Eats

All the May Manchester restaurant deals, discounts and offers you need in 2023

From 50% off to bottomless wings and brunches, and set menus at some of Manchester's top restaurants, there is loads to try.

Georgina Pellant Georgina Pellant - 15th May 2023

When it comes to dining out in Manchester on a budget, there are plenty of great restauraunts offering deals and set menus to help you save a few pennies without comprising on taste.

This May, we’ve handpicked some of the best Manchester restaurant deals, discounts and offers to help you head out and support your local independents without breaking the bank.

From bottomless brunches and wing feasts, to 50% off the whole menu at Northern Quarter favourites Trof and The Pen and Pencil and half-price tasting menus at Masterchef winner Simon Wood’s First Street restaurant, there’s so much to get stuck into this May.

Keep reading to find out the best Manchester bar and restaurant deals to put on your list this month.

50% off food and drink – Manchester May dining deals

Image: Bab
Image: Bab

Bab

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What is it: Casual venue with an industrial vibe, prepping meze & kebabs with homemade sauces & marinades.

The offer: Two courses and bottomless drinks for £40.

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T&Cs:  Available Fridays only in May between 3-10pm (last sitting at 8pm). 

The Blues Kitchen

What is it: Dedicated blues bar serving hickory-smoked comfort food, plus regular live music & DJs.

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The offer: 90 minutes of bottomless wings for £12.

T&Cs: Offer available every Sunday from 12-6pm.

La Bandera

What is it: Market-fresh, classic Spanish cuisine in airy, contemporary space with yellow booths and banquettes.

The offer: Drink and pintxos for £5.

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T&Cs: Available from 4pm until close every Thursday and Friday.

The Pen and Pencil

What is it: New York-influenced all day kitchen serving imaginative menus, as well as craft beers & cocktails.

The offer: 50% off all food.

T&Cs: Available every Monday in May when you pre-book.

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Trof

What is it: Venue with a dedicated bourbon bar, gigs, open-mic nights and quizzes, plus food from breakfast on.

The offer: 50% off food.

T&Cs: Available all day on Tuesdays throughout May when you pre-book.

Wood

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What is it: MasterChef Simon Wood’s high-end restaurant down at First Street, perfect for a pre-theatre treat.

The offer: 50% off Wood’s tasting menu (£110 down to £55).

T&Cs: Available every Wednesday throughout May.

More Manchester May dining deals

Image: Volta
Image: Volta

20 Stories

What is it: High-style destination in a shopping complex for modern British dining & cocktails & sweeping views.

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The offer: Three courses for £22.50.

T&Cs:  Available Monday to Friday between 12-3pm.  

The Alan:

What is it: Hotel and restaurant favoured by Jay Rayer, located across the street from Manchester Art Gallery.

The offer: Four dishes for £25.

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T&Cs: Available seven days a week between the hours of 12-4pm and 5-6pm.

Image: Albert’s Schloss
Image: Albert’s Schloss

Albert’s Schloss

What is it: Bavarian-style beer cellar for traditional German food and pilsner beers on tap and in bottles.

The offer: Three courses for £27.

T&Cs: Available every Sunday from 12-9pm.

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Asha’s

What is it: Contemporary Indian cuisine in a sophisticated, low-lit venue with plush drapes and gold finishings.

The offer: Three courses for £23.95 and a complimentary glass of Indian lager.

T&Cs: Available every Friday between 1-5pm.

Bird of Prey

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What is it: Fried chicken and smashed burger joint at Circle Square on Oxford Road.

The offer: Selected burger, fries and soda for £10 / Three wings, fries and a soda for £5.95.

T&Cs: Available seven days a week from 11.30am-2.30pm. 

Block Steak Shop at Canvas

What is it: Affordable steak shop that doesn’t comprise on quality.

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The offer: Two mains and house wine for £25.

T&Cs: Available every Wednesday, no bookings required.

Bundobust

What is it: Casual craft beer bar serving Indian street food menu amid bare brick and wooden benches and tables.

The offer: Two dishes for £8.50.

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T&Cs: Available Monday to Friday, 12-4pm.

Cibo

What is it: Modern cafe/restaurant and prosecco bar, for Italian pizzas, grill dishes and sharing plates.

The offer: Three courses for £19.99.

T&Cs: Available Sunday to Friday between 5-7pm.

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Colleen’s Ramsbottom

What is it: A modern British restaurant located in Ramsbottom, north of Manchester.

The offer: Three courses for £18.

T&Cs: Available from the ‘menu of the day’ only, Wednesday to Friday between 5-6.30pm.

Image: Cottonopolis
Image: Cottonopolis

Cottonopolis

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What is it: Lively destination for Asian-inspired menus in a warehouse-style venue with a full bar.

