Sweary TV chef Gordon Ramsay is planning to open an enormous three-storey Lucky Cat restaurant inside the old HSBC bank on King Street, it has been revealed.
The magnificent old bank space, formerly home to Jamie’s Italian, has lain empty at ever since The Naked Chef’s restaurant company collapsed into administration back in 2019.
Now, the site finally looks set for a revival as one seasoned TV chef prepares to take over from another.
The historic building will soon become home to Lucky Cat, the latest venture from firebrand TV chef Ramsay.
Image: Lucky Cat by Gordon Ramsay
Image: Lucky Cat by Gordon Ramsay
Set to open later this year, it will evoke 1930s Tokyo drinking dens in the heart of the city’s business district with a mixture of Japanese whiskies, Asian small plates, Robata dishes and innovative cocktails.
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Elsewhere, a dedicated raw bar will serve sushi and sashimi, whilst a standalone cocktail bar will proffer a fine selection of Japanese gins and over 50 sakes, alongside wine, beer and whisky.
The shiny new Asian dining concept first opened in Mayfair, London in 2019, taking over from its Michelin-starred predecessor Maze, which had previously occupied the Grosvenor Square location for fourteen years.
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Image: Lucky Cat by Gordon Ramsay
Image: Lucky Cat by Gordon Ramsay
The Asian Eating House, known for serving a mixture of high-quality Asian small plates and Robata grilled dishes, has been quite the hit with the Mayfair crowd since its launch.
Now, Lucky Cat will venture up north, giving Mancunians a taste of Ramsay’s latest offering for the very first time.
A licensing application has been filed with Manchester City Council for our own Lucky Cat, which would see the new three-storey Asian-style bar and restaurant installed within the former HSBC bank.
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Mirroring its reputation as a ‘vibrant late-night lounge’ in the capital, it looks set to be a bit of.a party bar, with proposed opening hours from 9am to 2.30am seven days a week and music a DJ playing into the early hours.
Elsewhere, if the experience in London is to be truly mirrored up north, we can expect chef’s tables offering ‘an experiential journey’ with guests able to choose from bespoke, handwritten, seasonal menus and enjoy a little theatre as they watch their chefs at work.
The bar will also offer the provision of ‘late-night refreshment’ between the hours of 11pm and 2.30am.
Feature image – Lucky Cat by Gordon Ramsay
News
There’s a farm in Greater Manchester where you can meet Lilo and Stitch
Thomas Melia
Any fans of the Disney classic Lilo and Stitch are in luck because there’s a farm in Greater Manchester which is hosting a special meet and greet event.
Who doesn’t love a sci-fi comedy drama film, especially one where the lead character’s sidekick is none other than the adorable little blue experiment with a voice we still imitate to this day?
Originally released in 2002, the Lilo and Stitch film is receiving a live-action version in 2025 and we’re sure to fall in love with Lilo and her little blue fur ball pal over again, 23 years later.
Ahead of the new live adaptation, Cockfields Farm in Greater Manchester is hosting a meet and greet event dedicated to this huge Disney film.
This is the perfect opportunity for little ones and grown-ups alike to come and meet two of their favourite Disney characters while also getting a chance to venture around the farmland as well.
As the event is taking place at a farm, this means that the Lilo and Stitch experience won’t be the only event guests will be able to take part in; there’s also a handful of fun farm-based activities to try your hand at too.
There are tractor rides, a giant bouncy pillow and a carousel running all throughout the day for any kids looking to let off some steam.
And those after a quieter and less energetic itinerary can head on over to the cuddling corner, feed meerkats and handle some reptiles too, this farm is catering for all.
With the meet and greet experience occurring during May, meaning more chance of that gorgeous sunshine, anyone attending is also advised to come dressed in their ‘Hawaiian best’.
Lilo and Stitch are coming for a special meet and greet at Cockfields Farm in Ashton-under-Lyne on 17 and 18 May, with tickets already live HERE.
Local Olympian Keely Hodgkinson named as official starter of the 2025 Great Manchester Run
Danny Jones
One of our very own is getting ready to get thousands of racers underway as local Olympian, Keely Hodgkinson MBE, has been named as the official starter for the 2025 Great Manchester Run.
Atherton’s very own generational trackstar, who picked up gold at Paris 2024 and has earned several other medals, not to mention smashing multiple British records, will be leading the hordes of runners taking on the annual AJ Bell challenge through central Manchester next month.
We couldn’t think of anyone better suited to fly the flag for Greater Manchester.
HUGE NEWS incoming… 👀🔥
We’re super excited to announce that Olympic champion @keelyhodgkinson will be the official race starter for this year’s AJ Bell Great Manchester Run! 🏃♀️💥👏🐝 pic.twitter.com/aHHxeaMQ9p
Hyping up the news on social media, the Great Run company went on to add: “A true hometown hero, an Olympic champion, and now, kicking off Manchester’s best running party of the year – the BIGGEST in a decade! We’re proper BUZZZZZING! Let’s have it, Manchester!”
Safe to say they’re pretty ecstatic with the news, and so are we, as Keely Hodgkinson becomes the latest Team GB member to bring their pedigree to the event, following in the very fast footsteps of Sir Mo Farah, Kelly Holmes, Amir Khan and many more.
Although the 800m specialist is yet to comment on the announcement directly, the magic of getting to put the hard yards in front of a home crowd won’t be lost on her, and it goes without saying that she’ll get an unreal reception from the Manc spectators – of which there are expected to be more than 100,000.
Better yet, over 35,000 participants are set to take on the Great Manchester Run this year, therefore teeing potentially record-breaking crowds for the event.
2025 marks the 22nd edition of the event, and the atmosphere throughout the city centre, as well as out into East Manchester and Trafford, is always spectacular. There are still places left if you’re tempted…
Undoubtedly one of the very best athletes to ever come out of the underdog borough that is Wigan, whether you argue the case for old Lancashire or not, surely we can all be proud to call her a Greater Mancunian this spring, just as we did back in the summer?
Once again, it isn’t long before the annual race day kicks off as the Great Manchester Run arrives on Sunday, 18 May, with Keely Hodgkinson beckoning everyone towards their own hero moments.
There are still places left for both the 10k and half marathon distances, and now we’ve seen the medal design for this year, we might just have to sign up again ourselves.
You can find out more and decide for yourself HERE.
Georgina Pellant -
22nd August 2022 
