It’s been a long time coming, but non-essential retail, gyms, hairdressers, and a raft of other venues are welcoming customers back through their doors, and crucially for the city’s foodies, of course, this means that pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants can reopen for outdoor service only for the first time in three months.
Eager to get back to business, many venues began taking bookings for reopening once the roadmap was first announced.
Others have instead opted for a walk-in service only however, which is great news for those who didn’t plan ahead of time, so don’t worry if you didn’t manage to bag a booking at your favourite local hangout, Manchester city centre is filled with places that are still serving.
Here’s everything you need to know.
ADVERTISEMENT
___
The Alchemist
Spinningfields
ADVERTISEMENT
The Alchemist in Spinningfields has made the decision to reopen for walk-ins only until 17th May, and you can find menus, opening times and more information via the website here.
Almost Famous
Northern Quarter
Almost Famous in the Northern Quarter has made the decision to reopen for walk-ins only, and you can find menus, opening times and more information via the website here.
ADVERTISEMENT
Alvarium
Northern Quarter
The Northern Quarter’s vegan-friendly kitchen and bar Alvarium has made the decision to reopen for walk-ins only until 17th May, and you can find menus, opening times and more information via the website here.
Atlas Bar
Deansgate
Situated in the railway arches of Deansgate, Atlas Bar – which has been a Manchester icon for two decades – has made the decision to reopen for walk-ins only, and you can find menus, opening times and more information via the website here.
Bay Horse Tavern
Northern Quarter
ADVERTISEMENT
Popular Northern Quarter hangout Bay Horse Tavern has made the decision to reopen for walk-ins on a first-come-first-served basis until 17th May, and you can find menus, opening times and more information via the website here.
Black Milk
Northern Quarter
Those with a sweet tooth will be glad to hear that Black Milk has made the decision to reopen for walk-ins from this week, and you can find menus, opening times and more information via the website here.
Birria Brothers Tacos
Northern Quarter
Based at popular eatery The Koffee Pot in the Northern Quarter for the foreseeable, Birria Brothers Tacos has made the decision to reopen for walk-ins from this week, and you can find menus, opening times and more information on Instagram here.
ADVERTISEMENT
Bunny Jacksons
First Street
Bunny Jacksons has recently expanded its outdoor seating area in preparation for reopening, and has made the decision to reopen for walk-ins only from this week. You can find menus, opening times and more information via the website here.
While bookings are still being taken, this vibrant neighbourhood eatery in the heart of Ancoats has still made the decision to hold back a number of tables for walk-ins, so you can find menus, opening times and more information via the website here.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Crown & Kettle
Ancoats
This popular Ancoats pub has been teasing brand new heated and covered terraces at both the front and back on social media in recent weeks, and has made the decision to reopen for walk-ins, so you can find menus, opening times and more information via the website here.
Cane and Grain
Northern Quarter
Another one of the Northern Quarter’s most popular hangouts, Cane and Grain has made the decision to reopen for walk-ins on a first-come-first-served basis, and you can find menus, opening times and more information via the website here.
This much-loved breakfast and brunch spot on the edge of the Northern Quarter has made the decision to reopen for walk-ins from this week, and you can find menus, opening times and more information via the website here.
Ciaoooo Pizzeria
Northern Quarter
One of Manchester’s most beloved Neapolitan pizzerias, Caiooo, has made the decision to continue with its popular takeaway service and only reopen for walk-ins as and when the weather allows.
You can find menus, opening times and more information on Instagram here.
Common
Northern Quarter
ADVERTISEMENT
After a successful summer and pizza takeaway service throughout lockdown, Common has made the decision to reopen its popular Northern Quarter site for walk-ins from this week, and you can find menus, opening times and more information on the website here.
Corn Exchange
The following eateries are reopening for walk-ins in the Corn Exchange, and you can find menus, opening times and more information for each place on the website here:
Banyan
The Cosy Club
Salvi’s
Zizzi
Vapiano
Dehli House Cafe
Crown and Anchor
Northern Quarter
On the corner of Port Street and Tib Street in the heart of the Northern Quarter, Crown and Anchor has made the decision to reopen for walk-ins at its newly-refurbished outdoor seating area.
