A new Mexican restaurant is opening in Manchester this weekend serving up authentic tacos and ceviche alongside zesty tequila and mezcal tacos.
Brought to the city by the teams behind London’s famous Breddos Tacos and esteemed Liverpudlian eatery Belzan, it sits on the edge of the city centre’s new waterside neighbourhood, Kampus, with a gorgeous sun trap terrace just perfect for al fresco dining.
Officially due to open tomorrow, Saturday 17 June, we headed down for a sneak preview at what’s to come – and left feeling very impressed.
Although a large proportion of the menu here is dedicated to tacos, the menu at Madre is split into four sections – wood-fired, oysters and raw, tacos and snacks – with the likes of freshly-prepared ceviche, fire-roasted Simaloan style prawns and oysters Rockefeller all vying for attention.
Image: The Manc Eats
Image: The Manc Eats
At the oyster and raw bar, you’ll find sashimi-grade tuna tostadas, cured seabass, and not two but three different styles of oysters to choose from, with toppings including a housemade jalapeno mignonette and roasted bonemarrow, panko and coriander.
As for the wood-fired section, the show-stopping aged wing of beef with beef jus potatoes is a must but further options like charcoal-grilled sea bass with salsa roja and refried beans, or the almejas with clams and beer also sound very tempting.
Snacks, meanwhile, span the likes of chiccaron de puerco y cola – perfectly crispy pork belly bites in a Mexican cola BBQ sauce – and ‘elote’ corn ribs with chipotle mayo, lime and queso fresco.
Of course, we also have to talk about the tacos too. Given that Madre’s taco truck has become something of a fixture around Manchester these past few years, it’s true that as we headed down this afternoon they were very much front and centre in our minds.
Image: The Manc Eats
Image: The Manc Eats
With six different styles to choose from, veggies and vegans are looked after with options like whipped potato and tempura avocado, alongside mainstay favourites like baja fish, birria beef shin, pork carnitas and fried chicken.
As for drinks, think punchy tequila and mezcal-based cocktails loaded with zesty citrus and artfully decorated with hibiscus salt alongside traditional Mexican soft drink Jarritos, a full wine and beer list and more besides.
Officially open from Saturday 17 June at Kampus, Manchester city centre has – until now at least – been sorely missing a good Mexican restaurant. Thankfully, it appears that Madre is here to answer our prayers.
Featured image – The Manc Eats
Eats
A much-loved Manc drinking spot is handing out FREE spritzes to Sounds of the City gig-goers
Danny Jones
Popular Manchester city centre drinking spot, Society, is handing out free spritzes to gig-goers heading to this year’s Sounds of the City festival.
The annual series of live music events returned at the start of the month, with Castlefield Bowl once again being turned into one of the best amphitheatres in the country – not that we’re biased, or anything.
And since we’re in a month packed with outdoor gigs (pretty sure there’s some local band on at Heaton Park), what better drink to help you get a bit loose before the party starts than a refreshing spritz in the sunshiiine?
Better yet, if you fancy copping a complimentary one, Society beer and food hall are handing out freebies for those going to Sounds of the City 2025.
As you can see, the deal is simple: turn up to the beautiful Society beer garden or equally lovely indoor space and show your ticket to the bar staff to get your hands on a free spritzer.
Now, there is a catch, as they’re only promising 100 free drinks in total across all seven concerts this July, and three of them have already been – which could be a blessing or a curse – and they’re available on a first come first serve basis from 4pm on each event date.
However, we’ll admit we were a little late to the news on this occasion, so there’s a chance plenty of others haven’t heard about the offer either, meaning you could still be able to sort yourself a free Sarti or Aperol Spritz (only 50 of each available).
Salivating.Sounds of the City is just a short walk from Society.Credit: The Manc Eats/Audio North
With 2025 season openers, Elbow, having kicked things off in true Manc style, as well as The Charlatans and Shed Seven having already played, the word may have gotten out, but it’s still worth a crack. Besides, Society is still a brilliant summery drinking spot regardless.
The deal is available across all remaining concert dates:
Wed, 9 July – The Black Keys, with support from Miles Kane
Thurs, 10 July – Bloc Party, with support from The Royston Club
Fri, 11 July – Rizzle Kicks, with support from Maverick Sabre and Abbie McCarthy
Sat, 12th July – Basement Jaxx, with support from Mike Skinner (DJ Set) and Storm Mollison
Oh, and if you’re wondering what SOTC 2025 has been like so far, the neighbouring balconies have been full as always, Castlefield Hotel has been packed, and we got Guy Garvey to wave at a train driver…
Featured Images — The Manc Group/Society (supplied)
Eats
The UK’s best kebab is coming to Manchester as legendary shawarma bar announces Deansgate site
Clementine Hall
A brand-new shawarma bar is set to open its doors in Manchester this summer.
If you’re ever across the Pennines over in sunny Leeds, then you will have most likely heard of SQEW – a modern Lebanese-inspired eatery that has established itself as a cult-favourite amongst locals.
And it’s not just those Yorkshire folk who think it’s great, SQEW has recently been scooping up the accolades including most recently, Deliveroo’s Best Kebab of 2025.
The rumour mill has been turning for quite some time now but luckily for us they are in fact true, SQEW will be bringing its bold, elevated take on the kebab to 75 Deansgate, taking over the former Rola Wala site.
Images: The Manc Group
From humble beginnings to national recognition, SQEW was founded in 2015 by passionate chef and founder Mitch Renshaw, who wanted to give the often-overlooked kebab the love it truly deserves.
What began as a single idea serving slow-cooked meats and house-made sauces quickly boomed into a local sensation, eventually landing a permanent home in 2021 on Leeds’ Boar Lane.
Customers can expect a menu rooted in Lebanese flavours with a modern twist, all served with good old fashioned northern hospitality.
Image: The Manc Group
Speaking about the expansion, Mitch Renshaw, Owner and Founder of SQEW, said: “Were absolutely thrilled to announce our move over the pennies. We’ve been searching for the perfect site since 2023, and when we came across 75 Deansgate we jumped at it. We have a few surprises up our sleeves for Manchester and can’t wait to reveal more.
Having spent the last few weeks in Manchester, I’m brimming ear to ear, the people, the culture, the operators, we just can’t wait to be part of it.”
The new site will feature an all-day shawarma bar concept with seating, takeaway, and delivery options – so you can get your SQEW fix however way you want it.
We’ll keep you updated with more details in the coming weeks, but you keep an eye on SQEW’s socials for more sneak peeks.
Georgina Pellant -
16th June 2023 
