The Wild Alderman

You'll spot the chalkboard specials before you've even pushed through the door, and that's your first clue this isn't your average Didsbury boozer. The kitchen here takes itself seriously without being precious about it – think slow-cooked lamb shoulder that falls apart at the mention of a fork, and fish so fresh it probably swam past Salford Quays this morning. The weekend brunch service starting at half nine on Saturday is where they really flex. Full English done properly, eggs Benedict that doesn't arrive lukewarm, and coffee strong enough to face whatever Didsbury Village throws at you. Evening crowd skews local professionals who've graduated from the cheaper pubs down the road but haven't forgotten what good value looks like.