"Ancoats' most underrated table — Michael Clay's Staffordshire oatcake tacos and disco cabbage, modern British small plates served since 2017."
About Elnecot
Elnecot has worked the Ice Plant Building on Cutting Room Square in Manchester's Ancoats, since September 2017. Chef-patron Michael Clay opened it with friend Michael Lever and named it after Elnecot, the area's original name first recorded in 1212 — the kind of local rootedness that runs through the cooking.
The kitchen is modern British with a magpie streak, drawing on Southeast Asian and Mexican flavours and leaning hard on UK producers, pickling and fermenting. It belongs in our Manchester coverage as a neighbourhood bar and kitchen that punches well above its postcode.
The Kitchen
The menu runs on small and large plates built for sharing. The signatures are a Staffordshire oatcake 'taco' with slow-cooked veal and salsa, pig's head croquettes with house piccalilli, and 'disco cabbage' — a charred wedge of spiced green cabbage scattered with pomegranate. The Sunday roast has its own following, generous and properly cooked.
It is confident, ingredient-led cooking that mixes Mancunian heritage technique with global flavour, without tipping into gimmick.
The Room
The room is bright and informal — floor-to-ceiling windows onto the square, exposed brick and a busy open bar — the sort of place that works for a quick plate and a glass as easily as a long sharing dinner. Service is relaxed and clued-up.
It fills with locals and Ancoats regulars, and the Sunday roast turns the room over fast, so book ahead for that.
Not for
Not for a formal, white-tablecloth occasion or anyone after large classic mains — it is a buzzy small-plates bar where dishes are built for sharing.
Frequently Asked
What is Elnecot known for?
Modern British small plates with a global streak — a Staffordshire oatcake taco with slow-cooked veal, pig's head croquettes with piccalilli, 'disco cabbage', and a well-regarded Sunday roast — from chef-patron Michael Clay.
Where is Elnecot in Manchester?
In the Ice Plant Building on Cutting Room Square, on Blossom Street in the Ancoats neighbourhood, just east of the city centre.
How much does it cost?
It sits in the affordable $$ range — small plates run roughly £7–£14, and the Sunday roast is around £18–£22.
Who is the chef?
Chef-patron Michael Clay, who opened Elnecot in September 2017 with friend Michael Lever, naming it after the area's original 1212 name for Ancoats.
Do I need a reservation?
Booking is advised, particularly for the Sunday roast; weeknights are more relaxed and the bar takes walk-ins for a plate and a drink.
Reserve a Table
Reserve at Elnecot
Booking is advised, especially for the Sunday roast, which draws a crowd to the square.
Affiliate disclosure: Restaurants for Kings may earn a commission when you book through our reservation links, at no cost to you. Our scores are editorial and never paid for.
Practical Information
AddressIce Plant Building, 41 Blossom Street, Cutting Room Square, Ancoats, Manchester
NeighbourhoodAncoats
CuisineModern British
PriceSmall plates roughly £7–£14; the Sunday roast around £18–£22
Dress CodeCasual
SeatingLight-filled room with floor-to-ceiling windows over Cutting Room Square
ReservationBooking advised, especially for the Sunday roast
