From super sushi to proper pubs, here's what we've spotted in the Manchester Food and Drink scene this month...
NEW FACES
A Bloc, Altrincham
Adding to the effervescent foodie scene in Altrincham is A Bloc, a new coffee and dining spot. Ideal for lazy Sunday mornings, early evening cocktails and everything in between, A Bloc also bakes fresh donuts daily so you can include a little bit of sweetness in your week.
Alfredo's Social, Stockport
Located in the old Winter's jewellery shop with its famous automaton clock featuring OId Father Time in Stockport, Alfredo's Social has taken over the site from the short-lived Bistro Marc. Described as a 'neighbourhood pizza joint and social', Alfredo's is bringing 'fresh and authentic' Neapolitan 'zas to Little Underbank.
North Westward Ho, Chapel Walks
This is the new bar from the folks behind Pomona Island Brewery. Serving 18 keg and five cask ale lines, as well as specials from guest breweries and cideries, this is a modern take on your classic pub. As well as beer, beer and more beer, North Westward Ho also stocks natural wines, Italian spritzes, bitter cocktails, vermouths and amaro. The name refers to a disco ship which was once moored on Manchester Ship Canal at Pomona.
Owen's Kitchen & Bar, Urmston
Owen's is infusing classic British dishes with the aromatic spices from the subcontinent to create a 'diverse and flavourful menu'. The restaurant is named after the owners' grandfather. On Sundays, Owen's serves up their own take on roasts with all the trimmings, including signature dish; garlic & tarragon roasted chicken supreme.
Sexy Fish, Spinningfields
It's finally here and it glows. Mayfair's own popular hotspot has made its way to the North. Located next to rival restaurant Australasia, Sexy Fish is serving modern fresh sushi and Pan Asian dishes with a touch of glamour. Read our article here to find out more about Sexy Fish.
CLOSURES & HOSPITALITY NEWS
Grub chokes on £200k debt
A key component business behind Grub, one of Manchester’s original ‘street food’ markets, has been liquidated. This was Grub MCR at Mayfield Limited with debts of £231,600 and creditors such as HMRC and NatWest. There was also £31,000 owed to trade and expense creditors, in other words much smaller businesses.
However, the parent company, Grub MCR Limited, is not affected so will continue trading at its Red Bank site, north of Victoria Station, with its usual assortment of independent traders.
Grub began in 2013 and is run by husband and wife, Jason and Juliana Bailey. Jason Bailey wouldn’t talk to the MEN when approached over the liquidation but was quoted from his Linkedin post as very bullish about the future. Let’s hope some of the smaller businesses to which Grub Mayfield owed money are as positive.
Damó Food & Coffee extends opening hours
Altrincham's Italian brunch restaurant Damo has received such a great reception since opening a few months ago that they have decided to extend their opening hours. They shared the announcement on social media earlier this month, thanking their customers for their support, adding: "After high demand Damó will be opening in the evening with a dinner menu."
CAMRA release book celebrating Manchester's beer culture
CAMRA have released a book that spotlights Manchester and its incredible beer scene. The book, Manchester's Best Beer, Pubs & Bars by Matthew Curtis, is available to purchase now from CAMRA's online bookshop here. Curtis writes how Manchester has become a 'must visit' destination for beer tourism in the North West, and is one of the UK’s epicentres of beer culture.
DIECAST announces phase 2: WINTERHOOD
Quirky neighbourhood party venue DIECAST has announced that it will be moving into 'phase 2' on 1 November. A new 50,000 sq ft beer hall and warehouse kitchen will take over the main factory floor, alongside a Winter Trailer Park and Night Market which will feature a NYC bodega, karaoke corner-shop, hot chocolate and vintage stalls for the winter party season. Bookings are now open and can be made here.
James Lunhan takes over at Northern Quarter's Crown & Anchor
James Lunhan, ex Chef at Gentings Casino, has moved into the Crown & Anchor, a rather run-down pub on the corner of Hilton Street and Port Street. Let's hope it becomes a little more comfortable.
Schofield's Bar features in 'Top 100 Cocktail Bars in World' list for second year running
The World's 50 Best Bars extended its list to the top 100, and Manchester favourites Schofield's have secured a spot on the list once again. Coming in at number 95, this is the first bar in the UK outside of Edinburgh and London to have featured on the list.
