Isinglass English Dining Rooms

Closed and has been for over a year
The place was shut ages ago
So don’t bother trying to book

Went with friends on a very busy Saturday night and had to wait a wee while for our (booked) table but not inordinately so. On a plus, we were greeted pretty much immediately and offered drinks to ease the delay.
The menu was quite limited in choice and seemed to want to take good food and try too hard with it. Consequently, I ordered the mussels, actually a starter, as an entrée. While pleasantly flavoured in a creamy leek and lemon sauce, one of the shells had broken giving the dish a very much unwanted crunchy dimension. Quite simply, this is an obvious and unforgivable faux pas for any chef when serving shellfish.
One of my dining companions had the venison overpriced at £25, especially when one considers that didn’t include any accompaniments; something the waiter negligently omitted when ordering. Quite what he was thinking when he delivered a solitary, lonely venison steak abandoned in the middle of its oversized plate, I really can’t imagine.
To be fair, my other dining companion was happy in all respects with her vegetarian choice but one out of three is bad.

I had dinner there earlier this week, my first visit to the little gem on my doorstep and I can guarantee I will be there again!
The décor is simple, beautiful, oozes quaint charm. There is very much the feel of Alice in Wonderland here for me, there is a sense of magic about the place, with its many old/​original features the ambience is perfect!
It is rare to read reviews and everyone single one be true to its word, but this certainly is the case with Isinglass. Superb menu, quality of food, excellent friendly service. The sticky toffee pudding was to die for! One of many delightful and indulgent moments at Isinglass.
I really have no criticism of this place and can assure you that they are serving better food than some of the awarded restaurants in Manchester City Centre.
Be sure to give this wonderful place a try, you will not be disappointed.

Wow! A top restaurant in little old Urmston. All the food here is fantastic and as locally produced as possible. have been twice and would definitely make the effort to go back. A definite gem in the suburbs.

I made my first visit to Isinglass last weekend after one of my girlfriend’s work colleagues gave it a glowing recommendation. To be honest, I wasn’t sure what to expect but the food and the ambience did not disappoint
It was the first day of the new menu and I think because of this there was sizeable gap between the courses coming out but the staff kept up the rapport magnificently and it never felt like an issue. However, I’d have happily waited hours inbetween courses because each course that came out was more delicious than the previous.
I had the Razor clams followed by the Venison Wellington and it was embarrassingly delicious.

Isinglass is one of those rare destination restaurants that have people coming from all over Manchester, despite being located in Urmston. Having won awards for its innovative approach, and considering it’s only a 10 minute train ride from Deansgate, I was intrigued enough to give it a try.
My conclusion is that Isinglass is a restaurant for a diner looking for a sophisticated yet personal experience, and those who have a more refined palette. The restaurant itself is intimate and warm; a simple interior of wooden tables and flooring as well as well chosen photography graces the neutral walls making it both romantic yet laid back.
The menu is entirely prepared from local organic and seasonal produce of the highest quality, and therefore changes often. Everything we ordered was simply stunning, from the presentation to the flavour. My personal favourite was the Twice Baked Leg of Lamb (with spring greens, carrots, lamb Moussaka, red wine jus) which was worth every penny of the £14.95 asking price. Exceptionally succulent with a subtle blend of flavours, it’s some of the best lamb I’ve ever been fortunate enough to taste. Add to that a bottle of Rioja Crianza (£14.60) and a slice of the finest pecan pie you can find outside of the states, and you’ve got one very happy camper.

Isinglass is a 10 minute trainride from Deansgate and well worth the short journey. Urmston is a really civilised place not as twatty as Didsbury of Chorlton but same charm. Manchester needs more places like this independent gem. Décor was tasteful, staff friendly and the food was knockout — Sunday lunch all starters and deserts were £3! Had a lovely bottle of Languedoc-​Roussillon red, great wines just right amount of choice, good pricepoint too. I will be back again very soon. Food was seasonal, locally sourced and pretty sophisticated. Only downside was a large table full of noisy toffs desperate for nursery food trying to all talk at the same time. My wife said baby changing facilities were excellent. Nice bar upstairs too. If you like Comté rather than Kraft Cheese slices and prefer Beethoven to Rossini you’ll love this place. It ticks all the boxes for a casual meal with friends, to a romantic intimate dinner date with a stray 3 legged Jack Russell. GO!

I have dined at Isinglass on several occasions, the most recent being Christmas day. Although I adore this restaurant I was a little wary at the prospect of someone else handling my traditional Christmas dinner. On the upside I hadn’t had to do the stressful Tesco dash at 4pm on Christmas Eve and I got to spend the day sat down with someone else waiting on me. I needn’t have worried though, they didn’t fail to disappoint. I didn’t feel too festive, what with the weather being surprisingly warm, but the restaurant had been tastefully decorated and we walked in to the aroma of winter spices which really made perked me up. Thankfully they didn’t have a Slade CD playing.
The 5 course menu began with hot mulled cider, roast chestnuts and parsnip crisps. This light appetizer was perfect to nibble on whilst we pondered over the menu. I opted for Venison terrine following by traditional turkey with all the trimmings. Although I’m not a lover of turkey and was a little disappointed they didn’t have a more exotic meat on the menu I couldn’t do without roasties and I was confident the turkey wouldn’t be dry or bland. Desserts on offer were Christmas pudding, sherry trifle or vodka jelly and ice cream. For those without a sweet tooth there was a cheese board but as I had enough cheese at home to sink the Titanic I opted for the trifle and it was yummy. Coffee followed with home made truffles. I was fit to burst on leaving.
Despite clearly being busy the staff managed to look like they actually enjoyed working on Christmas day and found time to chat to customers and there was a nice relaxed ambiance which made the whole 4 hours we were there feel like we were at home.
Isinglass is located in Urmston, which is hardly the haute cuisine capital of Manchester, but it is well worth venturing into this part of town for great food in quaint surroundings. The restaurant is cozy and has lots of original features, billed as an English Dining Room is certainly has that feel to it. The menu is seasonal and is largely local organic produce. I haven’t found anywhere quite like it and almost didn’t find it as it is seriously underrated.

Completely agree with Melam that this is a real gem of a restaurant. Decorated in warm paint tones with wooden floors and furniture it also has some beautiful original features left from the old shop it used to be (orginal cabinets and an ancient range). The tables are well lit and have fresh herbs instead of flowers arranged on them.
The menu is modern and original whilst featuring fresh, seasonal and organic local produce. The menu changes seasonally too so although it’s reasonably limited at any one time this means you know the food is cooked fresh to order — and come the next season you can try new dishes! I recommend the black pudding and welsh rarebit
Excellent wine list as testified by by slight wobble up the stairs to the very quaintly decorated bathrooms!

This is one of my local restaurants and its a real gem. The food is all locally sourced and very fresh and the menu is very varied and adventurous. Its a real treat for lunch or dinner and has a subtle décor that gives a relaxed and romantic feel.
Enjoy.