Some of Manchester’s best street food traders will soon be taking up monthly residencies at a popular city centre neighbourhood.
After a series of successful trial events throughout the summer over, Food.Fest has now announced that it’ll be bringing a tasty lineup of traders to city centre neighbourhood, Circle Square, on the last Thursday of each month, and it’s all ready to “add some flavour to lunchtimes”.
Food.Fest initially launched back in June, and since then, has seen some of Manchester’s best food traders descend on Circle Square to take lunchtimes to the next level.
The likes of Triple B, Marley’s Tacos, and Tommy’s Bar and Pizza have already taken the reins.
Food.Fest will be taking up a monthly residency at Circle Square in Manchester city centre / Credit: Supplied
When Food.Fest’s residency kicks off for “a payday lunch like no other” this Thursday (26 September) between 12pm and 3pm, it’ll be the Malaka Brothers bringing their authentic Greek street food using only the freshest local ingredients to Manchester for the month.
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There’ll be unbeatable classics like gyros, souvlaki, and halloumi fries on the menu.
Venturing out of their home at Tap House, Fat Frank’s will also be serving up New York-style pizza by the slice, with fan-favourites like Buffalo Chicken, Smokey Pepperoni, and more.
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Malaka Brothers, Little Bao Boy, and more will be taking up the reins / Credit: Supplied
Triple B by Eat New York has been making waves over in Prestwich for quite a while now, and it’ll soon be back in the city centre with its classic New York-style Reuben bagels and pastrami burgers that sound set to be winner for any lunchtime.
Finally, Little Bao Boy will be bringing its signature mouthwatering bao buns to Circle Square, with char sui pulled pork, and pulled teriyaki mushroom being just a couple of the tasty options on offer.
Food.Fest officially kicks off at Circle Square this Thursday 26 September from midday through to 3pm, so if you’re feeling hungry, you know where to head.
Featured Image – Supplied
Food & Drink
Glitzy Spinningfields bar famed for its bottomless deals shuts down
Daisy Jackson
Popular cocktail bar group Banyan has suddenly closed its glitzy bar in the heart of Spinningfields.
The restaurant and bar, which is part of the Arc Inspirations group that also operates Manahatta and Box, has shut down with immediate effect.
A sign has been posted in the window of the Spinningfields site of Banyan confirming its closure.
Banyan opened in 2018 and was the second site for the brand, which has been operating out of the Corn Exchange since 2015.
Inside, the huge 7,000sq ft space was split into spaces for drinking, dining and dancing, including a large mezzanine and a huge white marble bar.
Banyan is famed for its bottomless deals, whether that’s a classic bottomless brunch or their bottomless Sunday roast (endless Yorkshire puddings, gravy, wine, and roast potatoes).
It also offered two-for-one cocktails, all day every day.
The bar stands on the side of Spinningfields, directly opposite The Ivy and alongside The Alchemist.
Banyan in Spinningfields has shut downThe note in the window of Banyan
But now it has permanently closed its doors, thanking people for their custom over its almost-decade in Manchester.
The sign on the door says: “Banyan Spinningfields is now permanently closed.
“Thank you so much for your custom over the years, we’ve loved being part of this wonderful city and have made so many friends.
“Don’t be a stranger, we’d love to continue to welcome you to our Banyan bar in the Corn Exchange. Team Banyan.”
Bangkok Diners Club moves out of Ancoats just months after Michelin Guide win
Daisy Jackson
Bangkok Diners Club, the critically-acclaimed restaurant above the Edinburgh Castle pub, has closed its restaurant space.
The Thai restaurant was added to the Michelin Guide last October, not long after taking over the upstairs of the popular pub.
It also received a rave review in The Guardian from restaurant critic Grace Dent, who said it would be ‘one of Manchester’s hottest dining tickets’.
But now Bangkok Diners Club has decided its time in Ancoats is up, and has closed its beautiful restaurant space with immediate effect.
In an email sent to customers with reservations, they wrote that Bangkok Diners Club ‘sadly won’t be returning to Edinburgh Castle’.
Owners and husband-and-wife team Ben and Bo Humpheys aren’t leaving things there though, announcing plans to move into the Exhibition food hall on Peter Street.
Co-owner Ben Humphreys outside Bangkok Diners Club. Credit: The Manc GroupThe food earned them a place in the Michelin Guide. Credit: The Manc Group
They’ll be joining MoreJoy and pasta concept Anatra in the space, but bidding farewell to their own dedicated restaurant for now.
The email sent to customers reads: “We have just noticed that the system has allowed you to make a reservation during a time that we are closed. We apologise that this has happened.
“Ben and Bo are cooking at Exhibition during 2026 and Bangkok Diners Club sadly won’t be returning to Edinburgh Castle.
“Sincerest apologies for all the inconvenience caused.”
Emily Sergeant -
24th September 2024 
