Manchester wakes up this weekend. But where will you be going?
It’s a big decision – choosing the first place to visit after lockdown. But it’s worth approaching with the same sort of mentality you had on any pre-quarantine weekend: What sort of flavours do you fancy?
We’ve broken down the list of reopened Manchester venues into categories, so you can settle on the right spot regardless of whether you’re craving a cocktail, burger or bottle of fancy wine.
Remember that many venues require bookings as table service is compulsory – so be sure to act fast and reserve a seat if you want to make the most of your first day of freedom in more than three months.
Booze. That’s front and centre for many right now.
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Classy cocktails. Carefully poured craft beer. Cheap pints at the local. They’re all back this weekend. And oh, how we’ve missed them.
Here are a few of the top spots in the city that are serving again from July 4. There’s also a welcome return for the best coffee houses – which could help sort out that sore head come Sunday.
Lucky back garden owners got to enjoy a few banging BBQs over the course of an unseasonably sweltering spring this year. But now normality has been restored and Manchester is wet once again.
If you’ve already forgotten what great summer grub tastes like, there’s a few spots in town where you can rediscover those flavours in all their glory.
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Almost Famous – booking required. Get a table here.
All Star Lanes – booking required (terrace available). Get a table here.
Hard Rock Cafe – booking required. Get a table here.
Hatch – no booking required.
Luck, Lust, Liquor & Burn – booking required. Get a table here.
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Pizza & Pasta
Crazy Pedro’s
We’re inundated with top-quality Italian food venues in Manchester. Genuinely spoiled for choice.
Several of them have confirmed they’re ready to return from July 4, too – offering diners delicious dollops of cheese piled high on Instagram-worthy plates.
This one is going to give you a selection headache…
Ciaooo Pizzeria – booking required. Learn more here.
Fine cuts of meat. Fantastic fish. Crispy fried chicken. These are surefire solutions to satisfy your tastebuds with the treat they deserve after three long months of home cooking.
There’s a number of seafood restaurants and grill houses restaurants flinging open their doors this weekend – and demand is already surging, unsurprisingly.
Here are a few places where you can still reserve a seat.
We’ve had our fair share of Chinese and Indian takeaways during lockdown.
But guzzling sauce out of Tupperware boxes half-drunk in front of the tele just isn’t quite the same as tucking into a first-class meal at an elegant restaurant.
Here’s where you can head this weekend to taste some amazing Asian-style cooking.
The Manc is helping local businesses and venues get back on their feet after lockdown with our #BuzzingToBeBack campaign – offering as much support and exposure for Manchester hospitality as possible. Read more about what we’re doing for the industry here.
Vanilli’s – the Manchester bakery and dessert spot that has carried on the tradition of an old Italian favourite
Danny Jones
Vanilli’s Cake Company is one of those names whose reach extends far and wide, with a history that goes way back into the past, and a deeper Greater Manchester heritage than you can imagine.
It’s one almost as rich as the desserts they’ve been making across the city centre and beyond for decades, but it also begins back in Italy.
Formerly San Marco Products, a fellow cult-favourite bakery, suppliers and catering company from way back, owner Sapna Kumar took over their old premises on Crown Industrial Estate over in Ancoats more than six years ago, and has been carrying on their sweet treat traditions ever since.
The difference these days is that it’s gone from more of an Italian ‘pasticceria’ to a Mancunian bakery with both local and Indian roots.
Born out of pregnancy cravings ahead of her third child, ironically, Vanilli’s Cake Co. went from an unfortunately timed passion project conceived on the cusp of the pandemic to a mainstay of Greater Manchester and North West markets and now part of a mini Manc empire in the making.
After taking control of the old commercial premises back in 2020, their understated but impressively high-output unit still has lots of regulars in the know coming in for the good stuff, but still operates somewhat under the radar.
Maybe that’s part of the reason their quality control has remained at such a high level: although they provide to plenty of vendors all across the city and wider region, they’ve never overextended themselves to the point that even the slightest of standards slips.
If you’ve met Sapna before – the charismatic matriarch behind this brand and others like spin-off Cake Bar Co. and most recently, Punjabee – you’ll know that she doesn’t do anything by half measures.
And yes, there are Vanilli’s desserts on sale here, too.
A familiar face at the likes of Foodie Friday and various other street food stalls across the 10 boroughs and even further afield, she’s been doing some of these events since the very outset.
Sadly, without going into too much detail, she admits that there have been instances where her generosity has been “taken advantage of on more than one occasion”, but they will never stop her continuing to offer a helping hand.
The difference this time, however, is that she’s not simply putting others before herself all the time anymore; the Manc mum who’s played mother to many through her work over the years is finally shouting about herself and her unsung but nevertheless dedicated and talented team more.
And not just a little bit, either (no half measures, remember?) – she proudly proclaims that not only does Vanilli’s serve up some of the most authentic traditional recipes, but she happily lays claim to whipping up “the best Manchester tart” you’ll find anywhere.