NEW MENUS & EVENTS
Local writer and WSET-qualified wine expert, Kelly Bishop, is on a mission to introduce novices and wine experts to Manchester venues with the best bottles in town. Kelly's Manchester Wine Tours will give visitors a guided tour around the city centre, where they'll sample some of the best wine the city has to offer.
These intimate three-hour tours will host no more than 12 people at a time, so be sure to book while you can. See the full list of dates and more information here.
Six by Nico, Spring Gardens
The next six-course tasting experience has been announced. This menu will centre around Street Food, paying homage to a global array of flavours and culinary staples from all corners of the world. Take your tastebuds on a journey with playful takes on popular dishes including tacos, samosas and kebabs.
Supper Club at Hallé St Peter’s, Ancoats
The Hallé is hosting its first ever Supper Club on Thursday 23 November. Diners attending this informal and relaxed two-course meal with drinks will be able to take in the beautiful surroundings of Hallé St Peter's and learn more about the city's musical heritage. The bespoke meal is inspired by historic menus that have been kept safe for 165 years in the Hallé's archives.
Tickets are priced at £30 per person, with residents of Ancoats entitled to discounted tickets at just £20 per person.
The Counter House, Ancoats
The neighbourhood restaurant on Cutting Room Square has launched its new Autumn/Winter menu, with over 20 new globally-inspired dishes balancing comfort classics with healthier ingredients. Highlights include a paprika, honey, and oregano half roast chicken, pulled slow roasted lamb flatbreads and a vegan gnocchi with kale, cashews and butternut squash.
AND COMING SOON…
Dear Sailor, Spinningfields - TBC
With the arrival of Sexy Fish and soon to be Fenix just down the way at St John's, Spinningfields is growing as a hub for food and drink. Soon, there'll be a new cocktail bar in town in the form of Dear Sailor - a 1930s Tokyo inspired haunt. An opening date is yet to be announced.
Fenix, St John's - 23 November
From the brains behind contemporary Chinese restaurant, Tattu, comes Fenix - a high-end Greek-Mediterranean restaurant bringing food and culture from Mykonos to Manchester. Executive Head Chef, Ippokratis Anagnostelis, has built his reputation across a wealth of fine dining establishments in Athens and Mykonos, from Jackie ‘O, Scorpios and Kensho Mykonos to Kiku and Michelin Star destination, Hytrain.
House of Fu, Portland Street - Today
Hailing from Leeds, this restaurant-cum-karaoke bar already has rave reviews. If you're the type of person who likes a sing song with your udon, House of Fu is the one for you. Don't forget the cocktail happy hours, too. That'll be sure to loosen you up and have you ready to belt out some ballads.
We were invited down for a sneak peek earlier this week, check out the video below.
The Mucky Pup, Wilmslow - November
Wilmslow is getting a brand new restaurant and bar next month. The Mucky Pup, which will have live music and entertainment, will be taking over the old FootAsylum on Grove Street. The restaurant will serve traditional Irish and European dishes.
Six by Nico, Deansgate - November
Due to exceptional demand for the city's existing Spring Gardens restaurant, Six by Nico is set to open its second site in Manchester this November. The new site, located on John Dalton street, will continue the ever-evolving restaurant concept Six by Nico is known for. Expect six courses that change every six weeks, with dishes inspired by places, memories or imagination.
Trove, Wilmslow - TBC
Another win for Wilmslow. Popular bakery and brunch spot Trove will be heading to Cheshire to claim its fourth site. Founded by husband and wife duo Marcus and Katy Saide, the new cafe will sit on Bank Square just off Church Street, alongside Potyo and Nourish.
Unagi, Altrincham - 25 October
Unagi have swapped their Altrincham food truck for a permanent premises. The new restaurant will be opening on Central Way next to the Everyman Cinema, just a stone's throw away from where their van used to sit. Expect the same great sushi (with some new additions) but under a roof this time.
Got news to share? Let me know on X @Harley__Young
Read next - ‘Well-paced and thoroughly enjoyable’: Gaucho, reviewed
Read again - 10 things to do in Manchester this November
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