Brewski is continuing its Northern expansion as they have just opened a new American Pies restaurant over in Ancoats, so we decided to pop along to have a first look.
Not only the franchise’s sophomore pizza joint here in Manchester but now set to lead the American Pies brand as the original location over on Mosley Street prepares to become another new concept – as if things weren’t exciting enough already – the new site over on Cutting Room Square is a big deal.
The first thing to note right from the off is how much they’ve achieved with the space; taking over the former Second City sports bar which shut up shop back in May 2023 before spending a short stint as another pop-up pub for Euro 2024, it really has been given a whole new lease on life.
It’s fair to say the unit was never the biggest but the Brewksi team has somehow managed to transform the form into a much roomier spot that feels like a warm and welcoming mix between an Italian-American diner, a laid-back restaurant and a bar where you could quite happily just pop in for a drink.
But let’s be honest, we’re not here for that: we’re here for American Pies’ utterly unreal and over-indulgent pizzas, which already have a reputation for taking deep dish to a whole new level.
To tell the truth, things have only got bigger and better, with the menu having been redesigned to include not only their famous pizzas but some seriously naughty new mains, side dishes and starters.
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We’re talking fried chicken parms, saucy ribs and wings, a beefed-up brisket lasagne that feels straight out of the decadent imaginations of the mainline Brewksi kitchens and more.
Put simply, this isn’t just a new venue with a few more tables and chairs, it’s the concept fully brought to life and further developed into the must-try Manc foodie spot that American Pies was always on course to become.
Meaning no disrespect to its smaller predecessor by any means, we loved that place and it was also dangerously close to the office, but it also feels like they’ve nailed the atmosphere and overall mid-century modern aesthetic with this new restaurant too.
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From the exposed brick, comfy diner-style booths and checkerboard floors; nods to the OG site with the neon pizza sign, the vintage black and white city and culture shots, soft lighting, and even the highlights from classic Chicago Bulls games playing behind the bar, they’ve hit every note perfectly.
In our very humble and now extremely full opinion…
Come on, just look it – try and tell us this doesn’t look like an inviting place for a scran and certifiably one of the best pizzas in Manchester.
American Pies’ new Ancoats restaurant opens to the public on Friday, 15 August. (Credit: The Manc Group)
Greens hasn’t shared as much detail about its Sale closure.
Simon Rimmer’s Greens restaurant in Sale has announced its immediate closure. Credit: The Manc Group
They wrote: “It is with deep regret that the board of directors and shareholders have decided to close the doors permanently on Greens Sale with immediate effect.
“We’ve done everything possible to make this work, but it is now clear the business is untenable.
“We’d like to thank everyone, team members & guests, who have been on the Greens journey with us.”
It’s another blow to the Manchester’s famous vegan and vegetarian restaurant scene, which has lost the likes of Wholesome Junkies, Vurger Co, and V Rev all shutting down in the last couple of years.
Wholesome Junkies shut down because of ‘skyrocketing costs’, writing at the time of their closure in July: “The figures just don’t add up, it’s no joke and it’s devastating the hospitality industry.”
Almost Famous announce they are closing their Withington restaurant in candid statement
Danny Jones
The unfortunate hospitality news just keeps coming, it seems, as Almost Famous have announced they will soon be closing their Withington restaurant.
A staple of the Manchester foodie scene for over a decade now and with a growing empire across the North, the ‘dirty burger’ pioneers aren’t just one of the most recognisable restaurant names in Greater Manchester, they’re tastemakers and have been for years.
However, unlike the OG site in the Northern Quarter which first began blowing burger fans away back in 2012, their Great Northern Warehouse venue or their locations in Leeds, Almost Famous‘ Withington site simply isn’t working.
In truth, their most recent restaurant and fifth all-told had been struggling for a while and it was only back in May that they were thanking customers for helping them ‘pull through’ a rough patch, but it seems they’ve sadly slumped back into being quiet and can no longer continue in this fashion.
Explaining in the lengthy and clearly emotional statement, beloved owner Beau Myers wrote: “Announcement (sad sh***y one, sorry).
Sorry to say we will be closing the Withington branch of Almost Famous. It’s not working, we’re not busy enough and it’s dragging us down.
“Really sorry to disappoint you guys, we’ve tried and we’ve pushed and you’ve been amazing for supporting us, this just isn’t the one. Sometimes you have to hold your hands up, admit you f****d up, learn from your mistakes limit the damage and move on.
“We got sucked in with perhaps the most beautiful site ever in the wrong location (for us). It really is/was my fav[ourite] famous and I’m gutted it’s closing, it looks the coolest, we had the staff party there this year. I wish some of the art wasn’t straight on the wall so we could take it with us.”
Almost Famous Withington will be closing after their final dinner service next weekend. (Credit: The Manc Group)
They go on to add: “We will be closing after service on Sunday 22nd (next weekend). Please come down and say goodbye and enjoy this beautiful place one last time before it goes forever. There will be drinks and tears and laughs.
Having visited the particular branch a few times ourselves not only in a work capacity but in our own personal time, we can confirm the Withington restaurant had a special charm to it and we’re also very sad to see it go.
It goes without saying that the comments were filled with support, with one person writing, “This is so sad I’m so sorry: you’ve tried really hard. Sad loss for Withington”, and another adding, “Always sad when a place with friendly staff, serving good food, good drinks and at a reasonable price doesn’t make it… onwards and upwards.”
RIP Almost Famous Withy — we hope you come back one day soon and we’re sure the whole team will bounce back stronger than ever no matter what comes next for the much-loved brand.