Salt and Pepper serves a confused mish-mash of global cuisine from its prime location in Castlefield.

The Venue
Salt n Pepper is situated just off Liverpool Road, near the Museum of Science and Industry. It has only been a resident of Castlefield in more recent times and has a very clean, brand-new feel about it when you walk in. The walls are adorned with pictures of children with various national flags painted on their faces, which is supposed to reflect the diversity of cuisine on offer, but instead makes you feel like you’ve strolled into a United Colours of Benetton shop.

The Atmosphere
Instead of appealing to everyone, Salt n Pepper doesn’t seem to appeal to anyone in particular and diners are a mixed bunch. The staff do nothing to make you feel more relaxed, in fact they make you feel even more uncomfortable with their bizarre approach to customer service, which seems to revolve around being rude, abrupt and even resentful when they reluctantly bring things to your table. Needless to say, their attitude can ruin your evening even before the food has arrived.

The Food
The menu offers a bewildering mixture of Pakistani, Chinese, Mexican, Italian and English cuisine. The big selling point for the venue is that whatever cuisine you choose, the meat will be Halal. The odd mish mash of dishes means that you can have nachos to start, followed by a curry, finished off with cheesecake, or chicken and sweetcorn soup, then fish and chips, with ice cream for dessert. You get the point. Even the most decisive diner will be flummoxed when it comes to deciding what to order. Your best bet is probably to stick to the Indian side of the menu. The starter of lamb seekh kebab (£2.99) is okay but nothing special. The boneless lamb with garlic and ginger, which is cooked and served in a traditional handi (£6.99) is reasonably tasty but you could get much better elsewhere.

The Drink
There are four different bottled beers to choose from: Stella, Corona, Budweiser and Cobra (all £3). The wine list is practically non-existent, with only two whites that speak volumes for their commitment to good wine (err, that’s none then): Jacob’s Creek and Blossom Hill Chardonnays; two reds: Rosemount Estate Shiraz and Blossom Hill Merlot, and one choice of Gallo Grenache rose (all £12). Most wine-drinkers will have more choice in their fridge at home. Thankfully, their cocktail menu is more substantial, with tipples such as Paradise Punch, Sex on the Beach and Strawberry Dai Quiri on offer (all £6).

The Last Word
It may work on paper, but in practice this level of fusion food is a bad idea, especially if it is done as half-heartedly and grumpily as it is at Salt n Pepper. The food deserves a slightly higher score, but the unfriendly staff ensure that you will have a bad evening.