From sushi to supersized sarnies, here's what we've spotted in the Manchester Food and Drink scene this month...
NEW FACES
Asuke Sushi, Altrincham
Having opened earlier this month, Asuke Sushi is one of the latest restaurants to touch down in popular South Manchester suburb, Altrincham. Located on Manchester Road, Asuke Sushi has everything from Japanese small plates to sushi sharing platters and poke bowls. It's an intimate dining space with only around 15 covers but food is available to take away too. What's more, you can bring your own bottle of wine to enjoy with your meal, helping to keep the costs down in today's climate.
The Brewentists, Cooper Street
Looking for coffee? The Brewentists are the new kids on the block when it comes to serving up a fresh cup of Joe. As well as your bog standard flat whites, they serve specialities such as pistachio iced lattes and the likes. If that wasn't enough, you'll also find homemade Greek pastries to enjoy as you people watch through the front window that looks out onto Cooper Street. Odd name to get your tongue round though.
Damò, Altrincham
Run by three brothers, Amro, Farid and Adam, Damò is an intimate authentic Italian restaurant that's just opened up shop in Altrincham. Serving breakfast, brunch and lunch, this cosy restaurant is good for a cup of Italian coffee and fresh bruschetta. Pastries and coffee can be ordered to take away.
Juicebox, Bridge Street
Occupying the old Neon Tiger site on Bridge Street, Didsbury, organic wine experts Juicebox have set up their second site in the city. With sit in and takeaway options available, you can explore the range of natural wines, craft beer and fancy snacks and sandwiches available.
Maki & Ramen, York Street
Maki & Ramen touch down in Manchester, choosing our city for their first restaurant in England. The restaurant promises to bring the flavours and culture of Japan to us Mancs, with its sleek decoration, Sakura vibes and Japanese inspired cocktails: although we're pretty knowledgeable by now probably given the explosion in Japanese and Pan-Asian restaurants since Covid. Their delicious dishes will also be available on Deliveroo.
Must Be Micky's @ PLY, Lever Street
Must Be Micky's, formerly known as 'Mira', has opened inside Ply in the Northern Quarter. Known for its Neopolitan sandwiches, the new menus will remain focused on fresh focaccia and sarnies overflowing with quality fillings.
NQ64, Tib Street
Ok, NQ64 has been on Tib Street for ages...but they did just expand, taking over the old Dive bar site and upscaling their offering. As well as a plethora of arcade games (old and new) and themed cocktails they've brought their collab with Crazy Pedro's over to 12 Tib street, meaning you can chow down on pizza slices while you beat your high score.
Rack, Arndale Food Hall
Stockport's favourite butty spot, Rack, has made its way over to the Arndale. Well-known for their super-stacked sandwiches, Rack are bringing their sandwiches and grilled cheese offerings to the big city. Rack will operate between 9.30am-5.30pm, or until they sell out. Once they're gone, they're gone.
San Carlo, Alderley Edge
Open now, San Carlo Alderley Edge is the latest offering from the Italian family restaurant brand. As well as an open plan dining space with bespoke artworks, there's a stunning terrace that can seat up to 30 people. The terrace also has a working fireplace meaning it can be enjoyed year-round. A few months down the line, they also plan to launch an upstairs private dining and events space in the venue.
Waku Waku, Portland Street
Ever wondered what it would be like to be in your own cartoon? At Waku Waku you can make this dream a reality. The hand-drawn restaurant is adorned with black and white artwork to give it a 2D-feel. Apparently this took over four months for the artist to create it. The food is far from flat though, featuring flavourful Japanese food like sushi and noodle-based dishes.
CLOSURES
Tahi, Circle Square
Authentic New Zealand food hub, Tahi, has made the difficult decision to close the doors on their Circle Square eatery. The statement was issued on Instagram, giving 'heartfelt thanks' to the staff and loyal customers who had helped bring their vision to life.
