One of the Northern Quarter’s staple bars and restaurants has announced its closure today.
Cottonopolis, which has sat on the corner of Newton Street and Dale Street since 2015, will not reopen after its busy festive period, owners have confirmed.
The Asian-inspired restaurant and bar has already shut its doors for good – but there’s a new concept planned for the space.
The historic Grade II-listed site will undergo a full renovation and relaunch with a brand new food and drink offering in early 2024.
Owners Nick and Hayley Muir have made the decision to close Cottonopolis after eight years, believing it has ‘reached the end of its journey in its current guise’.
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They say the restaurant, which served Japanese food and high-end cocktails, will be replaced by something ‘something just as fresh’.
That 200-year-old pub had been derelict for years before Nick and Hayley took it on and transformed it into what’s already been recognised as one of the best gastropubs in the UK.
They’ve yet to confirm what direction the Cottonopolis site will go in, but are promising an ‘exciting new concept.
Cottonopolis in Manchester’s Northern Quarter has announced its closure. Credit: The Manc GroupCottonopolis in Manchester’s Northern Quarter has announced its closure. Credit: The Manc Group
Nick Muir, director, said: “Cottonopolis has become known as a staple part of the Northern Quarter bar and restaurant scene, we believe we’ve reached the end of our journey in its current guise.
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“It’s been great, we’ve thrown some great parties, hosted weddings and worked with fantastic brands but we want to do something just as fresh. Like when it first came onto the NQ scene. It feels like the right time to bring an exciting new concept.
“We’ve already been hard at work with our team behind the scenes to develop our next adventure, which will bring a new quality place to eat and drink to the NQ, with the same exceptional standards we’ve become known for at Edinburgh Castle.
“We’d like to thank all of our guests for their loyalty over the last eight years, and we’re looking forward to sharing the next part of our journey with you.”
Further details will be revealed later this month, with plans to reopen to the public early 2024.
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.”
Daisy Jackson -
3rd January 2024 