The offer: Two dishes and a side for £13.  

T&Cs: Available on the express lunch menu, served from 12-3pm Monday to Friday.

Dokes Pizzeria

What is it: Restaurant serving seasonal pizzas using the finest British ingredients from the team behind Manchester favourite Elnecot.

The offer: 30% off bottles of wine when dining in.

T&Cs: Available all day Wednesday throughout May.

Edinburgh Castle

What is it: Historic 19th-century haunt offering pub grub, plus weekly live folk music & outdoor seating.

The offer: Two courses for £30.

T&Cs: From the set menu, served 5-6.30pm Wednesday to Thursday, and 12-3pm and 5-6.30pm Friday and Saturday.

El Capo

What is it: Mexican and Latin American dishes, plus tequila menu, in casual, bare-brick space with a tiled bar.

The offer: £1 tacos (usually £7.50 for three)

T&Cs: Available Monday – Thursday from 5pm.

Elnecot

What is it: Narrow, industrial spot offering cocktails, British small plates, weekend brunch & Sunday roasts.

The offer: Soup and a sandwich for £8. 30% off bottles of wine.

T&Cs:  Lunch deal available weekdays from 11am to 3pm. Wine deals available every Wednesday throughout May.

Image: Elnecot
Image: Elnecot

El Gato

What is it: Tapas & drinks are provided in this 3-storey converted townhouse that has stylish interiors.

The offer: Three plates for £18.

T&Cs:  Available between 12-4pm Monday to Friday and all day Sunday. 

Hawksmoor

What is it:

The offer: Three courses for £29, £5 corkage on Mondays.

T&CS: Set menu available during lunch opening hours only (except Sundays). 

Tattu

What is it: Modern Chinese cuisine and cocktails in sophisticated, dark wood bar/restaurant with carved screens.

The offer: Three plates for £28.

T&Cs: Available Sunday to Friday from 12-4.30pm and Saturday 12-2.45pm from the Moon Stand menu only.

The New Cross

What is it:  Anew taproom style beer bar in Manchester city centre not far from Ancoats serving up chargrilled kebabs and beers.

The offer: Kebab and a pint or selected drink for £10.

T&Cs: Available every Thursday from 5-9pm.

Volta

What is it: Small plates, deli boards and charcuterie in an intimate bistro bar with wall lamps and a terrace.

The offer: £30 for eight to 11 sharing dishes, designed for a minimum of two.

T&Cs: Available all day every day at Volta throughout May.

 

Featured image – Volta

Eats

Where to find the best sandwiches in Manchester city centre and beyond

Danny Jones Danny Jones best sandwiches in manchester city centre

There’s nothing better than a good filling between two fluffy slices of bread, and we’re here to tell you the best places to find them in Manchester – that’s right, it’s the sandwich list.

From hot roast sarnies and hefty subs as long as your arm, to solid breakfast butties, giant Sardinian schiacciata and saucy Napoli-inspired cuzzetiello, if you’re a sandwich lover in Manchester then you’re well catered for.

We’re not happy to settle for a simple Subway or premium meal deal, we want big, honking artisan sarnies that’ll leave Tony Soprano talking with his most expressive hand gestures. Keep reading to find some of the best places to get a butty in Manchester and beyond.

Open your belt loop a notch, folks.

10 of the very best sandwiches in Greater Manchester

1. Ad Maiora – Northern Quarter

Credit: The Manc Eats
Look at the size of it this bad boy.

If you’re a fan of things in bread (and honestly, who isn’t) then Northern Quarter Italian sandwich dealer Ad Maiora is one that you absolutely need to get down your neck. They also have a great story.

Collected from a door on a Norther Quarter back street or for delivery, we’re talking giant handmade spongy schiacciata generously stuffed with the likes of ‘nduja, spicy Tuscan sausage, smoked scamorza, mortadella, burrata and red pesto.

With a total of nine different options to choose from, expect a huge array of different cheesy and meaty delights including parma ham, gorgonzola DOP, truffled brie, Milano salami and crumbled pistachios, plus a gorgeous vegan option with Italian hummus, roasted aubergine, olives, sundried tomatoes and rocket.

2. The Bread Club – Monton

Credit: The Manc Group

Run by in-laws Louise and Jack, The Bread Club sells some of Eccles’ fattest sandwiches (as well as the chunkiest hand-cut chips we’ve had in a while).

Equipped with a huge glass counter brimming with sandwich fillings, as the name suggests there is a good selection of bread to choose from with hoagies, bloomers, rye and more on offer.

On the menu, you’ll find eight different sarnies including the signature taco chicken, a hoagie stuffed with a mix of chicken breast, peppers, and onions, all enveloped in a secret sauce, then topped with Swiss cheese and jalapenos.