The post read: 'Many factors have led to this decision but ultimately this is a difficult time for hospitality, in particular the independents, and for us the consistency to build a stable business wasn’t there.
'We really urge you to get out and support your favourite local businesses and try out the new ones which are trying to bring you something special as it’s so important to us.'
The Trafford, Chester Road
The Trafford - hotspot for reds fans before and after every game - has blown the whistle for one last time. The popular pub now stands boarded up. It appears that being heaving on every home game for Manchester United fans was never enough to support the business. It perhaps didn't help that The Trafford, the closest proper pub to Old Trafford stadium, didn't open at any other time than match-days. It was perhaps also a poor idea not to quickly paint over the mural of Cristiano Ronaldo given the nature of this departure from the club. Surely someone can take this pub over and make it work?
NEW MENUS
Moxy, Atkinson Street
Moxy in Spinningfields has launched a new menu available between 12-10pm, seven days a week. From hand-stretched sourdough pizza to loaded tater tots and wings, there's something to suit everyone, including sweet treats for after.
They've also teamed up with the PDSA and will be donating £1 from every pet stay from August until the end of October. All dogs that stay at the hotel will receive a puppy welcome pack. How cute. Maybe. Although that does prove there is something to suit everyone - even your four-legged friends.
Canto, Ancoats
Those who love Spanish small plates should try Tipsy Tapas - the new offering from Canto. Guests can enjoy three tapas dishes and unlimited mix-and-match drinks for 90 minutes, including lager, house wine, sangria and fizz. Tipsy Tapas can be booked on Fridays and Saturdays and is priced at £38 per person.
Hatch, Oxford Road
Independent food and retail hub, Hatch, is launching their brand new breakfast menu, planning to kickstart weekends with an array of morning treats from its independent traders. From 10am every Saturday and Sunday, Hatch will offer a range of brunch dishes from participating traders including Block Steak Shop, Parmogeddon, House of Habesha, Herbivorous, Bondi Bowls, T'arricrii and Rio Mex.
WOOD, First Street
Restaurant WOOD, created by chef Simon Wood, is marketing its sixth year at its First Street location with a change in direction for its menus. The new menu will introduce its seasonal produce-led approach and classic flavours with a more casual approach to dining. This means the restaurant will be moving away from its traditional tasting menu format, focusing on small and big plates but still retaining its fine dining qualities and personality.
AND COMING SOON…
Finders Keepers, New Islington Marina - August
Opening on Friday 25 August, new cocktail bar Finders Keepers will be bringing a dash of flavour to New Islington Marina, joining the likes of, Flawd, Cask and Pollen Bakery. From the brains of Didsbury Gin co-founder, Liam Manton, the new neighbourhood cocktail bar plans to showcase an 'incredible menu'.
Kargo @ Central Bay, Media City - August
Named after the original stretch of the dock, formerly a thriving loading bay during the industrial revolution, Central Bay at Media City is set to be one of the largest independent food and drink operations in the North. It's foodhall, Kargo, will house 13 kitchens as well as a market. Alongside Kargo, there'll be a microbrewery and gin distillery known as 11 Central.
Sexy Fish, Spinningfields - Autumn
Among the most anticipated launch of the year, Mayfair giant Sexy Fish is due to make waves in Manchester with a 152-seater restaurant. The bar should be a real asset to the restaurant, featuring a glowing pink onyx and glass facade against a backdrop of a cascading waterfall. How very Shanghai. Want to find out more? Here's what we know so far.
Sud @ Exhibition, Peter Street - August
Having become a firm family favourite, gaining a huge cult following across Greater Manchester, pasta pros Sud (formerly Sugo) have announced the opening of their first city centre kitchen at Exhibition. They will be taking up residency from Wednesday 23 August, joining OSMA + Baratxuri.
Read next - Matt Nellany, Trof: how to survive a decade in hospitality
Read again - 10 things to do in Manchester this September
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