A luxurious restaurant in Manchester city centre has shut its doors only nine months after opening.
It appears that Ikaro, the lavish steak restaurant and champagne bar that had moved into the former site of the iconic nightclub Panacea, has already closed down.
The space had been transformed last September into a modern 84-seat restaurant, filled with black marble and dark velvet furniture, along with massive screens outside projecting colourful digital art onto John Dalton Street.
Ikaro’s menu was split into two portions – fire and ice – and included dishes like grilled lobster tails, Japanese A5 Wagyu steak, torched hand dived scallops and bluefin tuna otoro.
There also used to be a huge selection of champagne, including frequently-changing selections of rare bottles available until 2.30am.
ADVERTISEMENT
Company director, Zack Issak, said at the time of the Ikaro opening: “It’s long overdue that this popular space opened its doors once more and we’re thrilled to be able to do that.
“IKaro will create an unforgettable experience from start to finish. Guests will enjoy a choice of the world’s finest Champagnes, paired with the best Wagyu steaks and seafood on the market.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Inside Ikaro, which opened in the former Panacea site in 2023.
But despite such lofty ambitions, it does seem that Ikaro has gone for good.
All the social pages for the restaurant have vanished, it’s listed as permanently closed on Google, and emails to book a table now bounce straight back.
Ikaro was opened by the same team behind SakkuSamba and the brand-new Habbibi, a decadent Middle Eastern and Mediterranean restaurant in Spinningfields.
ADVERTISEMENT
SakkuSamba closed at the end of May for ‘an exciting refurbishment and upgrade’ but hasn’t yet reopened.
Bakery chain Gail’s is attempting to win over Prestwich after spelling mishap
Daisy Jackson
Gail’s has announced a plan to try and make amends with Prestwich after spelling the village’s name wrong on the new bakery’s signs.
The massive bakery chain finally confirmed that it would be moving into the suburb on the fringes of Bury and Manchester, but made a fatal flaw at the first step.
The huge posters are missing the letter ‘T’, instead saying ‘Hello Preswich’.
More than a few eyebrows were raised locally, with people saying it’s ‘not a great first impression for the locals…’.
And now Gail’s is attempting to put things right by offering free tea to Prestwich residents.
In new material released today, they wrote: “Oops… people of Prestwich, we owe you a ‘T’.
“You may have seen how we missed out a ‘t’ in our new bakery signage.
“We’re sorry for the mistake, and to make up for it we’d like to brew you a tea when we open.”
The new advertising has a QR code which people can scan to claim their free cuppa.
Gail’s has also passed its thanks on to ‘local resident Clair’, who actually came up with the suggestion on The Manc’s LinkedIn post here.
With this development, Gail’s has now confirmed it’ll be opening in Prestwich – directly opposite the new Rudy’s – in early 2025, with free tea served then to those who scan the QR code.
Gail’s will hand out free tea in Prestwich to apologise for spelling the village’s name wrongHuge bakery chain Gail’s confirms move to Prestwich – but spells village’s name wrong in signage
Salon Madre – A new tequila bar and pool hall is opening in Manchester
Daisy Jackson
A new tequila bar and pool hall is set to open in Manchester in a couple of weeks, from the same team behind Madre.
The huge new space, Salon Madre, will be serving up the tacos and burritos that have made the Mexican restaurant at Kampus so well-loved.
And all that’s alongside a drinks menu that centres around tequila, including frozen, classic and flavoured margaritas and palomas.
Can’t stomach tequila? There’ll also be wines on draft, Corona and local beers.
The food menu will show off signature dishes like al pastor tacos, with daily rotating specials, plus Gringas, nachos and Madre’s huge burritos.
Salon Madre has taken over a spot just off Kampus’s lush garden that was previously home to a Seven Brothers taproom, right next door to Madre itself.
Salon Madre is a new Mexican pool hall and tequila bar in Manchester. Credit: The Manc GroupSalon Madre is a new Mexican pool hall and tequila bar in Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group
As well as all the Mexican food and drink goodness, the bar will have four pool tables and will be screening Lucha Libre (Mexican wrestling) and American sports.
The dream is to bring the fun and liveliness of a Mexican pool hall to the heart of Manchester, in this beautiful spot right near Piccadilly and Canal Street.
Salon Madre will open on 6 December at Kampus, with bookings for Christmas groups and parties now available.
Daisy Jackson -
27th June 2024 
