TWO establishments which are a short journey from St Helens have been included in the SquareMeal Top 100 UK restaurants list.

Moor Hall in Aughton, West Lancashire came in 5th place on the list, placing higher than the other North West restaurants that feature, while Manifest in Liverpool came in at 42nd place.

SquareMeal is the UK’s leading independent restaurant guide and deliberately excludes London restaurants to allow venues from around the UK to be recognised.

Speaking about the list SquareMeal said: "Each of the top 100 results are a unique combination of our own in-house critic-led opinions and thousands of diner votes.

"It’s this dual approach that makes our list incomparable, representing not only our professional opinion but thousands of real-life experiences that help to reinforce and bolster our final decisions.”

The full Top 100 list can be viewed over at the SquareMeal website.

What did SquareMeal say about Moor Hall?

SquareMeal wrote: “Previously executive chef at two-Michelin-starred L'Enclume, Mark Birchall has brought his own distinctive style to this restaurant-with-rooms housed within a historic 16th-century manor house. Champagne and canapés served next to an open fire in a wood-panelled lounge set the historic scene, but the dining room couldn’t look any more up-to-date.”

Moor Hall has also been well-reviewed on Tripadvisor, earning a five rating from 643 reviews.

A lot of Moor Hall’s produce is sourced close to home, SquareMeal added: “Much of the restaurant’s produce is grown on the five-acre estate or sourced locally – Aughton sits in the middle of some of the most fertile farmland in the country – and the result is two tasting menus showcasing Birchall’s innovation and formidable talents.”

What did SquareMeal say about Manifest?

SquareMeal wrote: “For seasonal plates and a large helping of famous Liverpool hospitality, head to Manifesti. This wine bar and restaurant has been created with the food and wine curious in mind. This industrial style restaurant is a true gem found at the heart of the city’s Baltic Triangle.”

Manifest has also impressed reviewers on Tripadvisor, earning a five rating from 46 reviews.

Manifest supports local producers and wine makers and some foods are made in-house, SquareMeal said: “The Manifest name was inspired by the area’s shipping-trade history, and this isn’t the only way that the restaurant embraces its local roots. The team at Manifest take great pride in sourcing high quality, seasonal goods to support local producers and wine makers.

“Service is attentive but informal to allow diners to eat and drink at their leisure. The team aspires to make as much as they can in-house, so you can expect freshly made bread, homemade oils, preserves and pickles, along with charcuterie boards of seasonal produce.”