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.
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."
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.
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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