The French, once described by "The Good Food Guide" as "Manchester's finest dining room", was one of Britain’s first Michelin-starred restaurants – awarded in 1974 in the first guide. It re-opened in March 2013 and chef Simon Rogan who stated his desire is to re-establish it to its former opulence and was rated the 12th best restaurant nationally in its first year of opening and awarded the best New Entry award by the Good Food Guide. The French was awarded three Rosettes – the maximum permitted in the first year of opening.