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.
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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.
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
One of Manchester’s first vegan restaurants has closed its doors for good
Georgina Pellant
V Rev is the latest victim in a spate of closures announced this year by popular vegan restaurants.
Vegan eateries JJ’s Vish and Chips, Chorlton takeaway Zad’s and Liverpudlian concept Frost Burgers have all been forced to close their doors this year, all citing rising costs as a reason.
Now V Rev, one of Manchester’s original vegan restaurants, has followed suit – closing its doors for good on Sunday 25 September.
The Northern Quarter restaurant first opened in 2015 and is widely considered to have paved the way for vegan junk food, serving what was then considered a game-changing menu of plant-based jumbo hot dogs, fried ‘chicken’, loaded fries, burgers and mac balls.
Image: V Rev
Image: V Rev
Initially launched in 2011 by Manchester University graduate Dom Moss as a vegan grocery and record store, in 2013 a small menu was introduced before V Rev eventually became the subterranean diner we’ve known and loved for the past seven years.
In that time, it’s quietly carried on whilst other similar concepts opened on its doorstep. Now, owners have announced that their time has come to an end.
In a statement shared on social media on Sunday, the V Rev team wrote: “Unfortunately, today (25/09/22) will be tour last day open.
“Thank you so much to everyone who has supported us over the past 10 years.
“The past few years with lockdown and restrictions brought us to a point where we’re not able to financially recover and stay operational.
“Obviously, this isn’t how we wanted things to end – this is now out of our hands and we’re absolutely gutted.
“We’ll continue serving today – we are running out of stock so pop in while you can to say your goodbyes and cry intro your loaded fries.’
After the shock post appeared on social media on Sunday, comments flooded in thick and fast as fans shared their heartache that the restaurant was closing so soon.
Image: V Rev
Image: V Rev
Amassing over 1,000 comments on Instagram alone in the last 24 hours, the post has been shared widely as loyal vegans commiserated together.
Yorkshire-based vegan restaurant group Doner Summer wrote: “Pioneers of the vegan food scene in the North, you will be missed”
Mnbvegan added: “Oh my god, we’re so sorry folks. Proper sad to see you go. You guys were one of the first totally vegan places we know of, and it was so exciting! One of the proper originals, you will be missed.”
Whilst JJ’s Vish and Chips Manchester, who was also forced to closed this year, simply said: “Sending love.”
Feature image – V Rev Manchester
City Centre
Manchester music store Forsyth is giving away free music lessons
The Manc
Manchester music store Forsyth is giving away a host of free music lessons next month in a bid to inspire people to learn a new instrument, or pick up an old one.
The store is giving new and returning musicians a chance to receive a 10–15-minute free music taster session as part of its Music for All Learn to Play ’22 event.
Taking place across 8 and 9 October between 10am-5pm (8 October) and 1130am-30pm (9 October),short taster music lessons will allow all ages and abilities to have a musical experience that could turn into a lifetime of enjoyment, or even a new career.
Speaking on the free music lesson initiative, Emma from Forsyths said: “The past two years have shown how important music is to all our lives and how it can bring people together even in the most difficult of circumstances.
“We aim to help as many people as possible understand the unique joys and benefits of learning an instrument (or taking part in a choir).
“Anyone interested in learning to play an instrument or looking to pick it up again, should come and join us for this two-day celebration of music making.
“We’re delighted to be part of Music for All’s Learn to Play ’22 event, and we can’t wait to get started.”
OBE Jools Holland, Patron of Music for All, said: “Making music is very important to me. It’s my work, my pleasure, my friend, companion and therapist.
The charity Music for All believes passionately in the unique power of music to change lives and that is why it runs Learn to Play.
Music for All believes everyone should have equal access to music making.
The charity supports disadvantaged music makers by providing cash grants for tuition and instruments and by donating instruments directly.
The Learn to Play ’22 event is generously supported by the NAMM Foundation and other partners include Music Industries Association, Musicians Union, Making Music, Music Mark and Black Lives in Music.
Those interested in joining Forsyths for a free music lesson simply need to email [email protected] or pop into the Sheet Music department on the ground floor to register interest.
Georgina Pellant -
2nd September 2022 
