"Went to Simply Heathcotes on Valentines Night. Bit disappointed to be honest. In dire need of decoration. The carpet looks extremely cheap. Greeting was friendly enough however stood downstairs waiting for 5 minutes as there is nothing to direct you upstairs. Staff were very attentive, if not overly so. We'd had the menu for 2 minutes and we'd already been asked 3 times if we were ready to order.

Had the Game Terrine & Soup for starter. Both very bland with little to write home about. Mark & Spencer's Food Hall could have pulled something equally if not better together. I think they may have been slighly rushed as the waitress was hovering with our steaks before we'd finished out starters. The table must have been clear of plates for no more than 5 seconds. Steak was cooked perfectly and good quality. Both had Creme Brulee for dessert. I also say you can tell a good restaurant by the quality of this dish. Unfortunately Heathcotes went for quantity over quality. Loads of the stuff with a lot of unmelted sugar over wallpaper-like custard.

I didn't complain as these issues were not earth shattering and everything was edible. Just a bit of a poor effort on a special night for Heathcotes. I wouldn't recommend and would not return." - chris, manchester 25/2/08 (visited on valentine's night)

"For quality food, Simply Heathcotes never fails to deliver. The Jacksons Row institution maybe due to be refurbished in a couple of months but you don't need swanky surroundings to realise that the food on your plate is about as good as you'll get in Manchester city centre!

With dishes like Terrine of Lamb Hotpot (£5.50), Scallops with Black Pudding (£9.95), Roast Breast of Goosnagh Duck (£16.75), Oxtail & Kidney Pudding (£17) and Manchester Tart (£5), the emphasis is on local dishes made with finest local produce. As you'd expect from a Paul Heathcote restaurant, the chefs create each dish as if it is a work of art.

Whilst prices are on the high side, (mains range from £12.50 for Gnocci to £25 for Fillet Steak, with sides an extra £2.95 although not generally needed), there are often special offers available and a loyalty card gives you even more off. With the venue being the chosen destination for many business lunches it's likely they see much repeat business too.

Special mention must go to the perfectly cooked Fillet Steak which came in Marmite Butter and accompanied by hand cut chips served in a paper cup. Although pricey at £25, is well worth the visit alone - if you like Marmite that is. The amazing Black Pudding Salad (£5) on the Special's Menu also sets the standard for other places in town to match.

Paul Heathcote has huge plans for Simply Heathcotes in Manchester and it's likely that the restaurant will be closed for almost 2 months as they redecorate and redesign the 10 year old establishment. We'll certainly be returning as often as we can before that time!" - Manchester Restaurants 10/2/08 (visited on a tuesday evening)