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.
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.
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.
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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.
Credit: The Manc Group
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.
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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.
American Pies’ new Ancoats restaurant opens to the public on Friday, 15 August. (Credit: The Manc Group)
Inside Manchester’s new padel club with a Pot Kettle Black cafe and courtside cocktail bar
Daisy Jackson
Padel is the fastest-growing sport in the world, and it’s really picking up speed in Manchester now too with another city centre club opening this month.
The Pollen Club is a little different to the others, in that it’s fully undercover and protected from Manchester’s less-than-favourable weather.
And another thing that makes it a must-visit is the cafe attached to it – a third site for the beloved Pot Kettle Black.
The Pollen Club and Pot Kettle Black have both taken over a prominent city centre spot just off Deansgate, at the foot of the recently-opened Treehouse Hotel.
There are two state-of-the-art padel courts inside, with a mezzanine terrace for enjoy Pot Kettle Black’s offerings.
In summer, there are plans to launch a bar downstairs too, where you can sip spritzes courtside from loungers and swing seats.
The exciting new Manchester padel club will host pop up events, DJ takeovers and an extended evening food offering.
Pot Kettle Black are part of the new padel clubInside Manchester’s new padel club, The Pollen ClubPot Kettle Black are part of the new padel club
And even if you’re not heading inside The Pollen Club, Pot Kettle Black has a grab-and-go hatch facing onto Blackfriars Street, making their delicious coffees, sandwiches and pastries (from their own bakery Half Dozen Other) even more accessible.
Commenting on the opening of the new site, Pot Kettle Black co-owner, Mark Flanagan said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have opened our third Pot Kettle Black site at The Padel Club. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the team.
“After ten years in the city we’ve been enjoying seeing some familiar faces stopping by for a coffee and we can’t wait to get started on our programme of summer events!”
Insomnia Cookies is giving away FREE cookies to anyone with these two names
Emily Sergeant
Manchester’s late-night sweet treat spot Insomnia Cookies is dishing out freebies this week… but there’s a catch.
You have to be called one of two specific names to get one.
With the long bank holiday weekend upon us, those in-the-know will also have noticed that this Sunday isn’t just Easter Sunday, it also happens to be 4/20… and that means Insomnia Cookies is back with its ‘blazing’ £4.20 deal, giving you the chance to bag a box of four warm cookies while saving nearly £7 at the same time.
But even better still, if you happen to have either the first or middle name ‘Mary’ or ‘Jane’, then you can also get yourself a warm tasty cookie for free.
To mark both 4/20, and celebrate the launch of its newest strain of mouthwatering cookie, the Mary Jane, anyone called Mary or Jane can pop into either of Insomnia Cookies’ two Manchester city centre sites – Cross Street and University Green – show their valid ID with their name on, and walk alway with a cookie free of charge.
If you want to try the new Mary Jane cookie, then this limited-edition special is made up of a cookies n cream dough base, packed with rainbow sprinkles.
The freebie deal has been running all week, and you have up until 3am on Monday 21 April to take advantage of it.
Customers will be limited to one free cookie per day.
Insomnia Cookies is giving away free cookies to anyone with these two names / Credit: Insomnia Cookies UK
If you aren’t lucky enough to be called one of those two names though, then thankfully you can still make some great savings on a classic four-pack of cookies over the spring bank holiday weekend, and for every four-pack sold, £1 will be donated to Groundwork – a charity helping make Manchester greener for nature and for local people.
“We’re calling for Marys and Janes to join us to live the high life with free cookies all week,” commented Millie Ralston, Head of Marketing at Insomnia Cookies.
Danny Jones -
15th August 2024 
