It might have first made headlines because of Rio the parrot, but now Gardens’ controversial feathered resident has been rehomed, the spotlight is firmly back where it belongs – on the food.
Gardens is a striking new waterside restaurant and lounge overlooking the River Irwell, with enormous windows taking in views of the water and Manchester Cathedral.
Greater Manchester has historically not been very good about making the most of its waterways, with areas like Ancoats Marina and Salford Quays now leading a new charge, so it’s refreshing to see somewhere making the most of the Irwell – even if there’s still more chance of seeing a plastic bag floating past than anything more scenic.
With its towering ceilings and stylish interiors, Gardens has quickly become one of Salford’s most eye-catching new openings, promising hearty Mediterranean grills, shisha, and great mocktails.
And now there’s another reason to visit, as the venue has launched a brand new Lebanese-inspired brunch menu.
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Expect authentic dishes including fluffy omelettes, hearty foul (slow-cooked fava beans), prawn fatteh (layers of crisp pitta, tahini yoghurt, chickpeas, and prawns), shakshuka, and fresh halloumi tomato salad, alongside plenty of other Mediterranean favourites.
The brand-new brunch menu joins the substantial menu of grilled mains, with dishes like mixed grills, slow-cooked lamb shank that falls off the bone, and roast chicken.
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A spread of brunch dishes at GardensFruit platter, cakes and coffees at GardensFeta, tomato and spinach omelette; chickpeas in tahini yoghurtPrawn fatteh and shakshukahGardens seen across the River IrwellThe beautiful waterside locationMixed grill dishes at GardensSteak in a homemade herb sauce
And you’ll find plenty of other dishes like fattoush salad, hummus, and flatbreads.
Gardens is split into two areas, with the archway overlooking Greengate Square home to the cafe for brunches and matchas, while the main riverside lounge comes alive for socialising, shisha, and mocktails.
While Gardens may have become known for reasons beyond the menu when it first opened, its riverside location, stylish interiors and generous Mediterranean offering make it one of the most impressive new additions to Salford’s dining scene.
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If you’re after somewhere new for a weekend brunch or an evening meal by the water, this could be worth adding to your list.
Tiny Stockport restaurant shares plea after 36 people fail to turn up for reservation
Daisy Jackson
Another local business has had to issue a plea to customers, after an enormous group booking failed to turn up for their reservation.
Casa De Casa in Heaton Moor has shared that a reservation for a whopping 36 guests no-showed over the August bank holiday weekend.
For this tapas bar and Mediterranean restaurant, that’s pretty much the capacity of the entire venue, left empty on what should be one of the busiest weekends of the year.
Casa De Casa said that they had spent time preparing food, sorting staffing, and making sure the restaurant was ready for the large group of 36.
But when ‘nobody showed up’, it left them with a ‘significant loss’.
They said: “We understand that plans can change, but please let us know if you can’t make your booking.
“A simple message can make a big difference.
“Thank you to everyone who continues to support us.”
Casa De Casa took to their Facebook page to share the tale of the ‘difficult night’, and have been flooded with messages of support since.
One person wrote: “That’s actually disgusting. You have a brilliant restaurant – fabulous food every time & top service. I’d happily pay a deposit & not be offended if asked for one.”
Another said: “Absolutely diabolical – I hope they’re reading comments on here and contact you to not only apologise but to pay you at least for the cost of the food. Shocking!”
And someone else posted: “Absolutely awful !!!! …. At least if there is a legit reason they ring and tell you !!!! Awful that you will have to ask now for a deposit on a big booking !!! Why are people so nasty ???? We love it here so keep on being fab xxx”
A new Southeast Asian BBQ restaurant has opened on a Manchester rooftop with jaw-dropping city views
Clementine Hall
Say hello to Sister Moon, a beautiful new restaurant bringing a taste of Southeast Asia to Manchester city centre.
It’s the latest addition to Manchester’s Treehouse Hotel, which opened last year transforming a huge building at the end of Deansgate.
This is the final chapter of its new opening, and it might be our favourite one yet.
Sister Moon is the new project from acclaimed chef Sam Grainger who you’ll know from Madre, among others.
Images: The Manc
Sam is working alongside Luke Cowdrey and Justin Crawford (Electric Chair, Volta, Freight Island) at Sister Moon, a Southeast Asian BBQ concept inspired by his time cooking with a local family in Thailand.
All the dishes are cooked on open fire, including dishes like the fried pork skewers with banana ketchup and the grilled prawns with crispy chilli and garlic.
Image: The Manc
Elsewhere on the menu you’ll find stars like the crispy pork belly and pomelo salad as well as the slow cooked lamb jungle curry (warning, this one’s got a kick).
Looking for something lighter? There’s dishes like the smacked cucumber and the cold soba noodle salad that make for the perfect lunch option.
Images: The Manc
And it’s not just Sister Moon which has opened on the 14th floor of the Treehouse Hotel, also now open is The Nest, a new signature bar with panoramic views of Manchester that will be a destination for late-night drinks and social occasions.
Just up the stairs is also The Hideout – an intimate rooftop lounge and event space designed for private hire.
Kick off your evening with a drink in The Nest before making your way for a flavour-packed dinner at Sister Moon – all whilst enjoying jaw-dropping views of the city.
Sister Moon, The Nest, and The Hideout will officially open on Saturday 5 September, and you can find out more here.
Daisy Jackson -
23rd July 2026 
