Broadway Diner, staffed by singing waiters, has confirmed its opening date in Manchester.
The new restaurant comes from the team behind another infamous Manchester diner where the staff is paid to be rude to you (yes, we’re talking about Karen’s).
This time around, though, instead of the waitstaff bullying and jeering, fans of a good singalong will be treated to live performances at their table by their servers.
At various points throughout the meal, waitstaff will break into ‘harmonious renditions’ of iconic Broadway hits – with songs taken from hit shows including Oliver!, Rent, Lion King, Hamilton, Cats, and more.
The new musical diner, which is set to open in the Trafford Centre, will also host performances from local artists in a bid to give back to the local community and offer a platform for up-and-coming homegrown talent.
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An announcement about the Broadway Diner reads: “Your attentive waitstaff, who are not just skilled servers but also talented singers, will take your food and drink choices.
“But this is where the magic happens – at various points throughout the meal, the waitstaff will break into harmonious renditions of iconic Broadway hits.
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“Imagine placing your choices to the tune of Food, Glorious Food from Oliver!, or receiving your dessert accompanied by the harmonies of Seasons of Love from Rent.
Image: Broadway Diner
Image: Broadway Diner
“Each sitting produces magic from different iconic Broadway productions, allowing you to immerse yourself in the worlds of Cats, The Lion King, Hamilton, and more.
“The restaurant also hosts live performances from local artists, providing a platform for up-and-coming talent to shine on a miniaturised Broadway stage.”
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Food-wise, judging from the Brisbane menu, in true American style Broadway Diner will be dishing up a host of dirty burgers, saucy chicken wings, and loaded fries alongside the likes of cocktails, ice cream floats and sundaes.
Broadway Diner will open at the Trafford Centre on 22 October.
Glitzy Spinningfields bar famed for its bottomless deals shuts down
Daisy Jackson
Popular cocktail bar group Banyan has suddenly closed its glitzy bar in the heart of Spinningfields.
The restaurant and bar, which is part of the Arc Inspirations group that also operates Manahatta and Box, has shut down with immediate effect.
A sign has been posted in the window of the Spinningfields site of Banyan confirming its closure.
Banyan opened in 2018 and was the second site for the brand, which has been operating out of the Corn Exchange since 2015.
Inside, the huge 7,000sq ft space was split into spaces for drinking, dining and dancing, including a large mezzanine and a huge white marble bar.
Banyan is famed for its bottomless deals, whether that’s a classic bottomless brunch or their bottomless Sunday roast (endless Yorkshire puddings, gravy, wine, and roast potatoes).
It also offered two-for-one cocktails, all day every day.
The bar stands on the side of Spinningfields, directly opposite The Ivy and alongside The Alchemist.
Banyan in Spinningfields has shut downThe note in the window of Banyan
But now it has permanently closed its doors, thanking people for their custom over its almost-decade in Manchester.
The sign on the door says: “Banyan Spinningfields is now permanently closed.
“Thank you so much for your custom over the years, we’ve loved being part of this wonderful city and have made so many friends.
“Don’t be a stranger, we’d love to continue to welcome you to our Banyan bar in the Corn Exchange. Team Banyan.”
Bangkok Diners Club moves out of Ancoats just months after Michelin Guide win
Daisy Jackson
Bangkok Diners Club, the critically-acclaimed restaurant above the Edinburgh Castle pub, has closed its restaurant space.
The Thai restaurant was added to the Michelin Guide last October, not long after taking over the upstairs of the popular pub.
It also received a rave review in The Guardian from restaurant critic Grace Dent, who said it would be ‘one of Manchester’s hottest dining tickets’.
But now Bangkok Diners Club has decided its time in Ancoats is up, and has closed its beautiful restaurant space with immediate effect.
In an email sent to customers with reservations, they wrote that Bangkok Diners Club ‘sadly won’t be returning to Edinburgh Castle’.
Owners and husband-and-wife team Ben and Bo Humpheys aren’t leaving things there though, announcing plans to move into the Exhibition food hall on Peter Street.
Co-owner Ben Humphreys outside Bangkok Diners Club. Credit: The Manc GroupThe food earned them a place in the Michelin Guide. Credit: The Manc Group
They’ll be joining MoreJoy and pasta concept Anatra in the space, but bidding farewell to their own dedicated restaurant for now.
The email sent to customers reads: “We have just noticed that the system has allowed you to make a reservation during a time that we are closed. We apologise that this has happened.
“Ben and Bo are cooking at Exhibition during 2026 and Bangkok Diners Club sadly won’t be returning to Edinburgh Castle.
“Sincerest apologies for all the inconvenience caused.”
Georgina Pellant -
1st June 2023 
