Thom Hetherington
@thomhetherington.bsky.social
Consultant • Writer • Speaker
Restaurants • Hospitality • Culture
Northerner • Husband • Dad
Founder: Landing Light
Chair: Manchester Art Fair
Critic: Manchester's Finest
Trustee: Factory International and the Tim Bacon Foundation.
Restaurants • Hospitality • Culture
Northerner • Husband • Dad
Founder: Landing Light
Chair: Manchester Art Fair
Critic: Manchester's Finest
Trustee: Factory International and the Tim Bacon Foundation.
BOOK YOUR TICKETS TODAY!
Because it's a mere four weeks until Manchester Art Fair opens its doors to the public. Now one of the UK's largest and most prestigious art fairs, Manchester Art Fair brings together over ten thousand Northern art lovers, whether collectors, curators or the merely curious.
Because it's a mere four weeks until Manchester Art Fair opens its doors to the public. Now one of the UK's largest and most prestigious art fairs, Manchester Art Fair brings together over ten thousand Northern art lovers, whether collectors, curators or the merely curious.
October 25, 2025 at 8:55 AM
BOOK YOUR TICKETS TODAY!
Because it's a mere four weeks until Manchester Art Fair opens its doors to the public. Now one of the UK's largest and most prestigious art fairs, Manchester Art Fair brings together over ten thousand Northern art lovers, whether collectors, curators or the merely curious.
Because it's a mere four weeks until Manchester Art Fair opens its doors to the public. Now one of the UK's largest and most prestigious art fairs, Manchester Art Fair brings together over ten thousand Northern art lovers, whether collectors, curators or the merely curious.
It takes some special chutzpah to sell up and move to Cartmel to open your own restaurant. And special talent to snag 3 Michelin stars for said restaurant, L'enclume, whilst also creating a stable of starred operations across multiple countries as well as a sprawling artisinal farm to supply them.
August 31, 2025 at 9:44 AM
It takes some special chutzpah to sell up and move to Cartmel to open your own restaurant. And special talent to snag 3 Michelin stars for said restaurant, L'enclume, whilst also creating a stable of starred operations across multiple countries as well as a sprawling artisinal farm to supply them.
The next chapter of my ongoing love affair with pubs of all shapes, sizes, and characters - the newly reopened The Jolly Gardeners in Chester. Look at that food; look at that interior; look at those *windows*!
August 29, 2025 at 12:55 PM
The next chapter of my ongoing love affair with pubs of all shapes, sizes, and characters - the newly reopened The Jolly Gardeners in Chester. Look at that food; look at that interior; look at those *windows*!
One of my favourite shops in the city, and the trade secret of almost every local hospitality operator of note - In Situ.
August 28, 2025 at 1:44 PM
One of my favourite shops in the city, and the trade secret of almost every local hospitality operator of note - In Situ.
First visit to House of Social on First St today. Very impressive fit-out, and Victor Yu's sweet and sour chicken hit the spot. Plus dumplings, and prawn crumpets - yes, "crumpets"! - too.
August 27, 2025 at 1:42 PM
First visit to House of Social on First St today. Very impressive fit-out, and Victor Yu's sweet and sour chicken hit the spot. Plus dumplings, and prawn crumpets - yes, "crumpets"! - too.
My extended birthday weekend starts here, at Almanac in Glossop.
A magnificent rump steak, rested to the point that you'd suspect it had been on a 'thermal journey' at a high class hotel spa, led the way, and who knew that sweetcorn and girolles would work beautifully as accompaniments.
A magnificent rump steak, rested to the point that you'd suspect it had been on a 'thermal journey' at a high class hotel spa, led the way, and who knew that sweetcorn and girolles would work beautifully as accompaniments.
August 23, 2025 at 4:52 PM
My extended birthday weekend starts here, at Almanac in Glossop.
A magnificent rump steak, rested to the point that you'd suspect it had been on a 'thermal journey' at a high class hotel spa, led the way, and who knew that sweetcorn and girolles would work beautifully as accompaniments.
A magnificent rump steak, rested to the point that you'd suspect it had been on a 'thermal journey' at a high class hotel spa, led the way, and who knew that sweetcorn and girolles would work beautifully as accompaniments.
Pip gets a lovely review from @jayrayner1.bsky.social in today's @financialtimes.com They've had an amazing run of write-ups.
August 23, 2025 at 10:25 AM
Pip gets a lovely review from @jayrayner1.bsky.social in today's @financialtimes.com They've had an amazing run of write-ups.
The sort of meal which makes you seriously ponder what life is all about and why we strive to overcomplicate things. Especially when things are generally tricky though to start with.
July 17, 2025 at 8:19 AM
The sort of meal which makes you seriously ponder what life is all about and why we strive to overcomplicate things. Especially when things are generally tricky though to start with.
