Another month, another round of new openings – and there’s plenty to get stuck into.
Whether you’re into glitzy late-night hang outs, casual dining turnarounds or award-winning burritos, let’s just say there’s something on the list for you this October.
From the brand new Shogun Ramen and Bar, which sees beloved Chorlton restaurant Peck & Yard give it ‘one more shot’ with a ramen and sushi concept, to Mayfair celeb haunt Mnky Hse, keep reading to discover where to put on your list this month.
Shogun Ramen and Bar
Fans and staff alike were heartbroken when Chorlton restaurant Peck & Yard announced it was closing its doors for good in August, so we’re all happy to see the team return under a new guise.
Switching from baskets of fried chicken to steaming bowls of ramen and handrolled sushi, bosses will try something entirely new as they delve into the world of Japanese cuisine.
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The concept is something they had originally considered before opening Peck & Yard, and they said that “with the times we’re in” they thought “why not go back to the original idea and give this one last shot”.
Soft launch 1 October from 5pm, open from 6 October.
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Mnky Hse
Late-night bar and restaurant Mnky Hse (pronounced “monkey house”) is set to be taking over a space in Lloyd House this month.
First opened in Mayfair, London, in 2016, it will be the second UK site for the restaurant and its first in the north of England when it opens its doors this September.
Known for its ‘hidden entrance’, Instagram-friendly interiors, live music, extensive cocktail menu and Latin American dishes, here you’ll find a great range of tacos – both soft and crunchy – alongside a range of sushi, ceviche and grill dishes.
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14 October
Tortilla, Oxford Road
Mexican food chain Tortilla has arrived in Manchester, bringing a new burrito shop to the Oxford Road student stretch this month.
Offering a range of award-winning burritos, nachos and tacos, you’ll also find quesadillas, chips and salsa, salad bowls and more on the menu.
The most hyped brunch restaurant in the city is opening a third site at the Circle Square development on Oxford Road at the end of this month.
With a later license allowing it to stay open longer and serve cocktails, beers and natural wines into the night, Federal Cafe & Bar will look to host occassional events at its new home
Plans for the new site include a new cafe set up, the addition of a corner shop, as well as a late alcohol license.
A new arrival in Longridge, Fell Bistro comes from former Masterchef the Professional finalist Oli Martin who previously spent eight years at four AA rosette restaurant Hipping Hall.
With head chef Rikki Hughes, previousl of Tom Kerridge’s Michelin pub The Hand and Flowers in Marlow, heading up the kitchen we expect great things.
The menu offers a selection of classic dishes with their wood fired oven and grill featuring prominently. Elsewhere, find hearty Sunday lunches and light bites.
Open now
Bread and Bowl, Spinningfields
There are carb overloads, and then there is Bread & Bowls‘ Full English breakfast in a hollowed-out loaf.
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First launched in February 2020, these ginormous loaves of sourdough – stuffed with fry-up favourites like high-grade local sausages, crispy streaky bacon, beans, cheese, mushrooms, grilled tomatoes and hash browns – became something of a hungover lockdown sensation.
Now, you can find them at the new Spinningfields coffee shop 92 Degrees, housed inside the no.1 Spinningfields building Served between 8am and 4pm every day.
Open now
Bold Street Coffee, Oxford Road
Liverpool-born Bold Street Coffee has just opened its second shop here in the space of a few months.
Moving into the universities territory, the new site is found at University Green just off Oxford Road.
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Serving the same menu as its Cross Street site, head down for egg boxes, signature BSC frys, and hearty bowls of super porridge and granola.
Open now
Feature image – Federal / Tortilla / The Manc Eats
The Guides
A guide to the brand-new Co-op Live Arena: drinks prices, how to get there, capacity and more
Danny Jones
The brand spanking new Co-op Live Arena finally opens this week and while it might be a touch later than expected, it’s still a huge deal for Manchester and the region as a whole.
