MOST of us like the idea of escaping the city for a few hours but it's rare we find time to do it midweek. Yet there are several accessible 'countryside' pubs and restaurants within the M60 and in Confidential's view, George's in Worsley is one of the best.
George's is a good option for a long lunch or a relaxed afternoon tea as well as an evening escape
It's got the pretty village setting, overlooking the tree-lined banks of the Bridgewater Canal. It's a ten minute drive from the city centre. And while some countryside eateries look lovely but deliver consistently average food, this isn't one of them.
The head chef Andrew Parker was tutored by two Michelin star chef Michael Wignall of The Latymer. You can see that he's been well taught – this is a team that cares a lot about quality and attention to detail.
Parker's menus are elegant interpretations of modern British dining that tread the line between accessible and eye-opening. His new Spring Menu features seasonal dishes such as Charcoal poached white asparagus with duck ham and Yorkshire rhubarb (£9.75), and Fillet of sea bass with chorizo cassoulet and pak choi (14.75).
These sit alongside classics such as Pork Wellington (£14.95) and Charcoal grilled steak from Lancashire grass-fed beef (£19.50-£23.95). Parker works with award-winning butchers and master fishmongers to source his ingredients and goes for local produce whenever it delivers the quality he needs.
George's is a good option for a long lunch or a relaxed afternoon tea as well as an evening escape. They serve light bites such as Avocado and blue cheese on rye bread (£5.75) and have an excellent-value lunch menu at two courses for £11.95.
Traditional afternoon teas are £15.95 and feature home-made cakes and fancies alongside the freshly-baked scones and open sandwiches. The signature cocktails draw in evening crowds with classics such as the French Martini and Cosmopolitan available for just £5 from 5pm-8pm, Monday to Friday.
Like the menus, the interior design mixes contemporary with traditional. It works well, creating a setting that feels relaxed and inviting.
George's is owned by three self-proclaimed 'local lads' who want to see it become a feature of village life. While that's good news for Worsley, we think they can stretch themselves further. There's plenty here to please a wider audience; this is an out-of-town destination that's well worth the ten-minute trip.
