Eats

A first look at the new American Pies site in Ancoats as Brewski opens latest pizza concept

This place is destined to be packed out from day one.

Danny Jones - 15th August 2024

Brewski is continuing its Northern expansion as they have just opened a new American Pies restaurant over in Ancoats, so we decided to pop along to have a first look.

Not only the franchise’s sophomore pizza joint here in Manchester but now set to lead the American Pies brand as the original location over on Mosley Street prepares to become another new concept – as if things weren’t exciting enough already – the new site over on Cutting Room Square is a big deal.

The first thing to note right from the off is how much they’ve achieved with the space; taking over the former Second City sports bar which shut up shop back in May 2023 before spending a short stint as another pop-up pub for Euro 2024, it really has been given a whole new lease on life.

It’s fair to say the unit was never the biggest but the Brewksi team has somehow managed to transform the form into a much roomier spot that feels like a warm and welcoming mix between an Italian-American diner, a laid-back restaurant and a bar where you could quite happily just pop in for a drink.

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But let’s be honest, we’re not here for that: we’re here for American Pies’ utterly unreal and over-indulgent pizzas, which already have a reputation for taking deep dish to a whole new level.

In case you were unaware, a member of The Manc team name has already these Chicago-style pizza pies and their favourite anywhere in town (me, it was me…), and we’re pleased to inform you that nothing has changed in that respect.

To tell the truth, things have only got bigger and better, with the menu having been redesigned to include not only their famous pizzas but some seriously naughty new mains, side dishes and starters.

We’re talking fried chicken parms, saucy ribs and wings, a beefed-up brisket lasagne that feels straight out of the decadent imaginations of the mainline Brewksi kitchens and more.

Put simply, this isn’t just a new venue with a few more tables and chairs, it’s the concept fully brought to life and further developed into the must-try Manc foodie spot that American Pies was always on course to become.

Meaning no disrespect to its smaller predecessor by any means, we loved that place and it was also dangerously close to the office, but it also feels like they’ve nailed the atmosphere and overall mid-century modern aesthetic with this new restaurant too.

From the exposed brick, comfy diner-style booths and checkerboard floors; nods to the OG site with the neon pizza sign, the vintage black and white city and culture shots, soft lighting, and even the highlights from classic Chicago Bulls games playing behind the bar, they’ve hit every note perfectly.

In our very humble and now extremely full opinion…

Come on, just look it – try and tell us this doesn’t look like an inviting place for a scran and certifiably one of the best pizzas in Manchester.