@gilescoren.bsky.social has broken his Derbyshire duck and reviewed Deacon's Bank over the hill from me in Chapel-en-le-Frith.
With Edwina Curry! Read the review here (paywalled): www.thetimes.com/life-style/f...
With Edwina Curry! Read the review here (paywalled): www.thetimes.com/life-style/f...
Deacon’s Bank restaurant review: ‘Lamb belly bites — only £7!’
‘Edwina Currie often takes aim at the posh London places I go to, when there are better ones in Derbyshire. Okay Edwina, you win’
www.thetimes.com
July 17, 2025 at 8:03 AM
@gilescoren.bsky.social has broken his Derbyshire duck and reviewed Deacon's Bank over the hill from me in Chapel-en-le-Frith.
With Edwina Curry! Read the review here (paywalled): www.thetimes.com/life-style/f...
With Edwina Curry! Read the review here (paywalled): www.thetimes.com/life-style/f...
A door is, as the cliché goes, where hospitality proper starts. It's where things move from the virtual extrapolations of websites and social accounts to actual physical, experiential interaction, with setting and service and welcome and theatre. And this, One Club Row, is already an iconic doorway.
July 11, 2025 at 7:12 PM
A door is, as the cliché goes, where hospitality proper starts. It's where things move from the virtual extrapolations of websites and social accounts to actual physical, experiential interaction, with setting and service and welcome and theatre. And this, One Club Row, is already an iconic doorway.
I finally made it to Town on Drury Lane, following a path well trodden by the national critics and liberally strewn with their plaudits. And they're all correct, it's great.
The first thing that hits you is an unashamedly slick and funky room. It's as heavily lacquered as an heiress' nails,
The first thing that hits you is an unashamedly slick and funky room. It's as heavily lacquered as an heiress' nails,
July 11, 2025 at 8:16 AM
I finally made it to Town on Drury Lane, following a path well trodden by the national critics and liberally strewn with their plaudits. And they're all correct, it's great.
The first thing that hits you is an unashamedly slick and funky room. It's as heavily lacquered as an heiress' nails,
The first thing that hits you is an unashamedly slick and funky room. It's as heavily lacquered as an heiress' nails,
I sometimes hear, "You say everywhere is good!", or "Everywhere is your favourite restaurant!", and it feels timely to offer a riposte.
I've been eating out professionally for 30yrs now, my eye for a fine restaurant is pretty good. Life is too short to wilfully have bad meals, so I generally don't.
I've been eating out professionally for 30yrs now, my eye for a fine restaurant is pretty good. Life is too short to wilfully have bad meals, so I generally don't.
July 8, 2025 at 8:55 AM
I sometimes hear, "You say everywhere is good!", or "Everywhere is your favourite restaurant!", and it feels timely to offer a riposte.
I've been eating out professionally for 30yrs now, my eye for a fine restaurant is pretty good. Life is too short to wilfully have bad meals, so I generally don't.
I've been eating out professionally for 30yrs now, my eye for a fine restaurant is pretty good. Life is too short to wilfully have bad meals, so I generally don't.
Delighted that The Observer have a proper critic in Jimi Famurewa, and more delighted still that he made it North to The Highland Laddie.
It's a pub I recently lavished praise on because it managed to serve diverting food whilst remaining a proper, albeit elevated, city boozer. That's rare alchemy.
It's a pub I recently lavished praise on because it managed to serve diverting food whilst remaining a proper, albeit elevated, city boozer. That's rare alchemy.
July 6, 2025 at 8:34 AM
Delighted that The Observer have a proper critic in Jimi Famurewa, and more delighted still that he made it North to The Highland Laddie.
It's a pub I recently lavished praise on because it managed to serve diverting food whilst remaining a proper, albeit elevated, city boozer. That's rare alchemy.
It's a pub I recently lavished praise on because it managed to serve diverting food whilst remaining a proper, albeit elevated, city boozer. That's rare alchemy.
So me being me, in amongst the rampant Bacchanalian excess of Dublin, I went for a morning run along The Liffey and ended up at IMMA.
I really enjoyed the group show, Staying With the Trouble, but for me the high point of the visit was the opportunity to see Sam Gilliam's Drape works up close.
I really enjoyed the group show, Staying With the Trouble, but for me the high point of the visit was the opportunity to see Sam Gilliam's Drape works up close.
July 2, 2025 at 8:41 AM
So me being me, in amongst the rampant Bacchanalian excess of Dublin, I went for a morning run along The Liffey and ended up at IMMA.
I really enjoyed the group show, Staying With the Trouble, but for me the high point of the visit was the opportunity to see Sam Gilliam's Drape works up close.
I really enjoyed the group show, Staying With the Trouble, but for me the high point of the visit was the opportunity to see Sam Gilliam's Drape works up close.
Today, A Levels completed, Finn is off Interrailing for a month. Yesterday, we heard Jack got a 2:1 in his Videogames Art degree. I post far fewer 'proud parent' photos nowadays, but parental pride just keeps on growing.
