Yes, local favourites Conni’s Focacceria are well underway for 2026 with their latest venue, and besides nailing unreal Neapolitan scran like they always have, these guys are looking to be THE place to go for those on their dinner hour in Manchester– and then some.
After years of serving Salford and popping up at various events in the city centre and beyond, such as the annual Festa Italiana celebrations, Conni’s has a new home at the base of Collier’s Yard in the Greengate area.
Now looking not only to dish out their unbelievable focaccia recipe but also other baked goods and desserts, they’ve now decked themselves out with a full brunch menu that can be made bottomless too, as well as other light bites, drinks and authentic dishes from morning till night.
Aiming to be bigger, better, bolder and louder than ever this year, Conni’s over in Unit 4 at 12 Bankside Boulevard has every intention of becoming the next lunchtime hotspot and winning you over to stay there for hours and/or come back in the evening.
The star of the show – besides the ever-frenetic foodie frontman, Francesco, himself – is their now increasingly popular panuozzo.
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Like a fine wine, their recipe only seems to have gotten better with age, and with Naples-rooted Manc adoptee ‘Frankie’ tossing the freshly made pizza dough right then and there in the clean and stylish new shop before baking it rapidly in their oven,
Whether you want a full ‘pie’, a classic Napoli slice or their trademark authentic twist on the pizza-inspired but still focaccia-esque sandwich, this is quite simply some of the nicest, most perfectly crispy and perfectly blistered yet soft on the inside carbage you’ll ever stick in your mouth.
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The variety of flavours had us almost literally salivating all over their shiny new floor, from the highly traditional mortadella, pesto rocket and fior di latte, to the smoked salmon with lemon ricotta and capers, we almost yelped reading the new menu at one point.
Meanwhile, their antipasti, charcuterie, salads and well-honed pizza varieties, rather fittingly, it’s their absolute bread and butter. Absolutely no notes.
And then there’s Mama Conni’s (Concetta, if you want to be all formal about it) famous pasta dishes; busy experimenting in the open pass whilst we filmed, she whipped us up a quick portion of a simple but hearty and super satisfying pasta e patate. Yes, pasta and potatoes in sauce, and it was great.
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Born out of the ‘cucina povera’ culture, i.e. poor kitchens simply putting out straightforward, affordable but nevertheless delicious food of the people, it was rich, creamy and perfectly filling.
It’s not exactly a revelation to state that Italian‘s like to ensure a full belly, but what we will say is that these guys do make you feel like a guest invited not only into their dining room but in full view and well within earshot of their little slice of chaos.
Francesco joked that they told his dad to crack on in the back, as he was “even crazier” than anyone else working for them, but one thing we really do love is that this place is a family-led independent through and through.
And we don’t just mean those born with the same surname…
Be it his best mates helping out behind the counter or coming in to sample the most recent iterations on the meals we’re sure they’ve had hundreds of times, to nearby residents being welcomed in as regulars, their idea of family is about building a wider community and making them feel like one of your own.
There are some big characters behind this incredible indie business that shows no signs of slowing down, arguably none more so than ‘r Frank, but one of the biggest compliments that we can give to any hospitality venue is when you can feel that it’s a team with real personalities all pulling together.
It’s that classic thing of those contributing to help this place become something greater than the sum of its parts.
Conni’s Pizza Bar and Bakery is proper song and dance, quite literally, that also happens to be delivering consistently brilliant food and drink; it’s fast, fun and noisy but in the most charming way, plus it feels like they’ve invited customers to buy into the whole package. In fact, that’s exactly what they’ve done.
Anyway, we’re off to try another type of panuozzo and see exactly where it ranks on our list of Manchester’s best butties.
TWO Greater Manchester restaurants awarded prestigious Michelin Bib Gourmands
Daisy Jackson
Two restaurants in Greater Manchester have been presented with one of the most prestigious accolades in hospitality – a Michelin Bib Gourmand.
Both Erst in Ancoats and Cantaloupe in Stockport have been awarded the distinction, alongside Almanac in Glossop (technically just outside the region, but close enough).
The new additions bring our region’s total to five Bib Gourmands in total, joining El Gato Negro, Higher Ground, and The Sparrows.
Michelin Bib Gourmand recognises ‘restaurants that serve high-quality food at great value’ and are often much more accessible than the Michelin Star selections.
The news of the extra additions comes ahead of the Michelin Guide ceremony, where the ultimate accolade of the Michelin Stars will be awarded.
