A new deli in Ancoats has opened its doors, with shelves stuffed with wine, cheeses, meats, and essentials (… though all of those things are essentials in our book).
Ancoats Deli is tucked away in the heart of the neighbourhood, on a quiet street behind the Royal Mills building.
The pretty green venue is serving up grab-and-go treats like focaccia sandwiches, salads and even takeout cheese and meat boxes to come soon.
The bread used in these impressive butties comes from much-loved bakery Companio, with fillings including the classic Jambon Beurre with or without mustard, Reuben with pastrami, and an Egg Sandwich of soft boiled eggs, jammy yolks, Dijonnaise and watercress.
It’s a bit of a hidden sun trap too, and there are bistro tables outside where you can sit and nurse a spritz, a glass of wine or a coffee.
ADVERTISEMENT
They’ll be crafting cheese and charcuterie boards too, with produce sourced from The Crafty Cheeseman and Yapp Bros. Boards will start from £16 and glasses of wine from just £5.20.
Ancoats Deli will also have a stocked pantry of essentials, where you can pick up milk, eggs, dinner ingredients and a bottle of wine to takeaway.
ADVERTISEMENT
The best bit though? The venue’s meal deal, where you can get a sandwich, coffee or a soft drink, plus crisps or a serving of olives for £10.
Inside Ancoats Deli. Credit: The Manc GroupSpritzes at Ancoats Deli. Credit: The Manc GroupThe Ancoats Deli meal deal. Credit: The Manc GroupAncoats Deli is also serving cheese and charcuterie boards. Credit: The Manc GroupSandwiches are made with bread from Companio. Credit: The Manc GroupAncoats Deli from the outside. Credit: The Manc Group
Co-founder India Morris said: “Lunch time in Ancoats can often be a little tricky, it’s a foodie destination packed full of amazing restaurants and bars, but we felt there was a gap for somewhere to pick up a really good, affordable sandwich or salad.
“We don’t want it to be fancy, we want Ancoats Deli to provide a place where residents and those working locally, can pick up a tasty sarnie deal, without breaking the bank.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Our evening offering reflects the same idea. We have spent countless hours listening to our friends talk about wanting charcuterie or snacks with their post work or Saturday afternoon drinks, so we decided to do it.
“Our wines are great, but affordable and our cocktail menus are simple and accessible. We wanted to create a space where everyone can come, feel comfortable and just have a lovely time with a pint. Fingers crossed the sunshine stays long enough.”
You’ll find Ancoats Deli just off Murray Street, in between Redhill Street and Jersey Street.
The Salmon of Knowledge pub is opening a second site in Didsbury
Danny Jones
A recent addition to the Manchester hospitality scene is building on its early success and opening up another Irish bar over in Didsbury.
Northern Quarter’s Salmon of Knowledge, which launched back in September 2024, is one of countless Irish pubs across Greater Manchester but only a handful in the vibrant district.
Having taken over the much-loved old PLY site – which sadly closed its doors last summer – they had a job on their hands to reach the same heights as the legendary late-night pizza and shuffleboard joint, but these first few months have clearly gone well enough to expand.
The increasingly popular watering hole which is one of the few places around here where you can get Murphy’s (at least in the city centre) is much more than just an Irish-themed venue: it delivers regular live music, sports on the box and great food from local brand, The Last Stop – and Didsbury is up next.
Irish favourite The Salmon of Knowledge’s sister bar comes to Didsbury later this year. (Credit: The Manc Eats)
The caption goes on to read: “Big news, Didsbury. You called and we answered. The Salmon of Knowledge is swimming upstream to bring our second site to YOU very soon!
“By popular demand, we are expanding to the suburbs, so get ready for live music, great food, live sports, and gallons of Guinness. You heard it here first… stay tuned!”
As well as a wide variety of beverages beyond the obviously stunning stouts, fans will be glad to hear the Salmon will be bringing The Last Stop’s talents with them.
From the aesthetic, prices and drinks selection to the reliable New York influences on the Heaton Chapel-based vendor’s menu, we’ve been pretty big fans of this place since minute one.
Manchester, pay attention: The Salmon of Knowledge has some wisdom to bestow upon you — mainly how to pour a proper Guinness and have a grand auld time. 🇮🇪☘️
Although they are yet to give any more information as to when we can expect The Salmon of Knowledge Didsbury to open at present, we do have an indication of where it will be popping up.
It has now been confirmed that they will be taking over the former Dockyard pub (which still has locations in Salford Quays and Spinningfields), meaning that it will sit in the heart of the busy Didsbury Village strip, which should prove great for footfall.
Just like the Stevenson Square spot, live music and sports will accompany Didsbury’s new Irish bar as well and if the phrase ‘gallons of Guinness’ doesn’t get you excited, we don’t know what will.
New pasta kitchen Soots Pasta opens at Altrincham Market
Daisy Jackson
A little piece of pasta paradise has landed at Altrincham Market and it’s got a secret you won’t believe.
Soots Pasta has taken on a spot in the covered market, where owners and co-founders Ellie Proudfoot and Ruth Duarte are hand-making fresh pasta dishes.
They’ve named this fantastic little kitchen after their cocker spaniel, Soots.
Signature dishes here include a satisfying swirl of thick ravioli, stuffed with ricotta and served on a bed of pumpkin puree and sage butter.
There’s also a vibrant green pesto tagliatelle, laced with basil, lemon and pistachio.
As for small plates, there’s freshly-made focaccia with three different butters, plus crunchy tomato arancini.
Soots Pasta is the first solo venture for Ellie, who used to work as a private chef as well as at restaurants around the region.
Soots Pasta in Altrincham Market. Credit: The Manc GroupSoots Pasta in Altrincham Market. Credit: The Manc Group
She’s taken her background – which includes culinary school in France – to create this modern European menu that takes inspiration from Italy.
What’s not immediately obvious, on reading the menu or eating it, is that everything on the Soots Pasta menu is entirely vegan – and they have gluten-free pasta available on request.
The pair hope that Altrincham Market will be a launchpad to them eventually opening their first restaurant, as it’s done for so many businesses that came before it.
Soots Pasta is on Pott Street in the covered market, and is open Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 14 January.
Daisy Jackson -
23rd July 2024 
