Black Milk

British food, or food in Britain, hasn’t always had the best reputation. Even as recently as 2005, then-French President Jacques Chirac remarked that “you cannot trust people who have such bad cuisine… [Great Britain] is the country with the worst food after Finland.” Speaking truth to power — as ever — we’ve had some exceptional meals in Helsinki. And when it comes to dining out in the British Isles, we believe things have come a very, very long way since the turn of the Millennium. 

Manchester is one of the best places in the country to experience this miraculous turnaround, with plenty of incredible restaurants serving the hungry public today. But whether it’s a Michelin-starred trophy piece, grand tasting menus, or rough and ready rice and three curry spots, desserts are often something of an afterthought. Black Milk looks to flip that script. An institution for anyone with a sweet tooth, and the scourge of many dentists, this Oldham Street diner focuses entirely on sugared treats, sundaes, pancakes and any other dish you associate with ice cream parlours. And it’s good to note there’s plenty here for the lactose intolerant and gluten adverse to indulge in, too. Just in case you were wondering. 

Since first opening its doors and letting the good people have what they damned well want for lunch, Black Milk has shot to viral sensation status. So much so they now produce their own line of spreads, selling to both retail and wholesale catering customers. For the most part, though, it’s the bakes and cheesecakes, affogatos, hot chocolates, milkshakes and aptly christened ‘freakshakes’ that lure most people through the door. Although a few also come for a stiff drink, with a fully licensed, albeit limited, bar pouring out something to wash down all that ice cream, chocolate, pistachio and hazelnut.