You can find menus, opening times and more information on the website here.
ADVERTISEMENT
Cutting Room Square
The following pubs, bars and restaurants are reopening for walk-ins at Anocats’ popular Cutting Room Square, and you can find menus, opening times and more information via the website for each place.
Jane Eyre
Canto
Nam
Elnecot
Second City
Dukes 92
Castlefield
Only taking reservations for its covered areas, Castlefield’s finest Dukes 92 has made the decision to leave the rest of its large outdoor seating area for walk-ins only from this week, so you can find menus, opening times and more information via the website here.
Ducie Street Warehouse
Northern Quarter
A brand new “all day dining and drinking” outdoor terrace is opening up at Ducie Street Warehouse this week, and while bookings are being taken, walk-in service is also expected, so you can find menus, opening times and more information via the website here.
ADVERTISEMENT
You can also find more information about some of the events happening here.
Edinburgh Castle
Ancoats
To continue to serve the residents of Ancoats with “exceptional food and drink”, Edinburgh Castle has made the decision to reopen for walk-ins from this week, and you can find menus, opening times and more information on the website here.
Feel Good Club
Northern Quarter
The Northern Quarter’s mental health and wellness cafe has made the decision to reopen for walk-ins at its new outdoor seating area from this week, and you can find menus, opening times and more information on the website here.
ADVERTISEMENT
Hatch
Oxford Road
Award-winning food, drink and retail destination, Hatch, may already be booked up, but has kept 50% of its tables back for walk-ins only from this week, so you can find menus, opening times and more information on the website here.
Impossible MCR
Great Northern
While Impossible is currently booked up at the weekends for the foreseeable, there is still availability for walk-ins during the week and potentially on Sunday, so you can find menus, opening times and more information on the website here.
Hatch MCRThe Oast House
The Lawn Club
Spinningfields
ADVERTISEMENT
After expanding its outdoor seating area ahead of reopening, The Lawn Club has made the decision to allow walk-ins from this week, so you can find menus, opening times and more information on the website here.
The Oast House
Spinningfields
Undoubtedly one of Spinningfields’ most-sought-after sun traps, The Oast House has held a portion of its tables back for walk-ins only from this week, so you can find menus, opening times and more information on the website here.
Port Street Beer House
Northern Quarter
With only a handful of outdoor tables available, the popular Port Street Beer House has made the decision to keep them for walk-ins only from this week, and you can find menus, opening times and more information on the website here.
ADVERTISEMENT
Rudy’s
Peter Street & Ancoats
If it’s traditional Neapolitan pizza you’re after, Rudy’s has held back 50% of its tables at both the Peter Street and Ancoats restaurants for walk-ins only from this week, so you can find menus, opening times and more information on the website here.
SEVEN BRO7HERS
Middlewood Locks & Ancoats
SEVEN BRO7HERS in both Middlewood Locks and Ancoats are reopening for walk-ins from this week, with tables available daily, so you can find menus, opening times and more information on the website here.
Siop Shop
Northern Quarter
ADVERTISEMENT
Serving up coffee, doughnuts and more, Siop Shop has made the decision to offer a collection of outdoor tables for walk-ins only on a first-come-first-served basis from this week, so you can find menus, opening times and more information on the website here.
Shambles Square
The Old Wellington & Sinclair’s Oyster Bar
Two of Manchester city centre’s most historic and popular pubs, both the outdoor seating areas at The Old Wellington and Sinclair’s Oyster Bar are reopening for walk-ins only from this week, so you can find menus, opening times and more information on the website here.
The Shack Bar & Grill
Northern Quarter
The Shack Bar & Grill has a brand new outdoor seating area at its High Street site, and is keeping tables free for walk-ins every weekend, so you can find menus, opening times and more information on the website here.
Tampopo
Corn Exchange & Albert Square
Tampopo has opened up new outdoor seating areas at both the Corn Exchange and Albert Square sites, with tables free for walk-in throughout the week, so you can find menus, opening times and more information on the website here.
Trove
Ancoats
Popular Ancoats cafe Trove has also opened up a new outdoor seating area and will be accepting walk-ins throughout the week, so you can find menus, opening times and more information on the website here.
