Manchester’s original dirty burger bar Almost Famous is set to open a new restaurant inside a Withington pub.
With its eyes firmly on the suburbs, the longstanding local burger brand will move into the South Manchester student hot spot this summer – taking over the space vacated by Withington pub The Libertine at the end of 2022.
The Libertine closed just six months after it was opened by the Cottonopolis team inside a historic old bank on the village’s High Street, with bosses citing energy costs as one of the reasons for its departure.
Almost Famous will now move into the newly renovated Grade II-listed building this May, serving up its ever-popular combination of loaded burgers, flaming cocktails and winning fries.
Promising a ‘neighbourhood friendly vibe’ with movie and quiz nights, the new site will launch at the end of the month with a week’s worth of parties and its own special burger ‘The Southside ’, which will be exclusive to the Withington branch.
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Image: Almost Famous
Image: Almost Famous
Owners also plan to launch reach out to local community organisations to create new partnerships with the neighbourhood, which is home to organisations like public art project Withington Walls, and The Christie, which is one of the largest cancer treatment centres in Europe.
Sharing the news on Instagram in a post that has been liked over 800 times, owner Beau Myers wrote: “ALMOST FAMOUS WITHINGTON. FINALLY we are opening a NEW Almost Famous – we’re moving to the southside suburbs for our latest greatest fantastical burger heaven.
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“NGL last few years have been shit and a struggle for us all so this feels like a real super sherbet dibdab ray of sunshine.
“We’ve got the old Libertine which is the most beautiful listed building (an old bank) right at the top of the high st and we’re decking it out with our usual fun and mischief and a 10ft gorilla.
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“This part of Manchester has always been home for me and like a playground between town and Dids… – kebabs at Abdul’s or Monsoon- the 42bus up and down – the Didsbury dozen – when curry’s in Rusholme were a fiver including a beer – Parklife at Platt Fields – Big Hands – feels good to be going into South Manchester.
“We’ll be open for the end of May so stay tuned and hit us up if you want invites to the opening parties – let’s get back to having all the good times.”
Fans of the burger brand were quick to comment their congratulations, with one person writing: “Amazing news guys , top location. Couldn’t think of a better business to turn it on down there. Can’t wait to come and try. Almost famous have lead the way for so many so its good to hear you are back in the groove . BIG LOVE NS”
Another added: “Congrats mate! I’ll come across for the opening party if I can!”
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A third said: “Fantastic news! I’ve lived in South Mcr pretty much all my life, and loved Almost Famous since the early pop up days in NQ! Amazing that my two loves are finally coming together would love the chance to celebrate at the opening!”
To keep up to date with news surrounding Almost Famous’s new opening later this month, follow the restaurant group on Instagram here.
Featured image – Almost Famous
Eats
You can now have dinner in the actual dressing rooms at Co-op Live
Daisy Jackson
Co-op Live has now launched exclusive backstage dining experiences – which means you could be having dinner inside the very dressing rooms that have hosted music megastars.
These new groundbreaking new Backstage Private Dining experiences feature menus curated by Simon Rimmer.
This will be the first time that the arena’s most exclusive artist areas have been open to guests.
There’ll be 10 selected dates from May 2026, where ticket-holders can eat dinner in dressing rooms that were previously occupied by the likes of Lady Gaga and Bruce Springsteen.
Guests will be able to choose from several packages, from intimate receptions and private three-course dinners inside the dressing rooms, to lavish extras like a Bentley chauffeur-driven arrival, live entertainment, and extended backstage access.
The most premium package will also offer access to Co-op Live’s adidas Originals recording studio.
Proceeds from the Backstage Private Dining will go towards supporting Co-op Live’s official charity partner, the Co-op Foundation, which tackles inequality and supports communities across the UK.
Chef Simon Rimmer commented: “Having worked with Co-op Live for some time, it’s incredibly exciting to now be involved with this unique series of Backstage Private Dining.
“It’s a rare opportunity to further combine the world-class music venue with exceptional food, and I can’t wait to showcase how these experiences can come to life together, creating truly unforgettable evenings for our guests.”
Becci Thomson, Chief Commercial Officer at Co-op Live, said: “From day one, our ambition has been to challenge expectations of what an arena can deliver, and we’re now delighted to introduce a new dimension of premium hospitality at Co-op Live.
“This collaboration unlocks new creative potential within the venue, offering experiences that have not previously been possible. It reflects our commitment to innovation and meaningful impact within the communities we support.”
Designed and delivered in partnership with Taylor Lynn Corporation (TLC), Founder and CEO Liz Taylor said: “Opportunities like this are rare. Co-op Live is a venue built for scale, spectacle and ambition — and that’s exactly how we are approaching these events.
“Whether it’s an intimate milestone celebration or a brand hosting at the highest level, these will be immersive, one-night-only experiences designed to deliver real impact. We are proud to have been chosen to help shape this next chapter, bringing creativity, precision and bold thinking to a space that demands nothing less.”
Salford industrial estate bakery with incredible cinnamon rolls to open new site
Daisy Jackson
Mayya Bakery, a local ‘hidden gem’ with incredible cinnamon rolls, is set to open a brand-new bakery that will make it significantly less hidden.
Until now, Mayya has been quietly trading from an industrial estate in Salford, where it’s built a great reputation for its bakes despite an off-the-beaten-track-location and relatively little social media fanfare.
It opened its doors in 2024, operated by former primary school teacher Meli and her husband, dentist Oguz.
This is an artisan bakery with a real Turkish flare, with plenty of comfort food like freshly made gözleme (or gozzies for short) and bigger dishes if you fancy sitting in.
Their counters are stuffed with sweet bakes, like their perfect cinnamon rolls, plus loaves, babka, cookies, and homemade cheesecake.
For bigger dishes, you’ll find breakfast dishes like Turkish eggs, Simit (a traditional sesame bagel) breakfasts, and menemen.
The counters at Mayya Bakery’s current locationIncredible cheesecake at Mayya BakerySigns on Chapel Street Salford for the new Mayya Bakery
And now Mayya Bakery has revealed plans to open a new location in a much more prominent spot in town, with signs appearing in the windows of a unit on Chapel Street.
The sign reads: “Everything is homemade – including this picture.”
It also quips: “They called us hidden gem… not hidden anymore.”
Mayya will open on Chapel Street soon – keep an eye on our food and drink Instagram page The Manc Eats for the latest.
Georgina Pellant -
10th May 2023 