While the inaugural pair of shows by British comedy legend Peter Kay might have been postponed due to unexpected power supply problems, that’s exactly what test events are for and Co-Op Live is still due to open its doors to the public later this Saturday as they welcome The Black Keys.
Boasting a jam-packed and ambitious programme already, with shows lined up well into 2025, there’s a lot to take in and as always with new venues, it can be helpful to know all the important details before your first visit – and we’re all in that boat in this case.
But don’t worry, we’ve got you sorted with a whirlwind guide to the Co-op Live.
Everything you need to know about Co-op Live Manchester
Let’s start with why everyone’s getting so excited. Well not only is it going to become the UK’s biggest indoor entertainment venue and one of the biggest in Europe full stop, boasting a maximum capacity of 23,500 people but, like the newly opened Aviva Studios, it’s also set to bring huge revenue into the city.
All told, the total cost of the venue has clocked at approximately £365 million, making it one of the most expensive buildings to ever be erected in the region.
Attracting not only huge artists, comedians and other live acts but now even the likes of the UFC later this year, it really is poised to be an all-purpose entertainment space.
Who is Co-op Live backed by?
So who exactly is behind this huge new addition to the city? Well, there are a few big names involved, first and foremost the City Football Group (yes that one – they are neighbours after all).
Man City owner and UAE royal Sheikh Mansour has put forward the lion’s share along with the Oakview Music Group, co-founded by American music mogul and ex-Ticketmaster CEO, Irving Azoff.
Thirdly, another key investor who has played a big role in the marketing for Co-op Live, in case you haven’t already seen him in the promos, is Harry Styles.
Putting in an undisclosed amount into the building as a minority equity shareholder along with Emma Spring, co-director of his record label Erskine Records, Emma Spring, his brand alone is set to help rake in big sums for the venue.
Those drink prices…
Yep, a lot of you will have surely heard about them already and if you haven’t about Co-op Live’s drinks prices yet, you might want to sit down for this one.
As confirmed by many accounts on social media, the cheapest pints available at the flashy new arena are £8.35 for a Grolsch, with Guinness, Asahi and Salfordian brewers Seven Brothers‘ IPA all setting you back £8.95. Double pints are priced at £16.35 and £17.45.
If you’re looking to save money with bottles or cans, you’ll still be paying around seven quid and wine will cost you £8.95 or £9.25 for 187ml or 200ml servings, respectively. A bottle of vino clocks in at £35 and sprits range anywhere between £9.50 and a whopping £17.40 for a tequila. Yikes.
You’re better off sticking to a soft drink at £4.80 for a pint and that way you can still save money in case you need a bite to eat, as pies are £8.25 and you’ll have to cough up £11.50 if you want a burger. We’ll let you draw your own conclusions on this front, though we’re sure we could make an educated guess.
Seating chart and venue map
You’ll find the typical arrangement for seated events and standing gigs above but, like most modern event spaces like this, the ‘top-in-class’ venue will likely be able to shuffle into different configurations where needed.
As you can see, there a three main tiers – the ground floor standing area in the lower bowl, level one seating and the upper tier – and there are a total of 32 bars, restaurants and various lounges wrapped into the entire complex.
When it comes to how you get into the arena itself, guests are encouraged to consult their gate (A-G) allocation through their tickets on the dedicated Co-op Live app, which also includes all info regarding shows and the latest announcements from the venue.
Here’s a wider look at the lay of the land:
A rough guide to getting around Co-op Live (Credit: Supplied)
How to get to Co-op Live, parking and more
Tram
Now, as for how you’ll get to shows at Co-op Live, luckily it’s right next door to a rather famous big blue stadium and its integrated Metrolink stop.
Head along the light blue or orange lines directly to the Etihad Campus or Ashton-under-Lyne and you can get off the tram literally spitting distance from the arena. You can find the full map HERE.
Trams run frequently on the Ashton-Eccles line to the Etihad Campus stop, with services leaving every six minutes from the city centre and until 01:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.