The Wharf
Castlefield
Another one of Castlefield’s most popular pubs with a large outdoor seating area, The Wharf has made the decision to reopen for walk-ins from this week, and you can find menus, opening times and more information on the website here.
Beloved Northern Quarter bar and restaurant Wolf At The Door has confirmed it will be opening for walk-ins only from this week, and you can find menus, opening times and more information on the website here.
Yard & Coop
Northern Quarter
Alongside bookings, popular chicken restaurant Yard & Coop has held back 50% of tables at its Northern Quarter site for walk-ins from this week, so you can find menus, opening times and more information on the website here.
YES
Charles Street
YES Manchester has made the decision to hold all tables back and reopen for walk-ins only from this week, so you can find menus, opening times and more information via the website here.
20 Stories
Spinningfields
20 Stories has been taking bookings ahead of reopening, but has also made the decision to hold tables back for walk-in services at its cocktail terrace from this week, so you can find menus, opening times and more information via the website here.
Food & Drink
Romantic bars and restaurants in Manchester that are perfect for Valentine’s Day
The Manc
With Valentine’s Day in Manchester fast approaching, the city’s restaurants and bars are turning on the charm to create some seriously romantic settings.
With so many great restaurants, if you’re looking to take your other half out to eat you are quite literally spoilt for choice.
For those lost in a sea of menus and wondering where to book, we thought we’d help make things a little bit easier by recommending some of our favourite romantic restaurants in Manchester and a few other popular date night spots to help get you started.
Keep reading to discover our top picks for where to take your date in Manchester this Valentine’s Day.
Chotto Matte, St Michael’s
Chotto MatteCocktails with a view
Manchester is climbing ever-higher, and so is the calibre of its restaurant – enter one of the city’s newest spots, Chotto Matte.
For a real get-dressed-up-to-the-nines date night, you could do a lot worse than this lavish newcomer, which has a menu of Nikkei dishes and some of the best views in town.
The restaurant space itself wraps around the new St Michael’s building, with views right over the Town Hall on one side and the city skyline on the others.
Circolo Popolare, St Michael’s
Inside Circolo PopolareA giant lemon meringue pie
You may not quite have the budget to whisk your loved one off to Sicily at this short notice, but there’s a restaurant in Manchester that’s trying its best to bring that magic to town.
Circolo Popolare opened last year from the Big Mamma Group, serving authentic and hearty Italian dishes and a gravity-defying lemon meringue pie, too.
It’s got to be one of the most opulent interiors in the city – there are ceilings draped in jasmine, thousands of vintage booze bottles, hand-painted crockery and more.
Blacklock, Peter Street
Blacklock’s cocktail trolley which roams their Manchester restaurant. Credit: The Manc Group
You might not immediately think gorging yourself on red meat is the most romantic way to woo your loved one – but Blacklock proves you wrong.
This cosy basement restaurant is all about top-grade meat, affordable cocktails, and its legendary white chocolate cheesecake scooped straight from the dish and dolloped onto your plate.
It’s a more laid-back date night spot for those who like ‘hearty fare and rowdy comfort’.
Opened by the team behind the Michelin-recommended Corvena in Chester, it boasts a stunning wine list (the name nods to the importance of weather in creating incredible wines) as well as some reportedly ‘genius’ dishes on its menu.
Serving a mixture of small and large plates, it also has one of the best panoramic views of the city skyline – looking down across Manchester from the restaurant’s perch on Blackfriars, especially at sunset, is pretty romantic.
Hawksmoor Hawksmoor Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group
Not many London brands successfully make the move up to Manchester, but one that has done it with aplomb is premium British steakhouse Hawksmoor.
It’s pricey but worth it, with a stunning wood-panelled cocktail bar available next to the restaurant to help you get your date off to a flying start.
Serving the very best dry-aged beef, sustainable seafood and seasonal farm produce from the UK, steaks come out beautifully blackened and charred thanks to its Josper grill whilst sides are indulgent (typically laden with rich cheese, nutmeg and cream).
The aforementioned cocktail list is excellent, as is the wine list. All around a 10/10 spot with friendly service to boot.
