Did you know there’s a restaurant in Manchester that does a bottomless ‘Tipsy Tapas’ menu every week?
That means you can pair your tapas dishes with endless helpings of sangria, alongside a number of other boozy delights.
The Tipsy Tapas menu at Canto, the modern Mediterranean sister site to award-winning El Gato Negro, includes three tapas dishes and unlimited mix-and-match drinks.
For your 90 minute booking in the beautiful Ancoats restaurant, you can tuck into bottomless pitchers of sangria, Aperol spritz, limoncello spritz, or peach bellini.
And if cocktails aren’t your thing, the Tipsy Tapas deal also includes Victoria Malaga lager, house wine, and fizz.
ADVERTISEMENT
For £40 per person, you also get three delicious tapas dishes each, from their traditional Portuguese petiscos to meat to fish.
You’ll find tapas favourites like padron peppers, patatas bravas, and fried calamari with lemon aioli, plus a whole host of other small places from across the Mediterranean.
ADVERTISEMENT
You can get bottomless sangria with the Canto Tipsy Tapas menuCanto has a menu of Mediterranean small platesSalt cod croquettes on the Tipsy Tapas menuCredit: The Manc Group
Other menu highlights include spiced lamb Merguez meatballs, chargrilled Peri Peri chicken, and salt cod fritters.
And for a more substantial bite, there are even pregos included in the deal – beef steak sandwiches in rustic bread with caramelised onion and rocket.
Vegetarians aren’t hard-done-by either with veggie dishes including classic Catalan bread with fresh tomato; caramelised cauliflower, with lentil stew and Italian caponata; hispi cabbage with parsnip puree and blue cheese vinaigrette; and butternut squash with curried cavolo nero.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Tipsy Tapas menu gives you the option to have two savoury plates and a dessert too, with sweet dishes like almond tart with marscapone mousse, pastel de nata, tiramisu, and vegan chocolate tart with miso and caramel ice cream.
Costing £40 per person, the Canto Tipsy Tapas deal runs every Friday and Saturday between 12pm and 4pm.
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
Daisy Jackson -
24th January 2025 
