Rick Stein reveals his favourite places to eat in the UK... and one is right here in Manchester

Chef, restaurateur and food writer Rick Stein has been a firm fixture on television screens for decades. He's travelled the world in search of some of the finest cuisines, and at home he's established his own restaurant empire - most notably in Cornwall and the South of England - while also fronting numerous cookery shows and penning countless cookbooks.

With a total of 10 restaurants in the UK to his name, and two slightly further afield in Australia, it's fair to say he knows a thing or two about what it takes to open and successfully run a restaurant business. Over the festive period, and off the back of his recently launched cookbook, 'Simple Suppers', Stein has been sharing his favourite restaurants here in the UK with travel and lifestyle publication Conde Nast Traveller.

As you might expect of a chef who is know for his love of seafood, two of his five picks are big on their fish dishes, however, a Manchester restaurant has also made the cut - and it only opened its doors this year. Sitting alongside Scotland's luxurious Fife Arms, acclaimed chef Mark Hix Oyster and Fish House, and The Rocket Store in Cornwall, is Manchester restaurant Higher Ground.

READ MORE: 'Disgusting': Customers who failed to show up for pre-booked Christmas Day meals slammed as restaurant speaks out

READ MORE: Our favourite meals of 2023 - from £200 Michelin dinners to Jack Grealish's takeaway and garden centre Sunday lunch

The restaurant, which is described by owners as 'modern' and 'thoughtful' British bistro, has received glowing write-ups from national critics since opening in February this year. It has also been listed in the Michelin Inspector's Favourite New Restaurant's Guide, and made it into National Restaurant Awards Top