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)
The Manchester restaurants and bars shortlisted for the MFDF Awards 2026
Daisy Jackson
The Manchester Food and Drink Festival Awards – better known as the MFDF Awards – have revealed the shortlist of local restaurants, bars, cafes, chefs, and more that are up for the city’s ultimate accolade.
Dozens of outstanding local businesses are nominated across 17 categories, covering everything from food trucks to Michelin Star chefs.
The winners will be revealed at the MFDF Awards ceremony on Monday 25 January, which this year will be held at Medlock Square’s City Hall for the first time.
Sponsored once again by Therme Manchester, the MFDF Awards celebrate the outstanding talent in Manchester’s hospitality scene.
Categories have been chosen to showcase new openings, talented chefs and producers, neighbourhood favourites, top restaurants, great pubs, and plenty more.
The shortlist has been selected from a list of submissions by the MFDF Awards judging panel, made up of leading food and drink critics, writers and industry experts.
As well as the public vote, judges will mystery shop venues in a number of categories and will score venues based on their experiences. The mystery shopping and public voting period will end at midnight on 11 January 2027 when the polls will be counted and combined with the judges’ scores and the winner of each category will be chosen.
The awards are now open to public vote on the MFDF website HERE.
Alexa Stratton-Powell, Awards Director of the MFDF Awards, said: “We’re proud to reveal this year’s MFDF Awards shortlists and shine a spotlight on the very best of Greater Manchester’s food and drink scene.
“The awards celebrate the incredible talent, creativity and diversity that make our region a world-class food and drink destination. We’re encouraging everyone to get behind the nominees by voting for your favourites, visiting the shortlisted venues and showing your support for our brilliant hospitality industry.
“We’re also looking forward to bringing the industry together on 25 January 2027 for a fantastic night of celebration and to crown this year’s winners.”
The Community Food and Drink Project of the Year, sponsored by Therme Manchester, is being decided through a separate judging process. The award celebrates initiatives making a positive difference to communities across Greater Manchester, from tackling food poverty and promoting sustainability to improving access to healthy food and bringing communities together.
The Howard and Ruth Award for Outstanding Achievement will also be presented on the night to recognise an outstanding contribution to Greater Manchester’s food and drink industry, with no public shortlist for the category.
The Manchester restaurants and bars on the MFDF 2026 shortlist
1. Affordable Eats Venue of the Year (Sponsored by Therme Manchester)
Sips n Dips in LevenshulmeNoodle Alley in ChinatownCredit: The Manc Group
Al Madina – 76 Wilmslow Rd, Manchester M14 5AL
Noodle Alley – 56A Faulkner Street, Manchester M1 4FH
Sips & Dips – 994 Stockport Rd, Manchester M19 3WN
Que Huong Viet – 76–78 Oldham Rd, Ancoats, Manchester M4 5EB
Kabana – 52 Back Turner Street, Manchester M4 1FR
Bahn Mi 782 – 782 Wilmslow Rd, Didsbury, Manchester M20 2DR
Zaytoni’s – 12 Oldham St, Manchester M1 1JQ
Cafe San Juan – 27 St Petersgate, Stockport, Manchester SK1 1EB
Previous winner – Double Zero
2. Takeaway of the Year
Kool Runnings – 118 Chorlton Road, Old Trafford, Stretford, Manchester M15 4AN
Rita’s Reign – Piccadilly, Manchester M1 1LY
Chicken Run – 6 Yarburgh St, Whalley Range, Manchester M16 7FJ
Viet Deli – 22 Blackfriars Street, Manchester M3 5BQ
Levenshulme Bakery – 842 Stockport Rd, Levenshulme, Manchester M19 3AW
The Post Box Shawarma – 543 Wilbraham Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 9PP
Manchester dessert hatch receives two-star review for ‘smiling too much’
Daisy Jackson
A dessert hatch in Manchester city centre has spoken out after receiving a two-star review – in which the main criticism was that they ‘smiled too much’.
Layr, a tiny tiramisu spot in Ancoats, has publicly addressed the review, which said the staff’s friendliness was ‘almost creepy’.
The reviewer wrote: “Came today, had alright tiramisu but the staff were smiling too much it was almost creepy. Also felt interrogated, just wanted to get my tiramisu and leave, don’t think ill be back.”
Layr – which was also the victim of ‘hostile hate messages’ earlier this year – has now shared a response to the new two-star review.
They’ve said that while they will always take feedback on board, they refuse to change ‘the warmth & smiles you’re greeted with’.
Layr posted: “We absolutely recognise, and know that every customer experience matters. We never want anyone to feel uncomfortable visiting us, and always take every bit of feedback on board.
“Smiling is just who we are. Layr was built to feel warm, welcoming, and to be a memorable part of your day, week or month. We all need that little pick-me-up no matter what.
“Our amazing team all work incredibly hard, GENUINELY enjoy meeting so many of you and hearing about your day.
“If being too friendly gets us two stars, we can live with that.
“We’ll always choose warmth, no matter what. Great tiramisu matters, so does good people and amazing energy.
“A message to our team. Please don’t stop smiling. Ever.”
Danny Jones -
15th August 2024 
