A town centre alternative to the Head of Steam would be the Sportsman. Great range of beers, take your cardigan and beard with you. Then, as others have said, the Chilli Lounge for a Curry.
If you want a couple of different experiences, try the Sair Inn at Linthwaite. It’s up a steep hill off Manchester Road called Hoyle Ing. It’s a microbrewery in a parallel universe. Then, fall down the hill to the Saffron Restaurant on Manchester Road. I can honestly say it’s my favourite quality curry with great service, and all in for £10.95.
The Scape House at Scapegoat Hill is undergoing a bit of a renaissance. It’s now owned and run by the same guy who has the Rose and Crown at Cop Hill as mentioned above. Food is quality honest fare mostly sourced from Haigh’s award winning farm shop at Bolster Moor. Oh, and It’s my local…….
Further out along Manchester Road is the Olive Branch. You’re talking £25+ for a main course, but worth every penny for a special occasion.