The Sparrows, Green Quarter
Mix and match pierogi at The Sparrows. / Image: The Manc Eats
The Sparrows signature dish, spatzle. / Image: The Manc Eats
One of the best restaurants in Manchester by a long shot, it is run by a married couple – with Polish-born Kasia Hitchcock positioned out front and her chef-partner Franco Concli working away busily in the back.
Spatzle (pictured above) is the house specialty, said to mirror sparrows in flight – hence the restaurant’s name. It’s best eaten with a simple sauce of butter and sage, but there are numerous sauce options – plus countless European dumplings, a fine sake selection and an organic wine list.
The hushed, sleek interiors, meanwhile, will have you convinced you’re somewhere in New York – not on the back streets of the Green Quarter.
With sultry low lighting, quality cocktails, £1 oysters and plenty of tucked-away seating spread over three floors, 10 Tib Lane could’ve been made for date night.
Serving a tantalising small plates menu alongside some beautiful low-intervention wines, its Cumbrae oysters with mignonette are a must-order to get your date night going.
Followed up with the likes of steak tartare, lamb sweetbreads, duck in port sauce, bone marrow and pommes anna, and charred hispi cabbage in shallot sauce, foodies should be in absolute heaven.
Erst, Ancoats
Erst has just earned itself a Michelin Bib Gourmand, a prestigious honour that recognises exceptional cooking but still at great affordable prices.
Open Tuesday to Saturday, with its concrete floors and relatively sparse settings, it’s the food here more than the restaurant’s decor that makes Erst so romantic.
A love of fermentation and pickling has clearly passed from one sibling’s kitchen into another. Plates here are ordered to share, with a list of around a dozen to choose from.
Each designed simply to showcase the natural flavours of the produce, order as many as you can muster then tuck in with a good bottle of natural wine on the side.
Bar San Juan, Chorlton
Image: The Manc Eats
Image: The Manc Eats
This teeny tiny tapas bar in Chorlton is a treasured local gem, and for good reason.
Named Manchester’s Neighbourhood Venue of the Year at the 2022 Manchester Food and Drink Awards, this cosy little slice of Spain on Beech Road is as unassuming as it is full of European charm.
From the warmth of San Juan’s staff, for whom nothing is too much trouble, to its impeccable dishes, it’s easy to see how this cosy neighbourhood spot is so beloved. If you’re after an intimate date with top-notch food, you cannot go wrong here.
Inside Ornella’s Italian restaurant in Denton. Credit: The Manc GroupOrnella’s Kitchen has teased a new restaurant
Home to some of the best pasta in Greater Manchester, you do have to schlep all the way out to Denton for it – but if incredible Italian food is part of your partner’s love language then trust us, it’ll be worth it.
By day, Ornella’s is very much a tiny deli cafe with room for just 12 diners at once. By night, the combination of the small space, low lighting and mouthwatering dishes make it a pasta lover’s paradise.
Dish-wise, think plump lobster ravioli, butter-drenched crispy sage and hazelnut spinach ricotta ravioli, and carbonara bucatini liberally doused in pepper and egg yolk, with crisp flecks of guanciale on top – all freshly made on-site by hand that day.
Sitting right on the waterside next to Ancoats Marina, if good wine and small plates is your love language then Flawd is an absolute must visit – even if you just pop in for a glass before heading on for a swanky dinner elsewhere.
With views across the water, you’ll find a knowledgeable team pouring gorgeous low intervention wines in a casual but romantic, laid-back setting that feels more European than Manchester usually does.
Plates comes from acclaimed chef Joseph Otway, using their own organic produce grown on the team’s sustainable farm Cinderwood Market Garden in Cheshire.
Sterling, Spring Gardens
Nestled in an old bank vault in the basement of Gary Neville’s Stock Exchange Hotel, this swanky bar from the accomplished Schofield brothers oozes charm and seduction.
With dark wood panneled walls, low lighting, sensory cocktails and table service, plus small plates to keep you going through the drinks, it’s a great place to enjoy some romantic drinks on a date – and there are even hotel rooms upstairs.
20 Stories, Spinningfields
It feels like this Spinningfields rooftop restaurant needs no introduction at this point, but we’re going to do it anyway.
