Eats

Beloved Ancoats bakery Trove shuts down in another blow for the neighbourhood

Oh no.

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 3rd June 2024

Trove, a popular bakery in the heart of Ancoats, has suddenly closed its doors.

The Murray Street business used to operate as a cafe and brunch spot but removed its indoor seating and switched to a bakery unit early this year.

First founded in Levenshulme in 2011, Trove has become a staple on the city’s food and drink scene.

As well as its delicious loaves and pastries, it’s built a solid reputation for its Scandinavian-style small plates and brunches, often hosting supperclubs.

But now a forfeiture notice has appeared in the windows of Trove in Ancoats, announcing that it has been repossessed by landlords.

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Companies House documents for Trove’s parent company Two Hexagons Ltd show that the business is in more than £1.6m of debt, including owing HMRC approximately £885,000.

Trove also had a cafe within the Bloc building on Marble Street, which closed down in April.

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Inside Trove when it was still a cafe - the Ancoats site now appears to have closed. Credit: The Manc Group
Inside Trove when it was still a cafe – the Ancoats site now appears to have closed. Credit: The Manc Group
The forfeiture notice in the window of Trove in Ancoats. Credit: The Manc Group
The forfeiture notice in the window of Trove in Ancoats. Credit: The Manc Group

It appears that its Levenshulme cafe and bakery is still open for business, as is its newest location in Wilmslow.

It’s another blow for Ancoats, which has lost some high-profile names in recent weeks and months and now has a number of empty units.

Just two weeks ago, Rigatoni’s, formerly known as Sugo Pasta Kitchen, announced its sudden closure, shortly after closing its Sale and Exhibition locations.

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The unit formerly occupied by Second City is also vacant, as is Nam, and Lily’s Deli.

Trove has not yet issued a statement relating to the forfeiture of its Ancoats cafe.

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Featured image: The Manc Group

Eats

A city-wide cocktail celebration featuring some of the world’s best bars is coming to Manchester

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Manchester Cocktail Festival. Credit: The Manc Group

Manchester is set to become a cocktail lover’s paradise this November, as the inaugural Manchester Cocktail Festival has unveiled its jam-packed schedule of events, international bar takeovers and exclusive drinks offers.

Taking place across the city, the festival will bring some of the world’s best cocktail bars to Manchester, alongside a series of special events, masterclasses, tastings, and plenty of discounted drinks at some of the city’s favourite venues.

Those with a Manchester Cocktail Festival 2026 pass (which is priced just £10) will also be able to take advantage of exclusive drinks offers at participating bars throughout the week of 9-15 November

That includes two-for-£14 cocktails, and £10 birthday cocktails at both Crazy Pedros sites, £10 oyster and martini at Hawksmoor, £7 Irish Coffees at The Bay Horse Tavern, £4.50 Parton shots at Dahlia, and £10 Rosita Spritz and Blackberry Bonitas at Dahlia, amongst offers from all participating bars.

Kicking things off on Monday 9 November, the festival’s opening party will welcome the team from Passing Fancies, led by GB Bartender of the Year 2026 Matt Arnold, to Studio IV at Mollie’s.

Meanwhile, over at Blinker Bar, Copenhagen’s award-winning Victory will be taking over for an evening of Scandinavian hospitality.

Blinker will be hosting Manchester Cocktail Festival events
Blinker will be hosting Manchester Cocktail Festival events
Passing Fancies will also be back in town
Passing Fancies will also be back in town

Things get even bigger on Wednesday 11 November, when Mexico City’s Tlecān makes its way to Manchester.

Currently ranked fifth in North America’s 50 Best Bars and 47th in The World’s 50 Best Bars 2026, the acclaimed mezcaleria will be joining the team at Crazy Pedro’s to celebrate the Northern Quarter favourite’s 10th birthday. Expect an evening of Patrón tequila, Ilegal mezcal and plenty of celebrations.

Thursday 12 November will see Dublin favourite Bar 166 take over Speak in Code, bringing a taste of Irish hospitality to Manchester.

There’s also something for the book lovers, as local boozy book club Read Room welcomes author Eloise Rodger to Science and Industry for an evening of literature, Q&As and a complimentary martini flight.

And if cocktails and a bit of glamour are more your thing, Friday 13 November has you covered.

Local collective The Flaneuse will be hosting a Fur Coats and Cocktails party at Exhibition, where guests can learn how to make the perfect margarita during a dedicated masterclass, before enjoying two margaritas of their own.

The ticket for this event also includes a Manchester Cocktail Festival pass, giving guests access to drinks and perks at participating bars across the city.

Manchester Cocktail Festival co-founders Nick Coupland and Ben Kendrick
Manchester Cocktail Festival co-founders Nick Coupland and Ben Kendrick

The festival will wrap up on Sunday 15 November with two more exciting takeovers.