Bus
If you want to take another new and improved arm of the Bee Network public transport system, not only is there a whole host of routes that drop you off close to the venue but there’ll also be a free shuttle bus from the city centre to and from events between 20 April-30 June 2024.
You can find the full list of bus routes HERE, with the one in closest proximity to the venue being the 53 bus which runs from Cheetham Hill through to Higher Crumpsall, Old Trafford and Pendleton, leaving just a two-minute walk to Co-op Live.
Better still, as part of Manchester City Council and TfGM embracing the new addition to the skyline, they’re also helping cover the costs of people’s journeys when using public transport.
If you’re driving, there is limited parking available at the venue but this must be pre-booked ahead of time. Parking will be released up to 4 weeks before the event and there are designated drop-off areas.
The postcode is M11 3DU and you can follow the signs towards the wider Etihad Campus as you get closer; directions to the adjacent drop-off points will also be signposted.
Keep in mind that congestion on the roads close to the Etihad Campus is expected to gather around two hours prior to any event, so if you are travelling on the road, these are the suggested times they provide come event day – though estimates will obviously vary:
Alan Turing Way (both directions): plan an additional 20 minutes into any journey by road.
Hyde Road (eastbound): expect an additional 15 minutes to be added to your journey.
Mancunian Way (westbound): plan for an extra 10 minutes of travel time.
There are also three park-and-ride facilities near Co-op Live but be advised that the Velopark and Holt Town stops will be closed post-event to help safely manage crowds:
Ashton West (Ashton line) – 184 spaces and 11 disabled spaces
Ladywell (Ashton-Eccles line) – 332 spaces and 22 disabled spaces
Walk/cycle
Lastly, it’s also just a half-hour stroll from Manchester Piccadilly and you could even walk along the canal all the way to the front door if you fancy taking the scenic route.
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Greater Manchester now also offers the option to hire bikes through the Beryl, with riders able to locate, unlock, get to their destination and then safely lock up the boke all through an easy-to-use app. There are hire points just near the south-west corner of the Etihad Stadium on Ashton New Road.
For more information on all travel options, you can check out the enhanced journey planner.
It's official, the @ufc is finally coming back to Manchester! 👊
While times will obviously change depending on the show, you can expect doors to open around the standard window between 6-7pm.
That being said, the venue is urging visitors to arrive at evening events in the main bowl no later than 9pm. As for curfew, Co-op Live gigs are due to finish by 11pm unless otherwise stated.
Accessibility info
One thing they’re taking very seriously at the Co-op Live is accessibility and after teaming up with disability charity Attitude Is Everything, you can find a full guide to access the arena HERE.
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Having installed lowered service counters, step-free access to all floors, a designated respite room, support for assistance dogs, hearing loops for those with aids/implants, ambulant seating and plenty more, they’ve got it covered so all you have to do is come along and enjoy the show.
And that just about wraps up everything we can think when it comes to what you need to know ahead of Co-op Live’s grand opening at the end of this month.
It’s set to be a world-leading venue and we can’t wait to see it lit up in its full glory when the first acts roll through the doors of big shiny black box this weekend.
Speaking of, once the action is underway, there’ll be a lot of acts coming thick and fast. It’s a new era for Manchester’s live music and entertainment scene.
What’s on at Co-op Live, Manchester’s huge new arena with packed programme of gigs and shows
Dean Hadcock
The Co-op Live finally opens its doors in April 2024 and it already has a huge list of shows planned for this year and all the way into 2025.
Manchester’s newest arena, entertainment venue and arts space, which is the largest indoor arena in the UK, is set to host some huge musicians over the next year or so.
The massive venue officially opens on 23 April, with Greater Manchester legend Peter Kay lined up for the first performance.
Then it will be the Black Keys who take the honour of being the first music act on stage – and this venue has been built with music in mind.
Take That have also signed up for a frankly ridiculous SEVEN shows – but there’s sure to be plenty more revealed in the coming months.
Here’s the full list of artists confirmed for Co-op Live thus far.
