What’s New In Manchester This Season
The Party Restaurant:
Fenix
Manchester does party restaurants so well. If you like the idea of a fun ambience without the 2am finish, Fenix is a new Greek restaurant from the same team behind London’s Tattu – with the likes of Molly Mae and Lennon Gallagher already spotted there. With chic interiors inspired by Mykonos’ beachside restaurants, the restaurant is set over two floors with central bars and dim lighting. There are numerous menus based on occasions – sharing, à la carte and party – all featuring Mediterranean dishes like mezze spreads, grilled seafood, and large sharing salads, best washed down with a zingy gin- or tequila-based cocktail.
Visit FenixRestaurants.com
The Cocktail Bar:
Stray
Stray opened its doors in the Northern Quarter at the end of the last year and it’s already popular with locals. The walk-in-only bar has a simple premise: uncomplicated, well executed cocktails in a relaxed setting. The signature drink list includes classics with a twist, including a ‘Tomato Margarita’ with mezcal, tomato, agave and lime oil; and the ‘Rhubarb & Pine Gimlet’ with gin, rhubarb and pine cordial, pineau des charentes and lime. If you can’t make it to the bar, DM the team on Instagram to order one of its pre-made cocktails.
Follow @Stray.Bar on Instagram.
The Solo Venture:
Skof
Former head chef of L'Enclume Tom Barnes will open his first solo venture in Manchester this spring. Set in the Noma neighbourhood in the city centre, Skof will be a 36-cover restaurant offering unfussy tasting menus that showcase the very best ingredients. London-based studio Blacksheep are taking care of the interiors, while Tom will continue to work with his trusted suppliers in the Lake District. Details are under wraps, but we’re expecting great things.
Visit SkofManchester.co.uk
The Hotel:
Treehouse Hotel Manchester
Treehouse Hotel is about to open its second outpost in Manchester’s Deansgate area. Continuing the brand’s sustainability efforts, the hotel will have 224 rooms with living green walls, furniture made from reclaimed and recycled materials, and a rooftop apiary producing the hotel's own honey. We’re most excited about its two restaurants: one of which is on the rooftop and will be headed up by chef Sam Grainger, offering a range of southeast Asian-inspired dishes; while the other on the ground floor will serve classic brunch dishes and British bistro classics. There will also be a bar and lounge area for coffee meetings and post-work drinks.
Visit TreehouseHotels.com
The Pub:
The Lamb of Tartary
We were sad to hear Manchester institution Cottonopolis recently closed, but a new pub is about to take over the space later this month. The same team behind the city’s award-winning pub Edinburgh Castle will revamp the Grade II-listed building with minimalist interiors, while chef Shaun Moffat will oversee the kitchen with a menu of seasonal British dishes, small plates and Sunday roasts. The pub will have 24 beers on tap, including lagers from local favourites like Buxton Brewery and Mobberley Brewhouse, and will show sports fixtures throughout the year.
Follow @Lamb_of_Tartary on Instagram.
The Michelin Spot:
Higher Ground
Last week, the Michelin Guide announced its winners for 2024. The awards took place in Manchester, so it was only right that one of the city’s best restaurants was recognised with a prize. Higher Ground missed out on a star, but it was awarded a Bib Gourmand – given to restaurants offering good quality, good value cooking. Higher Ground started as a pop-up four years ago before opening its permanent site to expand its offering of British bistro classics, now served at the counter or in its small dining room. The set lunch menu is a very reasonable £35pp and currently includes dishes like pea fritters, cheddar and brown crab tart, and cod with broccoli and smoked scallop sauce.
Visit HigherGroundMcr.co.uk
The Three-Storey:
Maya
This three-floor restaurant and bar is about to open on Chorlton Street. Set in the industrial 20th-century building that also houses hotel Leven, there will be two dining spaces: a canal-side brasserie serving European classics, and a ground-floor dining room for a more elevated experience. The building’s industrial look will be reflected in the interiors, with the addition of some art-deco features. In the kitchens, Mancunian chef Gabe Lea (ex Le Manoir) will head up the team with regularly changing menus.
Visit MayaManchester.com
The Casual Restaurant:
Dainā
This Asian dining concept is from the same chefs behind Mancheter’s Seesaw Café, Jake Huxley and Samuel Jethro. Pronounced ‘day-nah’, the restaurant in the ABC Building and serves a selection of Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese dishes. This month, there’s a set menu for £15 which includes a stuffed bao bun, a small plate (like fried squid or braised pork belly) and a side of sticky rice or chilli cucumber. In the coming months the team will also host album parties, workshops, fashion pop-ups and more.
Follow @DainaMcr_ on Instagram.
The Music Venue:
Co-Op Live
Due to open in April, Co-Op Live will be an immersive music and entertainment venue on the Etihad Campus in central Manchester. Harry Styles is one of the key investors, and a string of big names are set to perform there in the coming months, including Olivia Rodrigo, Nicki Minaj and Niall Horan. One of the largest developments of its kind in the UK, its 23.5k-capacity arena will have the largest floor space of any indoor venue in the country, with tiered seating to bring you closer to performers. Elsewhere on site, there will be 32 bars, restaurants and lounges, as well as a members-only VIP lounge, The Decibel Club.
Visit CoOpLive.com
The Food Hall:
Shipyard
Manchester will welcome yet another food hall this spring. Shipyard will be a 29,400 sq. ft venue with multiple kitchens and bars for street food vendors, including permanent residences and rotating pop-ups. Inspired by Lisbon’s Time Out Market, the venue will have an outdoor terrace, various seating areas for guests, a private dining space and a stage for events. Sessions – the team behind Brighton’s Shelter Hall – will oversee the food and drink vendors, so we’re expecting good things.
The Refurb:
Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly
Manchester Piccadilly Hotel is currently undergoing a multi-million-pound refurbishment. Relaunching this spring as Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly, the hotel is conveniently located next to Manchester Piccadilly train station. 338 spacious rooms will have contemporary interiors with comfy beds, separate seating areas and triple-glazed windows to block out outside noise. There will also be a restaurant, bar and lounge, as well as a luxury spa with thermal suites and treatment rooms.
Visit Marriott.com
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