The all-day dining concept will bring the buzzing street food culture of Bangkok to Manchester
Square Gardens by Downing Living is set to welcome Yaowarat, an exciting all-day dining concept celebrating the buzzing street food culture of Bangkok's famous Chinatown.
Opening at the First Street-based co-living development, Yaowarat will serve classic Thai-Chinese cooking throughout the day. The restaurant takes its name from Yaowarat Road, Bangkok's iconic street known for its electric atmosphere and exceptional food.
Co-Founders and mother-daughter duo, Pom and Deena Leese, aim to capture that same vibrancy and bring it to the heart of Manchester, becoming the city centre’s only restaurant offering a true Thai-Chinese breakfast menu including early-morning dishes including Jok (traditional rice congee), Kai Krata and Pathongo.
Lunch and dinner menus will feature classics such as Hainanese chicken rice (Khao Man Gai) and rolled noodle soup (Guay Jap).
The venue will also house the Gold Street Tea House; a dedicated space offering traditional chrysanthemum and hibiscus teas, alongside loose-leaf varieties sourced directly from the Thai rainforest.
Deena Luckpatson Leese, Co-founder of Yaowarat, said: “Yaowarat is the food I grew up with - the kind you eat in Bangkok’s Chinatown, from breakfast before work to late-night bowls with friends. It’s comforting and full of character”
“We wanted to create a space for everyone, where people genuinely feel at home. Manchester already has a vibrant food scene and we're trying to fill the gaps with something relaxed and welcoming.
“This is about comfort food and creating that sense of community, a place where you can reconnect with friends, get to know your neighbours or simply enjoy familiar flavours in a setting that feels right.”
As a recent graduate and Masters student herself, Deena recognised the appetite among Manchester's student population and wider community for accessible, high-quality dining that doubles as a social hub. Square Gardens, with its focus on community and investment in the local area, felt like the natural fit, Deena says.
John Clegg, Head of Property Management at Downing, said: “From the outset, Square Gardens has been about creating a neighbourhood with its own identity – somewhere people actively choose to spend time throughout the day. Yaowarat brings exactly that sense of character, offering something genuinely new to Manchester, from authentic early-morning dining through to evening performances and community events.
“Their focus on independent culture, student employment and social connection aligns closely with our vision for Square Gardens as a lively, inclusive place that supports local talent and encourages people to come together. We’re delighted to welcome them and look forward to seeing the space come to life.”
Yaowarat is expected to open in summer 2026. For updates, follow @yaowarat_mcr on Instagram.
Get the latest news to your inbox
Get the latest food & drink news and exclusive offers by email by signing up to our mailing list. This is one of the ways that Confidentials remains free to our readers and by signing up you help support our high quality, impartial and knowledgable writers. Thank you!
Join our WhatsApp group
You can also get regular updates on news, exclusives and offers by joining the Manchester Confidential WhatsApp group.