A glamorous establishment with a huge, heated outdoor terrace, it sits right at the top of the No.1 Spinningfields building overlooking the swanky glass towers of the business district from its position on high.
Long favoured for romantic date night thanks to its breathtaking views of the Manchester skyline, this swanky restaurant’s menu is not to be sniffed at either with a selection of delicious modern British dishes on offer.
Evelyn’s and The Daisy, Northern Quarter
The DaisyEvelyn’s in the Northern Quarter
If you’re after more of a laid-back eatery with a casual setting, Evelyn’s is a great choice – offering a mixed menu of small plates that can be ordered to share or larger ones to enjoy alone.
A popular Manchester cafe by day, at night it comes alive in a whole new way, the restaurant lit up romantically with plants trailing down from hangers above your head.
Evelyn’s also boasts a ‘secret’ bar below, The Daisy, where you can sneak off with your date afterward to enjoy a few cocktails (or wines) in a romantic setting.
El Gato Negro, King Street
This AA Rosette and Michelin-recommended restaurant on King Street is a fail-safe date option in our (humble) opinion.
Serving up a mix of tapas dishes split into sections like fish and shellfish, meat, charcuterie, vegetables and para picar, tuck into the likes of Catalan bread, Padron peppers, salt cod croquettas and Morcilla scotch eggs.
Alongside a great wine and cocktail list, El Gato is also known for its sherry and vermouth selection – and both make a great complement to this style of dining.
For an ultra-romantic twist, if you love the idea of having a bit of theatre whilst you eat you can opt to sit at the chef’s table which faces directly into the kitchen.
Dishoom, Bridge Street
If you ask us, romance doesn’t have to be all white tablecloths and rose petals – sometimes it’s more fun to get stuck in and share a curry with your loved one.
Since it opened in Manchester with queues out the door, Dishoom has remained one of the city’s most popular curry houses whilst maintaining an elusive, sultry feel – thanks, in part, to its setting within the city’s stunning former Masonic Hall.
Nestle up in one of its many beautiful corners on Valentine’s Day, with walk-ins always welcome.
Where’s your favourite romantic restaurant in Manchester? Let us know via Instagram at @themanceats.
Featured image: The Manc Group
Food & Drink
Cult burger brand Burgerism opens first eat-in city centre restaurant on Piccadilly Gardens
Daisy Jackson
Burgerism is opening the doors to its first city centre eat-in restaurant this week, right in the middle of Manchester on Piccadilly Gardens.
The iconic burger brand, which started life as a dark kitchen off an industrial estate in Salford, is now almost ready to welcome fans into its first Manchester city centre location.
Set to open tomorrow – Wednesday 11 February – Burgerism will be serving up their signature smash burgers from a new flagship location.
And they’re doing 30% off the full menu during its opening soft launch period.
The new Burgerism site will have a relaxed walk-in-only dining experience with 22 covers, as well as takeaway, across a 1,000 sq ft space at One Piccadilly.
You’ll be able to order your food at the counter, via self-service kiosks, or through click-and-collect on the Burgerism website.
Highlights on the menu will, as always, include the fan-favourite Cheesed (two smashed patties, cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickle, onion and the brand’s signature sauce, served in a seeded brioche bun), as well as a range of chicken burgers, fries, and wings.
Inside Burgerism at Piccadilly GardensBurgerism founder Mark Murphy
The Piccadilly Gardens opening will be the fifth Burgerism site following its four openings elsewhere in Greater Manchester.
Mark Murphy, CEO and Co-Founder of Burgerism, commented: “The growth of Burgerism has always been very organic – we don’t follow the rules and we obsess over the details, even if that means we move more slowly.
“We’d rather get things right than rush it. So our arrival at Piccadilly Gardens is a big moment for us – and one that feels right. We’re excited to make Burgerism more accessible to the people who already know and love it, while opening the door to new fans too!
“We’ve stayed true to our values from day one, and this restaurant is no different. Same food, same ethos, same energy – just a brand new setting. We’re excited to open the doors with our 30% off deal during our opening week and welcome people into the space.”
Burgerism, One Piccadilly, will open on 11 February.
Emily Sergeant -
22nd April 2021 
