A brand-new California-inspired Mexican food concept from some familiar foodie favourites is the latest name to be announced as part of Manchester’s newest food hall, House of Social.
The ‘Mexicali’ creation is called OK Taqueria and is set to join the soon-to-open vendor space over on Coleman Street in Manchester city centre, becoming just the third kitchen confirmed for House of Social.
Set to welcome five in total, the upcoming food hall marks just the latest step in the continuing foodie trend, with long-standing staples like Mackie Mayor now just one of many across Greater Manchester.
The description of the food is simple but exciting: “A love letter to Mexican street food — deeply Mexican, unapologetically Californian, proudly un-autentico.”
Credit: Press Shots
House of Social‘s (HoS impending Mexican and Californian fusion comes from the team behind fellow Manc icons Gooey and Evelyn’s, which is already a strong enough advert in itself.
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There are plenty more brains behind this new concept, including Public and ‘gem of the Curry Mile’, Mughli, who will also be opening inside HoS – just their second-ever site and first in the city centre.
Inspired by taquerias “from Baja to Boyle Heights”, OK Taqueria will blend Mexican street food staples with California’s own laid-back slant on the cuisine.
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As mentioned, OK Taqueria is set to join the already announced Burger & Beyond, as well as ‘gem of the Curry Mile’, Mughli – which will be opening their second-ever site and first in the city centre – the lineup of traders is already looking stacked with lip-smacking talent.
As for OK Taqueria, you can expect corn tortillas, warm off the press, stacked with crispy pork belly al pastor; tinga chicken with chipotle sour cream, vegan chicken-fried maitake mushrooms, and queso birria beef shin ready to dip in a deeply flavoured consommé. That’s just the tip of the sp-iceberg.
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That’s a terrible pun, so sorry…
Fish fans can get stuck into Baja-style cod cheek with crema, and there’ll also be a fiery twist on Cali-style breakfast burritos.
The brand is positioning this as “street food energy with sit-down flavour; fast and flavour-first”. They’ll also cater to the in-house students inside the tower block, sharing as well as the bar side of things, with plenty of margaritas to sip on.
Stunning Ancoats favourite Street Urchin closes after ‘heartbreaking’ health emergency
Danny Jones
The stunning Ancoats restaurant and Manchester favourite, Street Urchin, has announced its sudden closure following a serious health emergency.
Opened by partners Kevin and Rachel Choudhary back in 2019, the inventive dining room has been a firm favourite among local foodies and those visiting Manchester for some time.
However, following the awful news that co-founder and head chef Kevin has recently suffered a heart attack, the city centre food spot has sadly had to close its doors, seemingly for good.
Informing diners and longtime fans online, Rachel confirmed, “We are unable to continue as a business”, adding that they are simply “heartbroken” by the turns of events.
Known for endless creativity and famous experimental dishes over the years, including a viral squirrel dish, Street Urchin has been one of the most envelope-pushing kitchens in the area for some time.
Writing in the caption, Rachel said: Thank you to our amazing team who supported us over all the years and continued to do so in these dark times. Thank you also to our suppliers, we never thought this would happen. We’re so sorry x”
Reacting to the news, local artist Painted By Courtney replied: “This is so sad, I’m so sorry to you both. Forever one of my favourite dining experiences in Manchester.”
Various names from across the Greater Manchester hospitality scene, including the likes of Tameside’s Cafe Continental, have joined in sharing their sadness and heartfelt support, with the Stalybridge spot simply adding: “Sending love. A remarkable place!”
Their menus boasted all the style, quality and flavour of a fine dining establishment without any of the haute cuisine pomp and traditional culinary trappings.
Put simply, they delivered great food served in an efficient market diner fashion. We, along with countless other Greater Mancunian foodies, absolutely loved this place.
It goes without saying that everyone at The Manc Group is shocked and deeply saddened to hear this news; we hope Kev makes a full and fast recovery, and our thoughts are with his friends and family during this difficult time.
Manchester’s favourite Irish pub Mulligans is giving away hundreds of FREE pints next week
Emily Sergeant
Manchester’s oldest and most iconic Irish pub has announced that it’s giving away hundreds of free pints next week.
Mulligans is finally adding the beloved Irish stout Murphy’s to its already-exceptional draught beer lineup, and to celebrate the launch of Guinness’ slightly lesser-known cousin, the first 1,989 people through the doors will get a pint of the good stuff for free on one day only next week.
Originating from Cork, Murphy’s is known for its smooth, mellow profile with subtle notes of caramel and malt.
The much-loved stout was first introduced on draught in the UK all the way back in 1989, hence the number of free pints being given away next week.
The unmissable giveaway will be taking place for one day only next Thursday (8 May) from 11am right through to 1am, and open to all punters on a first-come, first-served basis, with one free pint per person… but you’ll need to be quick if you want a freebie, because once those 1,989 pints are gone, they’re gone for good.
Mulligans is giving away hundreds of free pints of Murphy’s next week / Credit: Supplied
Murphy’s joins Guinness as the second stout on draught at Mulligans, and with the Deansgate institution already famed for pouring what many call ‘the best Guinness outside of Ireland’, you can expect that every pint of Murphy’s will be just as expertly poured.
Those heading to Mulligans for their free pint next Thursday can also look forward to the venue’s famously-lively entertainment being in full swing all day long.
“Murphy’s has been a long time coming and we’re excited to finally be serving it on draught,” commented Pádraig Brady, who is the owner of Mulligans, ahead of next week’s highly-anticipated giveaway.
“The idea behind this giveaway isn’t just to introduce the stout and celebrate its history, but to give people another reason to enjoy a proper Thursday day and night at Mulligans with our extensive live entertainment offering.”
In case you missed it, Mulligans recently had a bit of makeover, which most-notably included the renovation of its upstairs space complete with vaulted timber-beamed ceilings, a mezzanine-level stage, and two new bars with even more room for dancing and drinking.
So if you haven’t had a chance to check out the new space yet, then what could be better than sipping on a free pint while you’re at it?
Danny Jones -
30th April 2025 