July 2, 2025 at 8:40 AM
Today, A Levels completed, Finn is off Interrailing for a month. Yesterday, we heard Jack got a 2:1 in his Videogames Art degree. I post far fewer 'proud parent' photos nowadays, but parental pride just keeps on growing.
Another excellent Mancunian write-up. This time the excellent Bangkok Diner's Club, by Grace Dent. www.theguardian.com/food/2025/ju...
Bangkok Diners Club, Manchester M4: ‘This will soon be one of Manchester’s hottest dining tickets’ – restaurant review | Grace Dent on restaurants
Authentic, boundary-pushing, a little odd – and makes perfect sense
www.theguardian.com
July 1, 2025 at 6:54 PM
Another excellent Mancunian write-up. This time the excellent Bangkok Diner's Club, by Grace Dent. www.theguardian.com/food/2025/ju...
I Went to Dublin with this pair, festooned in acres of linen, Italian Summer knits, the odd Del Monte jacket, and of course the obligatory pocket squares and ties.
Turns out we are visiting in the midst of Dublin Pride, but that was just a happy accident.
Turns out we are visiting in the midst of Dublin Pride, but that was just a happy accident.
June 30, 2025 at 4:08 PM
I Went to Dublin with this pair, festooned in acres of linen, Italian Summer knits, the odd Del Monte jacket, and of course the obligatory pocket squares and ties.
Turns out we are visiting in the midst of Dublin Pride, but that was just a happy accident.
Turns out we are visiting in the midst of Dublin Pride, but that was just a happy accident.
More well deserved recognition for one of my favourite restaurants in the city, this time from William Sitwell. Well done The Sparrows!
June 26, 2025 at 8:37 AM
More well deserved recognition for one of my favourite restaurants in the city, this time from William Sitwell. Well done The Sparrows!
An enjoyable lunch at Nina in Marylebone this week. Always my favourite London village. A subterranean room, where a touch of soft glam meets raw concrete. Weirdly, it works. Nicely executed dishes and a tidy little winelist. The service was excellent too.
June 21, 2025 at 9:29 AM
An enjoyable lunch at Nina in Marylebone this week. Always my favourite London village. A subterranean room, where a touch of soft glam meets raw concrete. Weirdly, it works. Nicely executed dishes and a tidy little winelist. The service was excellent too.
Jack has finished University.
Finn has finished A Levels.
Tonight, we celebrate!
Finn has finished A Levels.
Tonight, we celebrate!
June 20, 2025 at 6:05 PM
Jack has finished University.
Finn has finished A Levels.
Tonight, we celebrate!
Finn has finished A Levels.
Tonight, we celebrate!
Excellent double rib of beef with all the trimmings at Tallow in Glossop for father's day. For scale, that's a pint tankard in the background. I suspect the leftovers will keep us in reheated roast dinners for at least the next two days.
June 15, 2025 at 3:21 PM
Excellent double rib of beef with all the trimmings at Tallow in Glossop for father's day. For scale, that's a pint tankard in the background. I suspect the leftovers will keep us in reheated roast dinners for at least the next two days.
Another great Northern review from Jay Rayner in today's FT Weekend. This time well deserved praise for Manifest in Liverpool. Great recognition for Paul and Charlotte
June 14, 2025 at 12:33 PM
Another great Northern review from Jay Rayner in today's FT Weekend. This time well deserved praise for Manifest in Liverpool. Great recognition for Paul and Charlotte
Another great Northern review from Jay Rayner in today's FT Weekend. This time well deserved praise for Manifest in Liverpool. Great recognition for Paul and Charlotte
June 14, 2025 at 12:33 PM
Another great Northern review from Jay Rayner in today's FT Weekend. This time well deserved praise for Manifest in Liverpool. Great recognition for Paul and Charlotte
It's been here a while, yet this was my first time eating in Onda's inaugural permanent site. But the stability clearly suits them, as it was my best meal with them yet. It was Finn's choice, following a triumphant tour of his A Level art show. Having a nose for a good restaurant must be heriditary.
June 13, 2025 at 12:07 PM
It's been here a while, yet this was my first time eating in Onda's inaugural permanent site. But the stability clearly suits them, as it was my best meal with them yet. It was Finn's choice, following a triumphant tour of his A Level art show. Having a nose for a good restaurant must be heriditary.
My name is Thom Hetherington, and I am an inveterate restaurant nerd who would crawl over broken glass and boiling jam to eat an obscure cuisine in a windowless room if I felt I were unlocking some new sub-stratum of worthy food authenticity.
June 13, 2025 at 10:30 AM
My name is Thom Hetherington, and I am an inveterate restaurant nerd who would crawl over broken glass and boiling jam to eat an obscure cuisine in a windowless room if I felt I were unlocking some new sub-stratum of worthy food authenticity.