Eats

Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant team to take over iconic NQ venue

A new French restaurant concept - this should be GREAT

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 28th October 2026

The team who earned Cantaloupe a Michelin Bib Gourmand are moving into Manchester city centre – and into a site we all know pretty well.

The Cantaloupe team are about to embark on a new venture with Rasade, a new French restaurant in the site of the former TNQ in the Northern Quarter.

The old neighbourhood restaurant announced its shock closure earlier this year, after more than two decades serving Manchester.

But now the beautiful corner building on High Street is under new ownership, and in very safe hands.

Shortly after pivoting Cantaloupe into Bar Caput (a more casual neighbourhood offering), the duo behind it, Joshua Reed Cooper and Mike Thomas, have announced they’re launching Rasade in Manchester city centre.

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Rasade in French refers to a glass filled to the brim, traditionally of wine or another drink.

The new French restaurant will showcase regional French cooking and seasonal local produce, drawing inspiration from France’s diverse regions.

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This won’t be a stuffy French restaurant though – they’re aiming to create the relaxed spirit of a bistro with their serious commitment to traditional cooking.

Early menus show dishes like oysters with mignonette, langoustine with Karri-Gosse, and pâté de campagne, plus brill with rancio sec and mushroom fricassée, and pork chop with garniture Mirabeau.

And as for desserts, expect classics like a tarte Tatin designed for two to share, alongside flan pâtissier and Opéra religieuse.

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Alongside the cooking, an extensive French wine offering will span the many, many wine regions of the country, featuring both small and unusual producers as well as more established names.

Mike and Josh now want to build on the success they quickly found in Stockport with this new city centre venture, bringing the same focus on good produce, thoughtful cooking and an informal approach to hospitality.

Rasade will open at 108 High Street in the Northern Quarter later this year.

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Featured image: Supplied

Eats

First look inside Social Osteria, Stockport’s buzzy new Italian restaurant

Lydia Mastrolonardo Lydia Mastrolonardo Social Osteria is now open at Weir Mill in Stockport

That’s right Stopfordians – we’re gaining yet another brand new addition to our town’s blooming food and drink scene, as Social Osteria opens its doors at Weir Mill.

It’s safe to say we’re in good hands, with the geniuses behind The Social Trattoria, named best Trattoria at the Italian Awards UK 2025, being the ones to bring this new taste of Italy to South Manchester.

Just because we are no longer experiencing the weather to match an Italian summer, doesn’t mean we can’t continue eating like we’re there.

Social Osteria can now be found overlooking the River Mersey, as a beautiful 2,000 sq ft space within the buzzing new canalside development, fully equipped with the classic exposed red brickwork, vaulted ceilings and even the restored original kiln.

As you approach the restaurant, you are greeted by a sunken courtyard and riverside seating, making for the perfect alfresco dining spot, when the warmer weather finally rolls back around.

With the meaning of Osteria being an Italian tavern, for locals to gather and enjoy each other’s company, good wine and honest, flavourful food – the team have stayed true to the name. You can expect dim, ambient lighting, an open kitchen, fresh small plates, flavourful 48-hour pizzas, and traditional pasta.

Vibrant dishes at Social Osteria in Stockport. Credit: The Manc Group

This glamorous new restaurant is promising a spectacular menu, from cacio e pepe butter beans to guanciale topped pizzas and their very own slow-cooked beef shin and pork shoulder paccheri ragu, you know we’re in the right place.

With Italian food running in the family, the team’s cooking practices are rooted in traditional methods, passed down through the generations and then presented to us, with the freshest of ingredients. 

It suits Capital&Centric, who’ve taken the same approach to Weir Mill itself – embracing the character of the historic mill whilst transforming it into a vibrant community, for generations to come.

Inside Social Osteria at Weir Mill
Inside Social Osteria at Weir Mill
Inside Social Osteria at Weir Mill
Inside Social Osteria at Weir Mill. Credit: The Manc Group

Set below Stockport’s iconic viaduct, the £60m neighbourhood is now home to 253 apartments alongside bustling cafés, wine bars and stunning restaurants akin to Social Osteria, accompanied by plenty of outdoor seating, green spaces, and riverside viewpoints.

Where Osteria Social now calls home is part of Stockport’s £1 billion Town Centre West masterplan, adding to the town’s growing reputation as one of the best locations to live in the UK.

Social Osteria will officially open Thursday 22 October, at Weir Mill. Be sure to book your tables early as we fear this one might get a little booked up.

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Eats

Traitors star and comedian Joe Lycett is putting cash behind the bar at two Manchester pubs

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Joe Lycett is putting cash behind the bar at two Manchester pubs

Comedian Joe Lycett is putting money behind the bar at two Manchester pubs this week, as he continues to encourage people to get out and support their local boozers.

The TV favourite – who is also currently one of the stars on The Traitors – announced the news as he bid farewell to his fictional TV pub The Lycett Arms.

On the show, he said: “There are 45,000 pubs in the UK – go and give them some love.”

Joe Lycett then proceeded to list 30 brilliant pubs up and down the country, including two in Manchester, and announced that the drinks are on him this week.

He told audiences: “[This] Friday I’ll be putting a little bit of money behind the bar in all the pubs you’ve just seen. I hope you can have a drink on me.”

The pubs he picked out in Manchester are the iconic old boozer The Peveril of the Peak, and the excellent pub and comedy venue The Old Monkey.

The Peveril of the Peak on Great Bridgewater Street is a real icon in the city centre, with its green tiled exterior and its cosy interiors.

Until recently, it was run by legendary local landlady Nancy Swanick, who died in July at the age of 96.

The Peveril of the Peak pub in Manchester
The Peveril of the Peak pub in Manchester
Inside The Pev
Inside The Pev

It was also named the best pub in the entire UK earlier this year.

Commenting on Joe Lycett’s post about his pub offer, they wrote: “You are all more than welcome at The Pev. Give me a shout and I will sort you out with a pie, Joe.”

The Old Monkey, meanwhile, is famed for its comedy nights run by Trapdoor Comedy Club, and for its open mic sessions, as well as award-winning beers.

The Portland Street pub has also very kindly agreed to match Joe Lycett’s donation, which means double the budget for pints for Mancs.

They first commented to Joe: “Thank you so much for the shout out. Next time you find yourself nearby, pop in for a pint!”

They’ve since posted on their own Instagram: “9pm Friday. £100 behind the bar from @joelycett and £100 from the landlord to match.

“Simply come in, and ask to order from Joe Lycett’s tab for a free drink. First come first served!”

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Featured image: Channel 4

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