We've decided to go into Manchester on Friday night and stay over as they have the Manchester Halloween Monsters and an art trail. Probably go in at lunch, find a 'pub' with a small substantial meal, go for a walk (see above), check in at hotel, pop out for a meal (booked), then back to hotel. Next day, we may find a pub with 'brunch' offer.
A few bars have got inventive. One 'renamed' itself a pizza restaurant, where you could buy slices. The Po-po went in and said the slices weren't a substantial meal - the slices were from a 22" pizza. Media interest and the Po-po reversed the decision.
Our intention is to find an independant for lunch without having to have a massive meal as got one booked for that evening. Could always have soup at 'spoons'.