The newly opened permanent premises for Herbivorous in Withington was set in my mind to have high hopes. After eating at the pop up stalls in Stretford Mall I was under the impression it would become a fave local spot.

However, after arriving to an empty restaurant, and being told to book because it was too busy - it started my doubts. A quick step outside and in fact it wasn’t fully booked, and I booked a table straight away.

The menu choice was short, and repetitive. £2 for a 200ml Schweppes lemonade. Hmmm.

The food arrived very quickly (because there was no-one else here) and both myself and my guest were left disappointed on first impression. Basic chips, basic saitan chicken. Ugly presentation. We were not blown away. It could have been improved by a bit of garnish or sauces.

The decor on first glance seems fresh and fun. But after closer inspection, multiple tables have already been butchered by place mats under legs to stop wobbling, posters peeling off the walls with flimsy bluetak, and remnants of previous customers food across the floor.

Disappointed but hopefully they find their feet soon.