Noodle heads, rejoice because legendary late-night spot Cocktail Beer Ramen + Bun is coming back to the Manchester hospitality scene — well, for one night only, at least.
Over a year on from its shock closure, the much-loved Manc ramen restaurant and bar often referred to simply as CBRB has delighted its die-hard followers, lovers of Japanese cuisine and fans of late-night scran all over the region by staging a special and exclusive return.
Named as the next noodle experts set to take over the kitchens at fellow industry favourites New Wave Ramen over on Tib Lane as part of their crossover series, this being the third edition so far this year, foodies will once again be able to taste some of the best broths to ever grace the game.
You best believe you can sign us up for as many bowls of the Nagoya as we’re allowed and there’ll probably be tears of joy left in it once we’re done.
With New Wave being packed out for the previous two takeovers by Matsudai Ramen and most recently Kanada-Ya — two brands that have received plenty of praise around the UK — it’s hard to understate just how big a deal it is to have one of our own and most celebrated coming back.
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Rumblings of something happening with the ‘Girl Gang’ who served up some of the very best if not the best ramen in Manchester started after CBRB posted nothing but a plain black screen to their Instagram story after pretty much complete silence since they sadly closed their doors on 12 February 2023.
Having only really made noise to announce that their “OG”, former chef and bar manager turned chef-owner Tom Potts would be taking over the Oldham Street venue to open the first brick-and-mortar Kong’s Kitchen fried chicken concept, it’s been dark mode ever since — but no longer.
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As for New Wave, when they too opened up their own standalone site, we were delighted to hear that one of the chefs had come directly from Cocktail Beer Ramen + Bun, so they were already doing their bit to help keep the spirit alive and choosing them for the next takeover just makes sense.
Set to take over New Wave for Easter Sunday on 31 March, both teams are obviously expecting an extremely high demand for bookings, so you best be quick if you want to secure an exclusive table and take one last slurp of the good stuff so many used to enjoy into the early hours — you can do so HERE.
Speaking in a statement, New Wave Ramen summed up the limited-time-only event with their mission statement: “Native Produce, Japanese Soul; and visitors can expect nothing short of that during the CBRB takeover. Guests can once again experience the dishes they became so loved for including the spicy Nagoya, soft shell crab Kare ramen and the vegan Tantanmen.
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“This particular collaboration, as part of a series of takeovers at New Wave means both former CBRB patrons and newcomers can enjoy the nostalgia and esteemed dishes respectively, whilst experiencing the excellent service in a relaxed space New Wave prides itself on.” What a way to close out the month.
Now, we’re not going to get carried away and get ahead of ourselves but let’s just say we’re very happy to be hearing Girl Gang’s return and we’ll keep our fingers crossed that moments like this might one day mean we get them back full-time.
In the meantime, if you want to know exactly how much this place means to this particular ramen-obsessed writer, you can always read this — and good luck to those going for a table, we sincerely hope you land one.
Huge beer hall in ‘up-and-coming’ Manchester neighbourhood announces shock closure after two years
Daisy Jackson
A huge beer hall and rotisserie chicken restaurant that opened just two years ago in Manchester has announced its shock closure.
Trading Route was a joint venture between some of the city’s most established hospitality figures, including Trof, Manchester Union, and Wandering Palate.
The brilliant local business has described how difficult it has been to operate as the only independent business in St John’s, ‘an area that is still described as ‘up-and-coming”.
They said that not enough footfall has not come to the area to support what they were building, which – combined with rising costs in the industry – has made it too difficult to continue operating.
They added: “We’re proud of what we created at Trading Route and incredibly grateful to our customers and everyone who supported us over the past two years.
“To our team, we’re deeply sorry we couldn’t make it work for you. The friendships made over the past two years mean so much to us, and knowing the impact this closure has on you is especially hard.”
They then urged people to sign the petition to reduce VAT for hospitality, saying it could help to save your favourite places.
The Trading Route in Manchester has closed with immediate effectThe bar served great local beers and rotisserie chicken
Trading Route will close in Manchester with immediate effect.
Their full statement reads: “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the closure of Trading Route with immediate effect.
“Rising costs and stagnant footfall have made the business increasingly difficult to sustain, with trading conditions particularly challenging over the previous three months.
“We spent our first 12 months operating amid ongoing construction in an area that is still described as “up-and-coming”. As the only independent business in the area, we needed footfall to grow to support what we were building. Unfortunately, that growth hasn’t materialised quickly enough.
“We’re proud of what we created at Trading Route and incredibly grateful to our customers and everyone who supported us over the past two years.
“To our team, we’re deeply sorry we couldn’t make it work for you. The friendships made over the past two years mean so much to us, and knowing the impact this closure has on you is especially hard.
“It’s too late for us, but you could help save your favourite places by signing the petition to reduce VAT for hospitality to 10%. Independent bars, restaurants and pubs need your support to keep their doors open.
Manchester’s tackiest Christmas bar is returning for the first time in three years
Daisy Jackson
One of the most popular Christmas bars in Manchester is making a grand return after a three-year hiatus – and when we describe it as ‘tacky’, we mean that as the highest compliment.
Miracle on Cross Street is a pop-up festive bar that always used to use wrapping paper as wallpaper and cover every inch of the space in some sort of tinsel, bauble, or novelty celebrity portrait.
It was last seen in the city in 2023, but has announced a grand return for this winter, promising a more ‘refined experience’.
Guests can expect twinkling lights, festive spirit, and plenty of seasons greetings, tucked away beneath Salt Dog Slims on Cross Street.
The space will be packed with festive decor and seasonal drinks, plus plenty of nostalgic Christmas touches.
Tickets will be priced at £20 per person, which will get you a festive drink on arrival and a Christmas goody bag to take home, as well as complimentary mince pies and Quality Street during your visit.
You’ll also be sent on your way with a scratch card, which will reveal surprises and rewards (like free shots and hot dogs, or a chance to win £500) to enjoy upstairs in Salt Dog Slims.
Miracle on Cross Street will also offer a glimpse of what is to come from MDNT, the late-night bar usually found beneath Salt Dog Slims, ahead of its return in the new year.
Miracle on Cross Street, a Christmas bar in Manchester, is returning. Credit: The Manc Group
Michael Wood, Head of Bar Operations for Miracle on Cross Street said: “We’re incredibly excited to bring Miracle on Cross Street back to Manchester.
“It has been three years since we last opened the doors and, while guests can expect the same sense of fun, escapism and Christmas spirit, we’ve refined the experience and added some special new touches for 2026.
“Christmas in Manchester is always brilliant, and we want Miracle on Cross Street to be somewhere people can step away from the busy city, enjoy a festive drink and completely immerse themselves in the magic of the season.
“Whether it’s a Christmas catch-up, date night or festive celebration with friends, we can’t wait to welcome everyone back.”
The Miracle on Cross Street Christmas bar will return to Manchester on Thursday 19 November, and will be open seven days a week until 23 December. Bookings are now live HERE.
Danny Jones -
20th March 2024 