Michelin inspectors said that Erst is ‘inch perfect’ and a ‘great fit’ for the local dining scene.
Erst is one of the Greater Manchester restaurants awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand
They wrote: “A restaurant that feels inch perfect for 2026, Erst combines a natural wine bar with small plates and stripped-back industrial design.
“It’s a great fit for the Manchester dining scene and is another success for the city after receiving several other accolades in recent years.
“Bold flavours burst out of every dish, with the signature topped flatbreads being just one highlight.”
As for Cantaloupe in Stockport, the guide pointed out that the North West has a glut of wine bars and small plates restaurants, but praised this one in particular for its ‘welcome simplicity’.
They wrote: “Another wine bar and restaurant designed for sharing – anyone living in northwest England is certainly spoilt for choice.
“It’s Stockport’s turn this time, with Cantaloupe offering locals and visitors alike a daily changing menu packed with bright Mediterranean flavours and a welcome simplicity. The chefs know when to hold back and their dishes are all the better for it.”
Addressing their win, Cantaloupe wrote: “Well, wow, what fantastic news. Today we’ve discovered we’ve been awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand. We’re thrilled and are grateful to all our staff for making it happen.
“Big thanks to all our guests too for spending their hard earned money and time with us.”
And of Almanac, the Michelin Guide said: “One of three new Bib Gourmands in and around Manchester this year, Almanac has revealed itself as a gem of Glossop High Street.
“Operating as both a bar and restaurant – look out for the concise but well-curated wine list – it’s got the kind of welcoming feel that makes you want to come back again and again. The cooking is traditional and proud of it; order the mince on dripping toast for evidence.”
Beloved Northern Quarter restaurant TNQ announces shock closure after two decades
Daisy Jackson
One of the Northern Quarter’s most long-standing restaurants has announced its shock closure after almost 22 years in Manchester.
TNQ, an independent restaurant with a British menu, said that the current climate has made the restaurant ‘no longer a viable business’.
In a shockingly honest statement, the business said that its energy bills have rocketed to a staggering £8,000 per month, and that the two owners have forgone their salaries to try and keep TNQ afloat.
But despite being ‘busy and often fully booked’, the business has been left in a ‘heartbreaking situation where we have to close the doors for good’.
“Thanks E-on and thanks Rachel Reeves”, TNQ said in a statement today.
As for the staff who work at the High Street restaurant, TNQ bosses say they’re committed to paying them ‘every penny they are owed’ and are helping them to find new jobs in the industry.
TNQ said of their staff: “Our amazing team have worked blood sweat and tears over the years, grafted 80 hour weeks busting a gut to deliver our best for our guests. We are incredibly grateful to all our staff for their endeavours, loyalty, commitment and support over the 22 years.
“We are so sorry to all of them that we can no longer continue.”
TNQ statement in full
Unfortunately this is a heartbreaking situation where we have to close the doors to TNQ for good after nearly 22 years.
We have got through the banking crisis, double dip recessions and Covid but the current climate has made the restaurant no longer a viable business.
Our E-on bills are up to £8000 per month, wage costs have rocketed particularly after the last two budgets, food costs have soared and business rates continue to increase.
This has created a perfect storm resulting in the permanent closure of our beloved restaurant.
Last October we borrowed £100k which was personally guaranteed by 2 of the shareholders in order to try and weather the storm and 2 owners stopped being paid salary but unfortunately this wasn’t enough to save our restaurant.
Our amazing team have worked blood sweat and tears over the years, grafted 80 hour weeks busting a gut to deliver our best for our guests. We are incredibly grateful to all our staff for their endeavours, loyalty, commitment and support over the 22 years.
We are so sorry to all of them that we can no longer continue. We are committed to paying all our staff every penny they are owed. We are also working with our friends in the industry to find new jobs for everyone where we can. It is a truly gutting and heartbreaking situation. Sorry.
Thank you to all our partners and suppliers over the years, many of whom we have formed great friendships with.
Finally, thank you to all our wonderful guests who have supported us over the years, many of whom we are proud to call our friends. We will be in touch with all our bookings in due course and we can only apologise that we can no longer accommodate you.
Our restaurant has been busy and often fully booked but it’s just not enough to be a sustainable business. We are so sorry but this is goodbye from us at TNQ, one of the longest established independent restaurants in our magnificent city.
Danny Jones -
13th January 2026 
