From hoagies to pierogi, here's what we've spotted in the Manchester Food and Drink scene this month...
NEW FACES
Kargo @ Central Bay, Media City
Media City now has its very own food hall in the form of Kargo. Part of the Central Bay development, this diverse food hall showcases some of Manchester's best independent traders including Worsley's Leopard Pie and Didsbury's Baity. There's also regular entertainment in the form of live music, DJs, performances and child-friendly events, too.
House of Hoagie @ MALA, Northern Quarter
Manchester's ever-growing big sandwich scene continues to flourish with new addition, House of Hoagie. Tucked away in a cosy nook at the inside-outside venue MALA on Dale Street, HoH are serving up sandos brimming with ingredients. Open from Wednesday to Sunday, you can now pop down to get your chops around supersized sarnies like the Buff & Blue; lettuce, buffalo fried chicken, blue cheese sauce, chives, spring onion and slaw.
Finders Keepers, New Islington Marina
The owners behind this bar really know their stuff when it comes to quality tipples. Finders Keepers make high-quality crafted cocktails in an intimate, relaxed setting, with views out over Islington marina. The perfect spot for a sunny afternoon or cosying up on rainy days.
HOP, Trafford Centre
HOP Vietnamese recently opened in the Trafford centre's Orient Food Court and serves an extensive range of Southeast Asian dishes including banh mis, pho, noodle salads and hot boxes. As well as a vast savoury range, HOP also has sweet treats like lemonades, bubble teas, iced coffee, soft serves and rice pudding.
Noria, Altrincham
Located in Goose Green, Noria is one of the latest restaurants to join Altrincham and its ever-growing expansion of hospitality venues. Opened by a man who fled Aleppo during the Syrian civil war, Noria serves a variety of Syrian, Turkish and Greek dishes.
CLOSURES
Rosso, King Street
After 14 years, Rosso has closed the doors of its King Street restaurant. Announcing the closure on Monday (18 September 2023), Rosso said that it would cease trading with 'immediate effect'.
Part-owned by former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, Rosso was a popular city centre spot amongst Mancs for well-made Italian dishes.
In an exclusive statement to Confidentials, a spokesperson for the restaurant said: "We are looking at it as a championship boxer bowing out in triumph after many years of winning belts."
Read the full article here.
Hatch, Oxford Road
Bruntwood announced on 1 September that they would be closing Hatch on 30 September ahead of a proposed redevelopment by leisure developer STACK. Vendors were given just a month's notice, but with the assurance that “when the site reopens all food and beverage traders will be given priority if they decide to apply for a unit within the newly created STACK”.
Read the full article here.
NEW MENUS & EVENTS
Six by Nico, Spring Gardens
Six by Nico has launched its new seasonal menu; Catalonia. Encompassing flavours that hail from northeastern Spain, this next menu aims to guide diners from 'the glistening waters of the Costa Brava to the mosaic cobbled streets of Barcelona's Gothic Quarter' by showcasing its rich culinary heritage.
The Washhouse, Shudehill
Known for their otherworldly, ultra-Instagram-able cocktails, The Washhouse are back with a new and exciting menu. But this time, we're not 100% sure what it entails. After noticing "copycats and bars with no imagination" stealing their creative concoctions, the speakeasy has decided to go under cover. We suppose there's only one way to find out...
Lucky Cat by Gordon Ramsay, King Street
From 8 October, Lucky Cat by Gordon Ramsay will be launching their brunch menu. Brunch can be booked between 12-5pm and each booking can enjoy two hours of bottomless Prosecco, a selection of sharing starters, a main course and sharing style desserts. Priced from £95pp, this is a show-stopping way to spend your early afternoon. Book now.
Platzki @ Great Northern Warehouse, Deansgate
Platzki's pierogi festival returns on Wednesday 27 and Thursday 28 September. From 5pm onwards, until all the pierogis are sold out, Platzki will be serving authentic Polish dumplings with a variety of fillings to choose from. There's veggie and vegan options available, too. No need to book a table, just turn up and grab a seat or order to take away and enjoy from home.
Sud Pasta, All venues
Sud Pasta has downscaled its portions into 'small plates', reducing the menu to 12 items in an effort to curb rising costs. Sud now recommend diners order 2-3 plates per person. Variety is the spice of life, after all.
AND COMING SOON…
Sexy Fish, Spinningfields - 12 October
Probably the most anticipated launch of the year, Sexy Fish is due to make waves in Manchester with its third award-winning installation.
Set to open on 12th October, the 152-seater Spinningfields restaurant comes from Caprice Holdings - the group behind London’s favourite restaurants including Scott’s, Daphne’s and Bacchanalia to name but a few.
Here's everything you need to know ahead of the opening.
Mean-Eyed Cat, Northern Quarter - Late September
Already well established in Leeds and Liverpool, it's Manchester's turn to greet the Mean-Eyed Cat. Opening on Oldham Street, this Johnny Cash-inspired dive bar pays homage to the deep south. Get ready to roll the dice for a chance to win shots, free rounds and more. The group behind the bar is also launching Tiki Hideaway downstairs - a completely different vibe but just as much going on.
Fenix, St Johns - November
From the brains behind Tattu, the highly anticipated Greek-Mediterranean restaurant Fenix is preparing to make its grand debut in the new design district St Johns by Spinningfields. It's set to open this November and will curate a modern twist on authentic Greek and Mediterranean favourites.
House of Fu, Portland Street - Autumn
Hailing from Leeds, this eatery-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.
Read next - Sexy Fish Manchester: Everything you need to know before it opens
Read again - From Kyiv to King Street: An interview with Stunner Vintage Football Store
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