The Return Of Steve Pilling – With An Iced Oyster Counter

This little number has appeared on the Courthouse’s website - the Courthouse is on Deansgate, just south of Australasia, Armani and John Rylands Library.

‘Henry Boot Developments Limited, has agreed terms to let the entire lower ground floor of The Courthouse to Steve Pilling and chef partner Simon Stanley - two of the city's leading restaurant proprietors.

For instance along with classic British roasts, cuts of meat, pies and puddings, there’ll be a large fish section including whole roast Dover soles and an iced fish counter with oysters and seafood. 

‘The 6,000 sq ft letting follows confirmation that Henry Boot Developments has successfully secured planning approval for its re-development and refurbishment of the property, formerly the County Courts building on Deansgate, Manchester.

‘The 450-capacity venue is the perfect location to herald Steve's long-awaited return to the city centre. With a menu comprising the highest quality, locally sourced, British food and boasting the best wine cellar in Manchester, The Courthouse will prove the perfect location to launch the latest restaurant and bar concept in the city - Mr Pilling's Roast Restaurant and Oyster Bar.

‘Steve Pilling began his culinary career at Manchester's most iconic hotel, The Midland, and went on to build two multi-million pound operations from scratch in Mr Sam's and Mr Thomas's Chophouses. While Simon Stanley has worked with some of the country's leading chefs including Marco Pierre White and Raymond Blanc.

‘Together, they have developed two of the most exciting independent restaurants in Manchester - Damson, in Heaton Moor - and top British gastro pub - The Red Lion, in High Lane, Stockport.’

Anybody who knows Pilling from his time manning the lectern at Sam’s and Tom’s Chop Houses, or more recently from Damsons and the Red Lion, will be pleased by this news.

Pilling is a charming man with a real love for good food, good wine, great service and for Manchester (but for God’s sake don’t ask him about racquet sports or you’ll never get away). Calling the restaurant Mr Pilling's Roast Restaurant and Oyster Bar is a good idea, giving an immediate sense of what the place is about to a great many city gourmands.

Pilling said to us: “I’m really looking forward to a return to the city centre. We’re going to put all our knowledge and efforts into quality and value in the new 120/150 cover restaurant. We want to conjure up something that is appealing for all those who love real British cuisine and we’re going to be ambitious with this.

“For instance along with classic British roasts, cuts of meat, pies and puddings, there’ll be a large fish section including whole roast Dover soles and an iced fish counter with oysters and seafood. We’ll also be doing smoked and cured fish. Training will be to a very high standard throughout. I reckon we have one of the finest cheffing teams in the North and lots of them are relishing, like me, a return to the city centre.”

Excellent news all round people, but don’t faint with excitement. The restaurant won’t happen until 2012. Oysters for the Olympics in Pilling’s perhaps.