill's creative heart.
42's
1.5 km
Manchester’s iconic indie nightclub blending rich musical heritage with a lively, inclusive nightlife experience.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Casual
- Lively
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Retro Vibes
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Weekend Getaway
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
