We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again. There are not nearly enough places in the city centre to go for a good Polish scran, which is why we love Platzki so much.
First opened in the city in 2018, initially it was housed back on the Mews but has since moved onto the main Deansgate strip, sandwiched between Alex’s Bakery and Bar Hutte.
Over the past four years it has developed something of a cult following amongst local foodies, who flock for its flavourful, traditional dishes, be they in groups or happily dining alone, all year-round.
And now the team has added another string to its bow with the addition of a brand new breakfast menu that nods to their chefs’ collective Polish and Ukrainian heritage.
Served on weekends only, it is the collective creation of chef-owners Lukasz Mazurek and Przemek Marcinkowski and their newest kitchen addition, Alona, a Ukrainian refugee who has newly arrived in Manchester.
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Image: The Manc Eats
Image: The Manc Eats
Having fled the war in her home country alongside her fifteen-year-old son, Alona moved here a few months ago in search of some peace and stability and is now living in Stockport with her son and a local family who have taken them in.
A chef herself, she now works closely with Przemek and Lukasz. All three regularly share dish ideas and inspirations as they go, and as a result, they stumbled across the idea to combine their favourite breakfast dishes on a new menu. Trust us, it really is something special.
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We’re talking traditional Kielbasa (crispy fried Polish smoked sausage stew with tomato gherkin and mustard) loaded onto toasted sourdough and double pork schnitzels wedged into bagel-like baps and served with heaps of pickles, mushroom and traditional mayo vegetable salad.
Elsewhere, you’ll find fluffy egg and cheese omelette with tomatoes and spinach. chunky roasted pork neck baps with horseradish and sauerkraut, and Krokiet (crispy pancakes filled with Polish Black pudding with a fried egg on the side).
Image: The Manc Eats
Image: The Manc Eats
As for Alona’s contribution, there is just one Ukrainian dish: Syrniki. A dish that, from what we understand, is enjoy just as much at dessert as it is for breakfast, it comes as a plate of miniature, pillowy-soft cheesy pancakes plated up with a healthy dollop of mascarpone and reams of glistening cherries, still swimming in their juice. Divine.
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When we visit , it’s Manchester Pride weekend and the atmosphere in the city (and Platzki itself)is buzzing. The restaurant is full of pride flags, there’s a Pride shot offer on, and a large, giddy table behind us greedily curing their two-day hangovers with generous helpings of Kielbasa.
Sitting in the gorgeous plant-filled terrace dining room overlooking the Great Northern Warehouse, we’ve got the best view of the family Pride fun going on outside, with glamorous queens strutting past in full sparkles as we sip our morning coffee (or in my date’s case, a mango bellini and fruit juice smoothie, simultaneously).
Not only is Platzki in a prime spot for people-watching, it’s now also ideal for boozing a few bellinis and tucking into some traditional brekki dishes thanks to this latest addition.
Available from 9am-1pm every Saturday and Sunday, bookings are advised as it can get very busy.
Feature image – The Manc Eats
City Centre
Uber has officially started trialling driverless taxis in Manchester
Emily Sergeant
It’s official… driverless taxis have hit the streets of Manchester.
As the leading transportation company looks to bring robotaxis to other major cities around the UK, it has been confirmed that a trial of autonomous vehicles is now underway in Manchester – with the services being operated using the technology of Uber’s partner firms, Pony and Verne.
Uber said it was ‘excited’ to take this first step toward ‘making this technology accessible’ to people across the UK.
The three companies first collaborated on the deployment of a commercial robotaxi service back in March of this year, combining Pony.ai’s autonomous driving system, Uber’s global mobility platform, and Verne’s service ecosystem and operational framework.
At this time, there has been no official application to launch passenger services in Manchester, according to The Guardian.
However, posts on various social media platforms – such as X, LinkedIn, and Instagram – by each of the companies this week have confirmed that trials are underway in the city.
“New technologies play an increasingly important role in the growth of our city region,” TfGM said. “But they need to be introduced responsibly, safely and with real thought about what it means for our residents.
“Safety will always be our top priority, and we will need strong assurances that no vehicles will operate on our roads that pose any risk to residents.”
Manchester, we’re on our way! Today, we’re announcing that we’re partnering with @Verne_robotaxi and @PonyAI_tech to pilot autonomous vehicles in Manchester. Building on our service together in Zagreb, Gen-7 Robotaxis are now testing in Manchester.
We’re excited to take this first step toward making this technology accessible to people across the UK. 🇬🇧
“By bringing together Pony.ai’s proven autonomous driving technology, Verne’s operational and market expertise, and Uber’s global platform, we’re taking an important step toward making autonomous ride-hailing available to more riders in more places.”
Featured Image – Uber Investor
City Centre
Printworks is hosting a FREE ‘fireworks’ display on its digital ceiling this Bonfire Night
Emily Sergeant
Printworks is hosting a free ‘fireworks’ display on its digital ceiling next month.
Aiming to ‘bring Bonfire Night to life’ next month, Printworks has announced it’ll be hosting a dazzling evening of lights, music, stories, and Manchester spirit, as the iconic venue transforms Europe’s largest digital ceiling into a spectacular celebration for all the family.
Kicking off from 4:30pm, the free event will begin with an incredible display of ‘Manchester Stars’, where hundreds of stars will appear across the ceiling, each carrying the name of a real Manchester hero, creating a unique celebration of the people who make the city shine.
Members of the public can nominate someone to become a star, whether it’s a child, parent, grandparent, friend, colleague, community champion, or simply someone who deserves a little extra recognition. Nominations can be made here.
Printworks is hosting a free ‘fireworks’ display on its digital ceiling this Bonfire Night / Credit: Jason Lock (via Supplied)
Two cosy story time sessions with BBC Radio One and former CBBC presenter, Katie Thistleton, and children’s favourite, Hacker T Dog, will follow the star display, and each child will receive light-up headphones to enjoy the sessions in a dedicated chill-out zone.
Then comes the main event, Printworks’ digital ceiling will take centre stage for two firework displays between the story time sessions, including a dedicated SEN-friendly display at replacing the traditional loud noises with incredible visual effects, designed to offer a more accessible and welcoming way for families to enjoy the festivities.
The main fireworks and music experience will follow at 6:15pm, before the fun continues on into the evening with a live choir.
If you get a little peckish throughout the evening, there will also be a pop-up dessert cart serving Bonfire Night-inspired sweet treats, while Barney’s Coffee offers up an autumn drinks menu featuring seasonal favourites, such as pumpkin spice lattes and chocolate orange hot chocolates.
“We’re really excited to welcome back Printworks’ Bonfire Night event for the third year running,” explained Sophie Rooney, who is the Marketing Manager at Printworks.
“With fewer bonfire and firework displays taking place in the city, it’s the perfect opportunity for families to come together and enjoy an evening of celebrations right here at Printworks.”
Printworks is promising an ‘immersive evening’ for all the family, free of charge. Find out more information and timings HERE.
Georgina Pellant -
2nd September 2022 