What’s on at Co-op Live – gigs, comedy shows and other events
In chronological order, here all the Co-op Live gigs on the schedule over the next two years:
Peter Kay – 23-24 April, 2024
Peter Kay has been announced as the opening act for Co-op Live Arena. Credit: Supplied
Bolton’s finest export Peter Kay will be the official opening act for the Co-op Live Arena, after selling out shows for literal years into the future at the AO Arena. He’s promised to keep tickets the same price they were when he last toured more than a decade ago too. You can get yours here.
The Black Keys – 27 April, 2024
The Black Keys. Credit: Larry Niehues
This rock duo are behind massive hits like Lonely Boy and Gold On The Ceiling, and are stopping off at the Co-op Live for a very special gig. They’ll be performing not long after they release their twelfth studio album, Ohio Players, which features collaborations with names including Noel Gallagher, Beck, Greg Kurstin, Dan “The Automator” Nakamura and more. You can get tickets here.
A Boogie Wid Da Hoodie – 1 May, 2024
Known for his collaborations with the likes of Ed Sheeran, Chris Brown and Meek Mill, rising star rapper A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie will be one of the very first to perform at the Co-op Live. He’s on his way to being one of the biggest names in hip-hop.
Olivia Rodrigo — 3-4 May, 2024
Olivia will be hitting up Manchester during her GUTS World Tour. It’s in support of her second album of the same name, which was released back in September. The last time she was in Manchester, fans were shocked to see her casually singing and having a drink in Bunny Jackson’s after the show. Let’s see where she ends up post-gig this time in May.
Keane – 5 May, 2024
They’re back and they’re celebrating 20 years since their landmark debut album Hopes and Fears. They’ll be playing songs from throughout their career, performing the best of the best and to make things even better, they’ll also have support from Manchester’s own, The Lathums.
As if this wasn’t joyous news enough, wait until you see the supports… 👀
Somewhere Only We Know is going to sound magnificent in here.
Take That — 7, 8, 10, 11, 12 May AND 11-12 June (wow…)
They announced a new tour alongside the announcement of their ninth studio album, This Life. We obviously thought these big hitters would be doing a couple of shows here but no one expected their return to involve them ramming seven massive Manchester Co-op Live shows down our throats — not that we’re complaining.
We were going to do the ‘four naan, Jeremy?’ meme but they just kept adding dates…
Elbow – 14 May, 2024
It’s hard to believe Elbow have been going since 1997 since it wasn’t until 2008 they brought out their magnum opus The Seldom Seen Kid. Now here they are about to head on their first arena tour since 2018, celebration their tenth album, due for release early in the year.
Eric Clapton – 18 May, 2024
Adding one last show in Manchester to his UK tour, this is Clapton’s first performance here in over a decade. Expect him to be performing all his classics like ‘Tears In Heaven’ and ‘Layla’, as well as reminding everyone why he’s still at it so many years later.
With a huge legacy that includes multiple awards including a GRAMMY and a Tony, as well as officially surpassing Elvis for the longest-running residency in Las Vegas, our Barry has had quite the career. As for how he intends to spend next year, at least one chapter will include him coming to the Co-op Live for an exclusive Manchester-only show.
Nicki Minaj – 24 May, 2024
Nicki Minaj is coming to Manchester’s Co-op Live on her Pink Friday 2 World Tour
The ‘Queen of Rap’ Nicki Minaj is heading to Manchester as part of the Pink Friday 2 World Tour – her largest to date. The Starships and Anaconda singer is performing in celebration of her fifth studio album and will make the Co-op Live the first stop on her European leg of the tour.
Eagles – 31 May, then 1, 4, 7 and 8 June, 2024
Legendary US rock, country and folk band the Eagles have announced their last-ever UK gigs and Manchester’s Co-op Live arena has been given the honour of bidding them a British goodbye. One of the most successful and seminal bands of the 1970s and beyond, the LA hitmakers best known for tracks like ‘Hotel California’, ‘New Kid in Town’, ‘Desperado’ and countless others, are rounding off their global Long Goodbye tour with five final shows here in Britain and our city’s newest venue. Tickets are available here.
