I remember in my teenage years visiting Gatley where they had the local cinema .. it was one of my favourite places to visit with friends.
Nowadays I spend most of my social life in the centre or North of Manchester, so when my wife told me we were going out to eat with friends in Gatley memories of this small village came flooding back.
In those days I would cycle into Gatley on my bicycle from Northenden… it was an adventure.
And so too was our visit to Piccolo an Italian restaurant with split levels and balcony area.
This place was very busy, full of locals and an atmosphere that clearly was not pretentious or attempting to live up to a Michelin star restaurant.
The music here was loud and only on closer observation looking over the balcony did I notice the wandering singer and entertainer who had eyelashes probably only found on a clown-like character. My wife assures me this is fashion!
The food was really well cooked, full of flavour but lacked any real attempt at presentation.
I had a baked aubergine dish that felt overcooked but did not detract from the flavour.
The main course was a haddock Risotto topped with a poached egg.
Overall this was a pleasant night out with friends on a cold night where the hot food was welcome, the relaxing simplistic atmosphere, worn wallpaper surroundings and pleasant staff were a welcome change from the more glamorous culinary establishments around the city.
I’d give this place a thumbs up and recommend you that try it one day when a simple inexpensive meal in the South of Manchester would be welcome.
Check out their website here.
