SEVERAL years ago now a friend and I noted that Manchester was adding many fine restaurants to its already acceptable list. Being on a lesser salary than we deserve, these restaurants were out of our reach for evening times but within our reach at lunch times.

Working shifts and having days off in the week made this easy for "ladies who lunch" and as many of these restaurants had very accommodating lunchtime menus and combining this with "up-town" shopping trips a new concept was born.

Also our numbers grew as colleagues recognised this as a very pleasant de-stressing time and every couple of months we tried somewhere new.

We gave our restaurants ratings some high, and often we returned, and others low, which we never ventured near again.

Occasionally we travelled out of town and this is where we found our favourite dining place in every way. The Lime Tree in West Didsbury is by far our veritable winner. Comparing it to house-buying when location, location, location is all important, presentation, presentation, presentation is absolutely perfect.

All the way through the menu each course is a work of art, and a delight. Dining out encompasses all our senses; vision, smell, taste and all are appeased at "The Lime Tree". Adequate portions; pleasant, attentive service and a comfortable, happy ambience. My pals laugh at my drooling over every course. To me, everything is perfect, the fusion of various foods that so complement each other, e.g. sun dried tomato, pork sausage with pesto mash and red wine jus, or polenta, aubergine and mozzarella gateau. Mouth-watering artistic arrangements or masterpieces on a plate - each meal a sensational delight.

We have returned here many times to treat our taste buds and our pockets. The gales of laughter that are plentiful are free. We work hard and play hard. And eat heartily.

The wine-list is comprehensive and more than adequate. But to be honest, the food takes over our minds more than the wine, with it being lunch-time and also most of us being in charge of motor vehicles.

Set Menu: Three courses and coffee é14.95, two courses and coffee é10.95. Lunch: Tues-Fri 12.00-2.30pm. Early Evening: 6-6.45pm.

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