Fat Tony's at Kosmonaut Manchester

I like Kosmonaut; they have a decent array of drinks on offer, we can usually get a comfy seat (massively underrated in Manchester), and more importantly, it's unfussy. Now don't get me wrong, I enjoy a fancy cocktail as much as the next girl, but sometimes I just want comfort, and enough personal space to avoid a panic attack.

Allow me to set the scene. It was cold, so cold. We rocked up at Kosmonaut to be greeted by some delightful chap in a woolly hat (don't blame you pal), who was excited to tell us all about the new Fat Tony's menu on offer. He quickly furnished us with drinks, and left us to peruse the menu.

I was always a fan of Fat Tony's predecessor, Hip Hop Chip Shop, so was keen to see if they had changed the feel of the place. I liked the old HHCS, because it was relaxed, and they gave me fried halloumi. Tough act to follow lads.

General Manager Danny Smith has been quoted as saying “we want Fat Tony’s to to deliver tasty, well presented and simple food with top quality ingredients". Show me what you got.

Disclaimer time... we ordered too much food again. This was for two of us. 

Manchester egg: A soft boiled egg, wrapped up all cosy in a black pudding jacket and breadcrumbs. Genuinely heard someone use the phrase 'Insta-friendly' the other day. I was appalled, but I think this picture should be the definition.

Roasted bone marrow with sourdough and pickles: We went wrong here. Although this was really good, it's also very rich and filling. It's a miracle that I've not got gout at my age.

Chicken burger with winter slaw: Tasty, moist chicken, coated with a cripsy buttermilk batter and drenched in an ever so slightly spicy gravy. It's only a little thing, but I love how they serve lots of the dishes with massive pickles. Pickles improve most things.

Steak poutine with handmade chips, beef gravy and cheese curds: This, all day, every day. If you never listen to me ever again, just hear me out this once. I'm going to swear, yes, I am. This is the shit, my friends. Let me break this down for you. Rare steak, sat on a bed of crispy wedges, topped with cheese curds, and utterly soaked in beef gravy. All your essential food groups right there! It's making my brow furrow because I don't have it here now. Eat this, multiple times.

Handcut chips: Because we didn't have enough carbs already... oh wait... They remind me of the 'proper chips' my grandma made for us when we were kids. She didn't put sea salt on them though, that's an improvement.

You know what? We had a really nice time. I wasn't feeling very well on this particularly dismal Sunday, but this lifted my spirits. It would be unfair of me to finish the review without thanking all the staff who were on that night. Being nice costs nowt, but they did their jobs with the kind of sincerity which makes me want to go back, and tell everyone I know that they have to go. So go.

Disclaimer: I was invited to the restaurant to complete an honest review. I was under no obligation to say nice things!