A striking Hanley brunch restaurant with genuinely appealing desi breakfasts and polished surroundings, though cash-preferred payment, occasional service lapses and conflicting portion feedback warrant realistic expectations.
Issimore stands out for its design and warmth, with owner-led hospitality and well-regarded breakfasts and chicken dishes earning frequent praise. Occasional seasoning and portion variation, plus reports of inattentive staff and slow drinks, keep it just short of the very top tier. Its central Hanley location is walkable, though parking remains a recurring challenge.
Issimore is a bright, polished addition to central Hanley, with an interior diners repeatedly describe as elegant, calm and exceptionally clean. The mood is relaxed rather than formal, and the owner or chef often adds a personal touch; one guest summed it up as feeling "welcomed like a regular" even on a first visit. Parking is the less glamorous part of the story, with nearby options generally requiring a short walk. The kitchen’s personality is broad and playful: desi breakfasts sit beside Turkish breakfast, shakshuka, chicken waffles, birria tacos, fish and chips and chicken parmesan. The strongest chorus is around the shakshuka, Turkish breakfast, paratha and karak chai, while the review sample also contains isolated complaints about bland food, salty tikka and one disappointing chicken parmesan. It is a good fit for groups who enjoy comparing dishes and for diners seeking halal-friendly brunch with more range than a standard café. Families are well served by the current menu: eggs, toast, pancakes, waffles, chicken dishes and fish and chips offer recognizable choices, while reviews mention children enjoying brunch and staff making a simple side for a baby. The desi and fusion items may be less comfortable for very cautious eaters, but this is not an adventurous-food-only venue.
Area vibe: Busy town-centre shopping and civic area with an everyday, practical vibe.
Safety: Generally safe in daytime; quieter evenings with moderate foot traffic so exercise normal urban caution.
What's nearby: Close to Potteries Centre shopping mall, Hanley bus station, Regent Theatre and council buildings.
Start with the praised Shakshuka, Turkish Breakfast, or Full Desi Breakfast, then weigh the mixed feedback on some mains.
Expect polished surroundings and warm hospitality, but check payment options, allow for service delays, and keep the portions and fusion menu in mind.
The room feels polished and calm rather than formal, with personal hospitality adding to its relaxed brunch atmosphere.