Pet Shop Boys – 9 June, 2024
Iconic UK duo Pet Shop Boys are bringing their incredible live Dreamland show to Co-op Live in June. The show’s already received a flurry of 5-star reviews and is a celebration of all of their greatest hits.
The Smashing Pumpkins and Weezer – 13 June, 2024
Two absolutely massive names will come together to co-headline Manchester’s newest – and biggest – arena. Multi-platinum, GRAMMY® Award-winning, alternative rock pioneers, The Smashing Pumpkins and Weezer will gig alongside each other at Co-op Live.
James – 14 June, 2024
One of the longest-running Manc bands, James will be putting on a huge summer hometown show and have chosen to be one of the first artists at the Co-op Live next year to do it, with a little bit of help from Noughties icons Razorlight as support acts, no less.
Liam Gallagher is back and he’s heading out on a massive UK tour next year, with not one but THREE Manchester dates on the lineup. To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the release of Oasis’s massively influential debut album, Definitely Maybe, Liam will be embarking upon the ‘Definitely Maybe 30 Years’ arena tour in 2024.
The Killers – 18, 19, 21 and 22 June, 2024
The Killers have announced four massive arena shows here in Manchester for next summer on their Rebel Diamonds Tour. The Las Vegas indie rock legends have announced the tour to celebrate 20 years of hits together, and will release a brand new compilation album of the same name next week.
Pearl Jam – 25 June, 2024
These Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees will be another huge rock name playing the Co-op Live, bringing their Dark Matter World Tour to the city. They’ll be supported by special guests The Murder Capital.
Megan Thee Stallion – 5 July, 2024
Megan Thee Stallion announces massive Manchester gig on Hot Girl Summer Tour
Megan Thee Stallion is visiting Co-op Live as part of her 31-city world tour, called the Hot Girl Summer Tour. She’ll be heading across the US and Europe with her first-ever headline arena tour, which will feature a special Chicas Divertidas VIP section. The star will visit several major cities in the states before beginning her international leg here in the UK on 4 July.
Stevie Nicks – 9 July, 2024
Stevie Nicks has announced a Manchester gig at Co-op Live. Credit: Publicity picture
Rock legend Stevie Nicks, famed for her work with Fleetwood Mac as well as her impressive solo career, will be in town in summer. These will Stevie Nicks’ first UK shows in almost seven years, and she’ll be one of the first rock acts to perform at Manchester’s shiny new Co-op Live arena.
Kings of Leon – 10 July, 2024
Kings of Leon have announced a new run of UK shows as part of their 2024 world tour, and they’ll be coming to visit us here in Manchester. Following on from the announcement of their brand-new album, as well as a headline performance at BST Hyde Park this summer, the beloved American rock band have now revealed details of their long-awaited Can We Please Have Fun World Tour that’s kicking off later this year. Tickets are on sale here.
Justin Timberlake – 8 August
Mr Sexy Back himself is indeed back, with the so-called Prince of Pop announcing a Manchester date on the European leg of his massive The Forget Tomorrow World Tour. He’s the voice behind songs like SexyBack, Mirrors, and Trolls hit Can’t Stop The Feeling.
Arijit Singh – 11 August
India’s undisputed superstar Arijit Singh will be delivering a night of massive Bollywood hits when he arrives in Manchester this summer. The multi-award winner has become one of the most sought-after playback singers in the Indian film industry, lending his voice to numerous hit songs.
Noah Kahan – 13 August, 2024
Singer-songwriter sensation Noah Kahan is heading to the Co-op Live next summer, showing off his incredible music from three full-length albums as well as his collaborations with Hozier and Julia Michaels. He had his highest album position in the UK to date with last year’s Stick Season.
Niall Horan – 27 August, 2024
He’s already announced he’ll be playing in Manchester at the AO Arena in March. He’ll be back though after his world tour ends as he’s also announced he’ll be playing at the Co-op Live in August. With Harry Styles an investor in the new arena, One Direction reunion when?