The team behind Bermondsey’s Nine Lives will head to Double Down for an evening celebrating Dominican rum, while the internationally acclaimed Waltz takes over Bar Shrimp for a night of martinis and music from local DJs.

Waltz recently earned a place at number 32 in The World’s 50 Best Bars, as well as fifth spot in the UK’s Top 50 Bars.

Nick Coupland, co-founder at Manchester Cocktail Festival said: “We feel extremely grateful for all the support, so far, from the local community and our partners.

“It’s been great to see that the festival and city’s pull has enabled us to attract a roster of incredible bars from across the world.”

Ben Kendrick, co-founder at Manchester Cocktail Festival added: “It’s going to be super exciting to see what comes of the collaborations, when combining these venues, with the huge talent we have in the city.”

You can find out more and grab tickets HERE.

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Featured image: The Manc Group

Eats

Eccles pub says it’s ‘a dream come true’ as it’s named the best pub in Britain

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Eccles pub says it’s ‘a dream come true’ as it’s named the best pub in Britain by the Good Food Guide

The Good Food Guide has named its best 100 pubs in Britain – and it’s a local Eccles boozer who’s come out on top.

The guide has travelled the length and breadth of the country to single out the best pubs the nation has to offer, from community atmosphere and great drinks to top quality kitchens.

Greater Manchester is well-represented in the top 100, with the Marble Arch placing 36th and The Trof 76th, plus The Pack Horse (just outside the region in Hayfield) came in 16th.

But showing the country how it’s done is The Queens Arms in Eccles, a fantastic Victorian red-brick pub with an unexpected yet authentic Japanese izakaya-style menu.

This is a pub where you can get an eel rice bowl or a pork cutlet katsu alongside a pint of pale ale, or a Japanese Sapporo lager.

Since October 2024, the historic pub has been under the steer of Mr. Lo and Mr. Anthony Sit, and their efforts have meant that The Queens Arms has now been named the number one pub in Britain – something they said is a ‘dream come true’.

The Good Food Guide said: “Expect the unexpected. Rarely does this well-worn phrase ring truer than at this historic Victorian pub in an obscure part of Eccles.

“The small, red-brick tavern has a significant claim to fame in the annals of industrial heritage: built in 1828 and ranked as the oldest passenger railway boozer in the world, it has been sympathetically preserved in all its Grade II-listed glory. That might be reason enough to visit, but it doesn’t prepare the first-time visitor for the culture shock inside.

“Under Hong Kong ownership, and with an authentic Japanese izakaya-style menu, the result could be an aesthetic car crash – a cultural pile-up that does no favour to either tradition. Instead, the Queens Arms is as packed with Asian diners and Chinese tourists as any eatery in Manchester’s Chinatown – even on a dull Monday lunchtime.

“And the unlikely combination has been a great success, as much for the novelty as the excellent quality of the cooking and speedy service (as many repeat customers testify).

“The menu is short but expertly executed: best-selling dishes include pork cutlet katsu, a teriyaki ox-tongue rice bowl, eel rice bowl and teppanyaki mixed vegetable udon. The tempura batter on our visit was outstanding – meltingly light, fresh and crisp.

“Somehow, the whole thing fits together: etched ‘snug’ windows, comfortable padded booth seating, tiled fireplaces, wooden bar fittings and Victorian knick-knacks. One room still functions as a local drinking den with a dartboard – so you can practice your throws with a glass of cold Sapporo on draught.”

Sharing the news today, The Queens Arms wrote: “A DREAM COME TRUE – WE ARE THE WINNER

“We are incredibly proud and delighted to announce that The Queens Arms has been named the overall WINNER of The Good Food Guide Britain’s 100 Best Pubs 2026! What an incredible moment for our little pub in Eccles!

“When we first took over The Queens Arms, we had a dream of bringing new life to this historic 1828 pub, combining the charm and heritage of a traditional British pub with our passion for Japanese cuisine.

“It has been quite a journey, and this recognition means so much to us.

“A heartfelt thank you to our amazing team, whose hard work and dedication make everything possible, and to all our wonderful customers, friends and local community for your continued support. You have been part of our journey from the very beginning, we couldn’t have done it without you.

“Our sincere thanks to The Good Food Guide for this incredible recognition and for continuing to celebrate the great British pub, independent hospitality and the people who work so hard behind the scenes.

“This is not just our achievement – it is something for our whole community to celebrate!

“Thank you for believing in us. We can’t wait to welcome you and celebrate together!”

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You can see the full Good Food Guide top 100 pubs in Britain HERE.

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Featured image: Instagram, @queens.arms.patricroft

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