Cleaver Bar & Kitchen is a restaurant in Chorlton, Manchester. Rated 4.9 stars from 246 Google reviews. Known for fresh, generously portioned canadian cuisine and genuinely warm and attentive staff. Best for groups and families and birthday celebrations. Price range: £20–30.
Cleaver Bar & Kitchen
Across 244 Google reviews, 98% gave four or five stars.
Quick Verdict
Cleaver Bar & Kitchen is a standout Canadian restaurant delivering exceptional food, warm hospitality, and outstanding value in a bright, welcoming space.
You want generous portions of fresh Canadian comfort food with genuinely friendly service in a cosy, unpretentious atmosphere.
About Cleaver Bar & Kitchen
Cleaver Bar & Kitchen has rapidly become a Chorlton favourite, drawing praise for its bold Canadian menu executed with genuine care. The open kitchen — bright, spotless, and visible from the dining room — signals the kitchen's confidence and transparency. Reviewers consistently highlight the steak poutine as a standout, alongside inventive tacos, burgers, and mac and cheese that arrive in portions described as "massive" and "generous". The atmosphere strikes a careful balance: lively enough to feel energetic, relaxed enough to linger. Staff are repeatedly singled out for warmth and attentiveness — from remembering regulars to accommodating last-minute group bookings and making birthday guests feel genuinely celebrated. Pricing sits comfortably in the £20–30 range, with diners noting exceptional value for the quality and portion size. The venue welcomes families with kids' menus, high chairs, and changing facilities, and extends the same warmth to dogs (inside and out). Whether stopping for cocktails or a full meal, first-time visitors often leave planning their return.
Cleaver Bar & Kitchen is one of those places where the dessert menu is not an afterthought — a detail regulars tend to mention first.
What Stands Out
Fresh, generously portioned Canadian cuisine
Multiple reviewers praise 'massive' portions, fresh-made-to-order dishes, and standout items like steak poutine and fish tacos that are 'full of flavour'.
Genuinely warm and attentive staff
Reviewers consistently highlight friendly, welcoming service — from named staff members like Vanessa and Flora to the owners themselves, who are described as 'lovely' and 'accommodating' even for last-minute bookings.
Bright, welcoming atmosphere with open kitchen
Diners describe the space as 'warm and homely', 'cosy', 'bright and super clean', with visible open kitchen that reinforces quality and care in food preparation.
In Their Own Words
Review highlights surfaced by Google, in the language they were written
“High quality food, friendly staff, cosy atmosphere.”
“The overall service and vibe was great, very friendly people and quick service.”
“Ordered the bang bang and sweet and chilli chicken and it was full of flavour!!”Practical Information
Opening Hours
Contact
489 Barlow Moor Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 8AG, United Kingdom
+44 161 560 6138Common Questions
How consistently good is Cleaver Bar & Kitchen?
Across 244 Google reviews, 98% of visitors gave four or five stars — placing Cleaver Bar & Kitchen among Chorlton's most reliably rated restaurants.
Do you need to book Cleaver Bar & Kitchen in advance?
Booking ahead is recommended for dinner — Cleaver Bar & Kitchen is a popular choice in Chorlton and tends to fill quickly, particularly at weekends.
Is Cleaver Bar & Kitchen family friendly?
Cleaver Bar & Kitchen accommodates families — Google visitors note facilities for children, and the casual atmosphere suits all ages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cleaver Bar & Kitchen
Yes. The restaurant offers a kids' menu, high chairs, changing tables, and wheelchair-accessible seating. Reviewers note children enjoy dishes like mac and cheese, and the casual, welcoming atmosphere suits family groups well.
The steak poutine is frequently highlighted as outstanding. Reviewers also praise the fish tacos, Mountie burger, mac and cheese, and boneless BBQ wings. The menu emphasises fresh, made-to-order cooking.
Yes. The venue is listed as popular for solo dining, with a casual, friendly atmosphere and bar seating available. Counter service is also offered for quick bites.
Yes. Dogs are allowed both inside and outside the restaurant, making it a pet-friendly choice for dining with your pet.
Dinner reservations are recommended, especially for groups or peak times. The restaurant accepts reservations and can accommodate last-minute bookings when possible.
Cleaver sits in the £20–30 bracket. Reviewers consistently note excellent value for the quality of food, portion sizes, and overall experience.
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