Everyone at Confidentials was a fan of Ducie Street Warehouse when it opened as Cultureplex with in-house restaurant Bistrotheque back in 2019. 

No wonder. It really did have that old cliche something for everyone. The cavernous, industrial space offered a cracking restaurant, an airy space to grab a coffee and do a bit of work, a state-of-the-art gym, a stunning loft-style aparthotel and some of the most interesting pop-up events going. That’s not to mention the cosy 36-seat mini-cinema that launched towards the end of 2019. We caught Melina Matsoukas’ brilliant Queen and Slim there by the way - a strong recommend if you’ve not seen it yet. The wine list was great, the staff were excellent and at weekends the music was banging. 

The Grade II listed former Victorian warehouse is poised to unveil its ‘urban south-facing terrace’

A bit of slow burner, word was just getting around about how great a place it was when its original investors packed their bags and sashayed back to the Big Smoke.

Since then there’s been a global pandemic (ongoing) and a pop-up from another of our unashamed faves Higher Ground, while Instagrammable sugar-coma-inducing Gooey moved in to flog its preposterously thick cookies and gooey doughnuts, and cafe bar Counter has stayed on hand with coffees and pastries to take away. Thankfully, in-house gym BLOK kept up with online classes to balance it out. A strong survival game in a difficult time.

Who's the new chef at Ducie Street Warehouse and what's on the menu?

Another newish opening that never quite got the attention it deserved was Mamucium, which opened in Hotel Indigo near Victoria Station at the end of 2018 with a sensational head chef. That chef was Manchester lad Andrew Green, formerly of The Lowry. According to our Gordo, he does “the best beef Wellington outside St James.” Gobshite as he may often be, he knows a thing or two about meat and pastry does Gordo. Our reviewer Jonathan Schofield, meanwhile, described the menu at Mamucium as "one of the best reading and best delivering in the region."

So it’s great news then that Andrew Green has been announced as the new permanent chef over at Ducie Street Warehouse; even better news that the Grade II listed former Victorian warehouse is poised to unveil its ‘urban south-facing terrace’ on Monday 12 April so you’ll be able to get a sneak preview of the new menu in the fresh air. 

The terrace menu will serve a preview selection of dishes from the new all-day dining menu, with a focus on sharing plates. 

We had a quick catch up with Andrew and he's full of enthusiasm about creating a laid back, fun menu at Ducie Street Warehouse. Having cut his teeth in huge, more formal hotel settings, this new role gives him a chance to bring that fine dining finesse to a more casual menu with a massive focus on sharing. Boy, have we missed sharing food with friends. 

You can expect lots of globally influenced carby treats to share like Italian focaccia Romana or Spanish spianata (a flatbread stuffed with things like cheeses and cured meats). There will be huge roast meat platters like harissa-marinated whole roast chicken with chickpeas and veggies as well as small plates like lobster mac 'n cheese. At the bar, expect natural wines and nibbles like chorizo and olives. All locally sourced and of great quality but at a slightly lower price point than Bistrotheque was known for. This, he says, is not London.

When can we go back properly though?

On Monday 17 May the whole shebang will reopen and Ducie Street Warehouse will be able to show off its entire offering of food, drink, entertainment, resident DJs and curated arts and culture takeovers.

The first collaboration at Ducie Street Warehouse will launch on 17 April and run until May: Manchester-based indie online shop ‘20k and a dead sheep’ will pop up selling zines, books and rare editions alongside a DJ takeover at weekends.

Commenting on the new space, F&B Ops Director Mark Clinton said: "The outdoor terrace is the first part of the new beginning of Ducie Street Warehouse and will really set the scene for our new direction. The welcoming vibe of this amazing building will start to be felt from April when we launch the terrace, and more so from May when we launch the indoor curation projects and reveal the plans and changes we’ve made to this iconic space. This is a place like no other in Manchester, a place to embrace and make it what you will – and we just can’t wait to finally share it with the city.” 

When can I book a weekend away in Manchester?

On 12 April, Aparthotel Native - the UK’s largest, don’t you know - will reopen for leisure or business stays as we embrace being a staycation nation for now.

The award-winning hotel houses 166 individually designed studios, loft apartments and duplex penthouses with private terraces offering panoramic views across the city. Each unique apartment embraces the original features that the historical building provides - iron girders, brick walls, that kind of thing - and boasts a fully equipped kitchen, bespoke Conran furniture and super king-size bed(s). So you can make like a real Mancunian city dweller for the weekend. 

Ducie Street Warehouse's terrace will open from Monday 12 April, 11am-10pm Monday-Thursday, 11am-11pm Friday, 9am-11pm Saturday, and 9am–10pm Sunday. Keep an eye on Ducie Street Warehouse’s social channels for details of how to book.

Contact Native to discuss aparthotel bookings.

Ducie Street Warehouse, 51 Ducie Street, Manchester M1 2TP

Read next: Going OUT out: An A-Z of outdoor dining and drinking in MCR

Read again: Take a look around Native, the largest aparthotel in the UK