A perfect place to pick up pakoras, poppadums and panch phoran in Ancoats

Lily’s Vegetarian Cuisine is a legend on the Manchester food scene. With nearly two decades of trading under its belt, a hugely successful restaurant in Ashton-Under-Lyne and a recently opened deli in Chorlton

Now the team - who have gathered a massively loyal following of veggies and omnivores alike - is aiming to continue its success within the city walls.

Pick up trays of colourful, traditional and signature Indian mithai sweets made by Lily's specialist chefs and gorge on salty snacks like Bombay Mix and spicy cashew nuts.

Much like Lily’s Chorlton deli that opened back in November 2020, the new Ancoats store will stock all the essentials to create wonderful vegetarian and vegan dishes at home as well as Indian street food on the go. Think storecupboard items like mango chutney, spices, rice and chai teabags as well as freshly made Indian sweets packed with flavours like saffron, cardamom and coconut.

The Exterior Of Lilys Indian Vegan And Vegetarian Deli In Ancoats Mancheste
The exterior of the new Lily's Deli on Cutting Room Square Image: Confidentials
Lilys Mfdf Awards Freight Island Manchester
The Lily's team at the Manchester Food and Drink awards Image: Carl Sukonik/The Vain Photography

Ancoats is an ideal spot for the hugely popular Lily's

Slap bang in the centre of one of the “coolest neighbourhoods in the world”, the deli is the newest resident of Cutting Room Square. Joining an already impressive list of Manchester independents like beer and bottle shop The Epicurean, pizza masters Rudy’s and Micheal Clay’s British bar and kitchen Elnecot - not to mention the only Michelin star restaurant Manchester has had in 40 years mana.

The already noteworthy Ancoats area is the perfect spot for the family-run business that was recently crowned “Neighbourhood Venue of the Year” at the Manchester Food and Drink Awards for its East Manchester restaurant. 

Owners Ritesh and Parul told us that although the existing restaurant and Chorlton deli have been hugely successful, that's not the only reason they've opened up shop in Ancoats:  

"Lily's Deli is a concept that we're looking to expand," Ritesh says, "If we can, we want to open at least one deli a year in different areas of Manchester."

Ancoats is proving a popular choice for now, with locals dying to get their hands on Lily's trademark Indian flavours. 

"People have been knocking on the door for the past few days asking to buy already," says Parul, "we've actually done sales before the grand opening."

"Our dad and grandfather always told us that when someone comes to the door, that's God. You should always respect that, and when they're coming over and asking to buy you should never say no."

Lilys Deli In Ancoats
Lily's Deli Ancoats is now open Image: Confidentials
Sweet Indian Treats To Take Away From The Counter At Lilys Indian Vegetarian Deli In Ancoats
Sweet Indian treats to take away on the counter Image: Confidentials
Soft Furnishings In The Seating Area At The New Lilys Deli In Ancoats
Soft furnishings in the seating area at Lily's Deli Image: Confidentials

A new vegan and vegetarian Indian deli for Ancoats

The new deli in Ancoats will be the perfect place for city workers to grab a quick lunch thanks to a selection of Lily's favourite vegan curries and dal to grab and go, hot drinks like masala chai and a range of homemade Indian savoury snacks like samosas and street chaat.

Pick up trays of colourful, traditional and signature Indian mithai sweets made by Lily's specialist chefs and gorge on salty snacks like Bombay Mix and spicy cashew nuts.

All Kinds Of Chai And Herbal Teas On The Shelves At Lilys Deli Ancoats Manchester
You'll find all kinds of herbal teas and several types of chai Image: Confidentials
Jars Of Mango Chutney And Tins Of Tomatoes And Chickpeas At Lilys Deli Ancoats
Jars of the essentials line the minimart shelves and the tiles floor brings a touch of Indian traditional style Image: Confidentials

Inside Lily's new Ancoats deli the look is modern minimart meets Indian traditional style like the beautiful tiled floor and soft furnishings reminiscent of Lily's Ashton restaurant. 

We had a sneak peek and we love it already. We will definitely be poppadum-ing in whenever we get a chance.

Lily's Deli, Henry St, Ancoats, Manchester M4 5AD


Read next: Chef Caroline Martins brings Brazilian fine dining to Ancoats

Read again: 12 of the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Manchester


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