As for this location, specifically, she simply wants to give people like you a reminder that it’s been there for more than 30 years at this point
She’s also looking to rebuild support throughout the community by teaming up with local brands and creators moving forward. Again, it’s about time she finally got on the receiving end of ‘You scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours’, which sounds like it’s long overdue.
Having recently put on a speciality spread for us, showcasing not only the classic but some fresh new ideas and creative takes on familiar, we can assure you some very delicious things are coming from Vanilli’s throughout the rest of 2026.
So, if like Sapna, you love “indulging in the sweeter side of life”, give a Vanilli’s cake, pastry or one of their other tasty desserts soon.
Find all of these and more at Unit 8, Crown Industrial, Poland Street, M4 6BN. (Credit: The Manc)
All the restaurants, bars and cafes opening in Stockport’s brand-new neighbourhood, Weir Mill
Daisy Jackson
Weir Mill is quickly shaping up to be one of Stockport’s hottest new hangouts.
Capital & Centric’s £60m transformation of the historic riverside mill isn’t just bringing 253 new homes to the town centre – the developers are planning to pack the new neighbourhood with independent places to eat, drink, and spend time.
Set beneath the iconic viaduct and overlooking the River Mersey, the development is swapping spinning mules for Sunday roasts, cocktails, books and buzzing bars.
With a string of exciting independents now confirmed, here’s a list of the restaurants and bars coming to Stockport’s Weir Mill.
1. Social Osteria
Social Osteria is opening at Weir Mill in Stockport
If your ideal evening involves a plate of fresh pasta, a crisp glass of wine, and nattering over dessert with friends, Social Osteria might be your new favourite spot.
The team behind Poynton’s award-winning Social Trattoria are opening a brand-new Italian concept inside Weir Mill, serving fresh pizzas, homemade pasta, small plates and plenty of aperitivos.
Inspired by the traditional Italian osteria, the focus is on simple food done really well in a relaxed setting where nobody’s rushing you out of the door.
The restaurant itself sounds just as appealing as the menu. It’ll make the most of Weir Mill’s industrial heritage with exposed brickwork, vaulted ceilings and even an original kiln still in place, while outside there’s riverside seating that’s practically made for sunny afternoons with a spritz in hand.
2. The Jane Eyre
The Jane Eyre Sunday roast. Credit: The Manc GroupThe Jane Eyre bar and restaurant in Chorlton. Credit; The Manc Group
Already a favourite in Manchester, The Jane Eyre is making the move to Stockport with a neighbourhood bar and restaurant that promises to be as cosy as it is stylish.
Think candlelit tables, warm lighting, mid-century interiors and a soundtrack that carries you from an after-work drink into a full evening out. On the menu will be simple cocktails, local beers, carefully chosen wines and sharing plates, alongside what the team hopes will become one of Stockport’s must-try Sunday roasts.
The team say creating atmosphere is just as important as creating great food, making this the sort of place you’ll pop into for one drink… and somehow still be there three hours later.
3. Bodega Wine Bar
Bodega Wine Bar is coming to Weir Mill. Credit: Supplied
Wine bars have had a bit of a glow-up in recent years, and Bodega is bringing that laid-back European vibe to Stockport.
Expect natural wines, low-intervention bottles, cold lager on tap, generous sharing boards and shelves stocked with bottles you won’t find in your local supermarket. It’s designed to feel relaxed rather than intimidating, whether you’re a wine enthusiast or just fancy a decent glass after work.
The real talking point, though, is the Cellar Club. Members can store their own wine collection inside Weir Mill’s restored Engine Room and have bottles served whenever they visit for a small corkage fee.
Whether you’re squirrelling away supermarket bargains or something a bit more special, it’s a clever twist that’s set to make Bodega unlike anywhere else in the UK.
4. Prologue
Early artist impressions of Prologue in Stockport
Bookshops are having a moment, and Prologue wants to prove they’re about far more than simply buying books.
Created by the team behind Bramhall favourite Simply Books, the new space combines bookshelves with a café, wine bar and packed events programme. Pop in for your morning coffee and pastry, browse the latest releases over lunch or settle in with a glass of wine later in the evening.
Author talks, book clubs, comedy nights, live music, writing workshops and language classes are all planned, making Prologue feel more like a community living room than your average bookshop.
5. Rita Ray’s
A sports bar dedicated to women’s sports is opening in Stockport. Credit: Capital & Centric
Perhaps the most unique arrival at Weir Mill is Rita Ray’s, set to become the North’s first women’s-led sports bar.
Created by founder Becky Brown, the venue will champion women’s sport while keeping everything people love about a great sports bar: big screens, lively crowds, good drinks and plenty of atmosphere.
Importantly, it’s designed for everyone, whether you’re a lifelong football fan or simply looking for somewhere friendly to meet up.
Away from matchdays, Rita Ray’s will keep the calendar busy with run clubs, fitness classes, quiz nights, book clubs and community events. By day it’ll be family-friendly, before transforming into a lively social spot once the evening rolls around.
Weir Mill is officially set to open later this month.
The Manc -
2nd July 2020 