Jonas Brothers – 12 September, 2024 (RESCHEDULED from 17 June)
They’ve been doing their own solo stuff for so long that we almost forgot they were a highly successful boy band in the 2000 and 2010s. In case you weren’t aware, they’ve been back making music together since 2019 and in May released their sixth studio album, but we’re looking forward to them playing all the hits, of course. Alexa, play ‘Burnin’ Up’…
Pop phenomenon Melanie Martinez has just announced arena gig here in Manchester as part of her The Trilogy Tour. The singer is currently performing as her alter-ego ‘Cry Baby’, which involves her wearing an other-worldly mask that transforms her into a cat-like creature with four eyes and gigantic ears.
Glass Animals – 2 November, 2024
Glass Animals have announced details of their long-awaited global tour, including a gig here in Manchester. The Grammy and BRIT-nominated British band already have three studio albums to their names and smashed into the UK Singles Chart with their biggest hit, the four-times Platinum certified Heat Waves. That song? Oh yeah, it’s just the biggest international hit from a British band in almost 30 years.
Hits Radio Live – 23 November, 2024
This night will bring together the biggest current names in music – previous years have featured Ed Sheeran, Busted, Sam Smith, Anne Marie, Lewis Capaldi, Rita Ora, Becky Hill, Tom Grennan and many, many more.
Sleep Token – 26 November, 2024
The fast-rising and genre-bending rock group Sleep Token have announced their biggest-ever headline tour in the UK and will be coming to Manchester later this year. The masked outfit is probably providing one of the most unique and sprawling sounds in the industry right now.
Charli XCX – 27 November, 2024
British singer Charli XCX has announced the tour in support of her forthcoming album BRAT, her sixth studio album. Charli XCX was discovered through Myspace way back in 2008, hitting the big time in 2012 with the release of the two-time platinum single I Love It. She went on to have huge success with tracks like Boom Clap and Doing It, as well as featuring on huge songs like ‘Fancy’ with Iggy Azalea and ‘Girls’ with Rita Ora.
Slipknot – 17 December, 2024
Heavy metal legends Slipknot will visit the Co-op Live on a massive European tour, which will celebrate 25 years since they first played on the continent. They’ll also bring Scottish heavy metal group Bleed From Within on the tour as support.
Slipknot will come to Manchester on their 2024 tour. Credit: Publicity photo
Bullet For My Valentine and Trivium – 30 January, 2025
Bullet For My Valentine and Trivium have announced a huge joint arena tour, including a date in Manchester, where they’ll be playing their respective albums in full to celebrate their 20th anniversary. Both bands will be performing at the Co-op Live arena as part of The Poisoned Ascendancy UK Tour in 2025.
Jeff Wayne’s The War of the Worlds – 6 April, 2025
Jeff Wayne’s The War of The Worlds will be coming to Manchester as part of a monumental new arena tour. The much-loved musical spectacular, based on the dark Victorian tale by H. G. Wells, will feature a 3D hologram of Liam Neeson, who recounts his story of survival from the Martian invasion of 1898.
Simply Red – 27 Sept, 2025
We don’t know what we’re doing next week, never mind in winter 2025. Mick Hucknall does though as he already has ‘playing in Manchester’ on his calendar for September 2025 to celebrate 40 years of Simply Red.
Lastly, Jason Manford was the first comedian to be announced to perform at the Co-op Live. Jason Manford fans will be beaming to see the local funny man performing on such a big stage. Unfortunately, they’ll have to wait two whole years to see him — but at least you’ve got plenty of time to sort tickets!
And that’s your lot: top acts for you to enjoy in 2024 and 2025 already with plenty more to come.
It’s been a while since we’ve had a brand new venue of this kind of size and calibre open anywhere in Greater Manchester, so we’re looking forward to seeing what it looks like in the flesh once it’s open.
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In fact, The Manc even had the pleasure of popping inside earlier this year to take a glance at how it’s coming along.