Other highlights include the Cubano – a much-loved mixture of roasted ham, pulled pork, melted Swiss cheese, sliced pickles and house mustard – and the Rueben on rye.

3. Katsouris Deli – Deansgate

Definitley one of the best sandwich places in Manchester.
Big portions and good value. (Credit: The Manc Group)

First established in the historic Bury market 50 years ago, this cross-cultural deli and cafe celebrates the mixed roots of its family with produce from Cyprus, Poland and Italy, plus more from across Europe.

Specialising in sandwiches as well as boasting an impressive salad bar and carvery, its second site on Deansgate is just as well established after 30 years in town. An iconic sandwich spot, the lunchtime queues speak for themselves.

Made with bread from Chorlton’s award-winning bakery, Barbakan, the ciabatta is a favourite here but you do have other options. If you’re in a rush, or just in need of something comforting, the hot roast pork with crackling, apple sauce and stuffing hits the spot every time.

Other highlights include the veggie-friendly ‘Zorba The Greek’, and the hangover-curing breakfast sandwiches filled with your choice of bacon, sausage and fried egg.

4. Fat Pat’s – Chinatown

Credit: The Manc Eats
The sauciest little boys on the market.

This hefty hole-in-the-wall sub sandwich spot drew fans from near and far when it opened in 2022 and it hasn’t stopped since.

The allure of a hidden alley walk-up, combined with mouth-watering Philly Cheesesteaks, Hot Honey Fried Chicken and Meatball Parm baguettes has earned it a place in our hearts and bellies forever.

Located just off Portland Street in the backstreets of Chinatown, ordering is done online in advance and they tend to sell out quickly so you need to be fast if you want to secure one of these beauties.

5. Ancoats Deli – Ancoats

The Ancoats Deli meal deal. Credit: The Manc Group
The Ancoats Deli meal deal. Credit: The Manc Group
Ancoats Deli opens today serving sandwiches, wine and charcuterie boards. Credit: The Manc Group
Ancoats Deli opens today serving sandwiches, wine and charcuterie boards. Credit: The Manc Group

Ancoats Deli is a gorgeous little sage green deli just off a sunny courtyard, with shelves stuffed with wine, mini canned cocktails, antipasti, meats and cheeses, plus sunny seats outside for sipping on a wine or a spritz.

It’s also got the best meal deal we’ve seen – for a tenner you can get a HUGE sandwich stuffed crust to crust with delicious fillings, plus either a packet of crisps or olives, and either a coffee or soft drink.

You’ll often find a special or two but you can’t go wrong with the classics – jamon beurre, egg mayo and a tuna melt are all banging.

6. Pho Cue – Chinatown

Image: The Manc Group
Giggs reacted however everyone does.

This family-run Vietnamese restaurant in Manchester’s Chinatown opened in lockdown and has become popular for its bahn mi, which are available from midday and often sell out within the hour.

Only made ‘for the tradition’ in limited quantities for the lunch service, this fresh pickle and herb-topped Vietnamese sandwich can be ordered with either sweet soy, sriracha or spicy mayo.

Typically made by scooping out the inside of the baguette-style roll, here the chefs like to press the bread down instead to make more space for their fillings. Popular choices include chicken and king prawn, with beef, pork, tofu and avocado also available.

7. Rack – Stockport, Manchester Arndale and YES

@the.manc @Rack has opened in the Arndale Market today serving up their famous sandwiches as well as salt and pepper hash browns 🤤 #manchester #arndale #arndalemanchester #nq #sandwich #foodtiktok ♬ Instrumental – Home – pedrin cria

This tiny Stockport sandwich joint might have started out as a small but mighty little corner in the town centre, but with sandwich fans travelling across Greater Manchester to sample its wares, they’ve managed to expand their reach to three different sites now.

There’s not much room to sit down in the original shop, but there is a very cute outdoor terrace that catches the sun perfectly at lunchtime and you’ll find plenty of people queuing up to grab a quick bit of dinner from here.

At each venue you’ll find a big chalkboard menu that lists its various options, with everything from egg mayo and Italian meats to a funky vegan option with handmade onion bhaji, chutney and pickles – they even do big fish finger butties now.

Toasted sandwiches are a big speciality here, with highlights including a peppery reuben, a three-cheese classic served with red onion dipping gravy on the side, as well as their hugely popular birria toastie.

8. Egg & Co – Various

Egg & Co serves one of the best breakfast sandwiches in Manchester
Egg & Co serves one of the best breakfast sandwiches in Manchester
Egg & Co serves one of the best breakfast sandwiches in Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group

Consider your hangover cured. You’re welcome.

Egg & Co specialises in gooey scrambled egg butties, with loads of different options to try including sausage patty, turkey bacon, avocado or caramelised onions.

Do your stomach a favour, have this in the morning with a side of crunchy truffle hash browns and start your day the right way.

⁠You’ll find them at General Stores at Deansgate Square, and at Kargo Mkt in Salford.

9. Northern Soul Grilled Cheese – NQ

First established in 2015, the grilled cheese OG’s have been serving Mancs their naughty, cheesy sandwiches for nearly a decade.

Widely considered one of the best places to grab a toastie in the city, its classic house staple features a blend of three different molten cheeses – all sandwiched in between golden sourdough bread – and is entirely customisable with extra free fillings.

For the adventurous, wilder options include the ‘Bacon Frazzler’ with Frazzles crisps, streaky bacon, blue cheese, onion and sriracha, and the Mexican Junkie with chipotle mac n’ cheese, jalapenos and Chilli Heatwave Doritos.

It would also be rude of us not to shout out their annual Crimbo Dinner toastie – complete with gooey brie cheese, cranberry, stuffing and even a pig in blanket – which we still believe is one of the best sandwiches in Manchester full stop every time it returns. We loved this place since forever, basically.

10. Bada Bing – NQ

In at number 10, we’ve got arguably the goat of all Manchester sandwiches, the return of the king if you will: Bada Bing is bada back with a bada bang. The Sopranos-themed deli and sandwich shop first opened a few years ago to queues out the door but sadly disappeared much to everyone’s horror.

But fear not, the hiatus is over and the comeback was biblical.

Serving giant hoagies, heroes, subs—whatever you want to call them, they’re well worth the £10-13 price stage and you likely won’t need to eat again that day if you grab one.

From the self-titled ‘Bing’ packed with cured Italian meats, salami and yes, gabagool done just like Tony Soprano himself likes, to a stacked turkey offering, a veggie pistachio one that genuinely surprised us as a Chicago beef inspired by another US TV favourite, The Bear, we’ve happily devoured all of these.

@the.manc Opening tomorrow on Oldham Street, welcome back legends! #thesapranos #manchester #manc #mancfood #foodsinpo #foryou #fyp #badabing #sandwichtiktok ♬ Italian Food – Kley Kley

Honourable mentions

Go Falafel – City Centre

Our go-to in the city centre for fresh falafel, technically this is a wrap but we’re going to allow it. It’s not just the herby chickpea goodness that does it for us here – it’s all the salads, pickles and other saucy accoutrements that go in alongside it too.

Wraps are stuffed with your choice of pickled cabbage, potato, salad, tahini, chilli sauce and lashings of fresh hummus, with grilled aubergine and optional extra. Go Falafel also makes its own fresh juices to order, which are well worth a try.

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And that should be your fill. To be honest, if you’re still hungry and looking for more after that then we’d be seriously worried about your health and/or addiction to butties, though we do sympathise.

Bread is, after all, one of the single greatest inventions in human history.

Last but not least, we hope it goes without saying that this is by no means a totally exhaustive list of the best sandwiches in Greater Manchester and we’re sure you can find the perfect place for you elsewhere in the 10 boroughs if you don’t find it here – and please let us know where it is if you do!

Every week is National Sandwich Day if you ask, so you might as well celebrate properly.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images – The Manc Group

Eats

Oslo-born Doug’s Hamburgers is opening in Manchester, serving adult ‘Happier Meals’

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Oslo-born Doug's Hamburgers is opening in Manchester, serving adult 'Happier Meals'

Critically acclaimed burger joint Doug’s is heading to Manchester for the first time, serving up grown-up ‘Happier Meals’.

The burger brand started life in Norway but is led by a very northern team – they’re also behind Madre, Medlock Canteen and London’s Breddos tacos.

Doug’s is an Oklahoma-style burger restaurant with a menu of classic burgers made with hand-pressed patties from premium dry-aged beef (it’s the thinly-sliced onions inside each patty that makes it Oklahama style).

A classic cheeseburger is the brand’s signature dish, featuring a smashed patty, onions, cheese, mustard, ketchup, pickles and Doug’s special sauce.

There’ll also be fried chicken sandwiches, hot tenders and fries, plus breakfast buns served all day.

The ‘Happier Meal’ is an adult twist on a fast food favourite – you get a burger, fries, and a martini.

Doug’s spot in Manchester will be its fourth restaurant.

It’s set to open on Oxford Road above the recently-announced Amber’s nightclub, open seven days a week from 11am until midnight.

The flagship restaurant on Oxford Road is designed by R2A studio and will be opening this December in Circle Square for eat in and take-out.

To claim a free burger when Doug’s opens, you can sign up HERE.

Read more

Featured image: Supplied

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