When it comes to bottomless brunching, Manchester really has got it down to a fine art. There really is something for every occasion, whether you want pies and pints or poached eggs and fizz.
One new bottomless brunch to throw its hat into the ring comes from Gusto, the popular Italian chain first founded in 2005 by Jeremy Roberts and the late Tim Bacon, from Living Ventures Group.
Known for its affordable Italian elegance, the restaurant group has just introduced a new Italian-inspired bottomless brunch with unlimited limoncello sangria, sourdough pizzas and refined pasta dishes.
Priced at £37 per person, for that diners will be treated to two delicious Italian courses alongside 90 minutes of non-stop cocktails and prosecco.
Running on Fridays and Saturdays between midday and 3pm, the new deal is inspired by the tastes of Italy and starts with the restaurant’s signature Dough Petals served with garlic butter.
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Image: Gusto
Image: Gusto
This is followed by a choice between classic brunch favourites and more authentic Italian plates.
Find brunch mainstays like smashed avocado on toast topped with spring greens, poached egg or smoked salmon on the menu here alongside the likes of wood-fired sourdough pizzas with toppings like pepperoni salsiccia or margherita.
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Further menu choices at the new Gaucho bottomless include the likes of jerusalem artichoke and truffle ravioli, D.O.P. San Marzano tomato orzotto, or a simple but flavoursome rigatoni arrabiata.
There is also the opportunity to upgrade to a Gusto burger – British chuck steak, caramelised onion, pecorino cheese, tomato, lettuce, relish and gherkin with skin-on fries or a house salad – for an extra £2.
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To wash it all down, you’ll find a selection of cocktails such as Aperol spritz, passionfruit spritz, limoncello sangria, and prosecco all available, with a non-alcoholic option also on offer for those off the sauce.
Image: Gusto
Image: Gusto
Kat Schofield, Head of Marketing at Gusto said, “We’re excited to bring our unique take on bottomless brunch to Manchester!
“Italians treasure time around the table with friends and family – best spent over lovingly prepared food and drinks, and our new bottomless brunch offers the ideal opportunity to do just that.”
Inside One Eight Six as Manchester cocktail bar finally reopens two years after devastating New Year’s Eve fire
Daisy Jackson
One Eight Six, the Manchester cocktail bar that was destroyed in a blaze on New Year’s Eve, is finally ready to reopen.
The stunning subterranean bar and live music venue has been closed since the very early hours of 2022, when a fire broke out shortly after the midnight countdown.
Terrifying CCTV footage at the time showed balloons across the ceiling catching fire and around 170 people fleeing the blaze.
It’s since been confirmed that the cause of the fire was real pine Christmas trees that were fastened to the ceiling, set alight by celebratory sparklers inside the bar.
Ever since that fateful night, One Eight Six has been quiet – until now.
The popular Deansgate bar is finally ready to quite literally rise from the ashes, having undergone an extensive refurbishment.
Its interior was completely destroyed in the New Year’s Eve fire, but has been reborn better than ever before.
Customers will again enter the bar through a barbershop at street level, with in incredible twisting neon light feature hanging from the ceiling.
The stage is set for more late-night live music at One Eight Six in Manchester. Credit: The Manc GroupCustomers enter One Eight six through a barbershop on Deansgate. Credit: The Manc GroupOne Eight Six’s original interior was destroyed in the New Year’s Eve fire. Credit: The Manc Group
Then after heading down the stairs you’ll find yourself in an art deco speakeasy, with the stage set for live music until the early hours.
Huge curved velvet booths in shades of pink and red will provide guests with a luxurious night out setting.
One Eight Six has installed opulent black marble floors and glowing light arches too – not to mention a giant ‘One Eight Six’ sign in mirrors.
Walls and pillars have been covered in even more mirrors to reflect the huge mirror ball and stage lights.
Founder Dean Mac said: “After nearly two years, we are finally allowed to be back on our feet giving the people of Manchester what they have been waiting so patiently for.
“Thank you again for sticking with us and supporting our journey this far. This new chapter of ONE EIGHT SIX will be better than ever. Same vibe. Same location. Just a whole lot sexier…”
It’s all looking pretty luxurious – just like before.
One Eight Six will officially open its doors this weekend on Deansgate, with bookings live here.
Namaste Nepal – West Didsbury favourite reveals new look and even more phenomenal curry
Daisy Jackson
Namaste Nepal, one of the best restaurants in West Didsbury – if not all of south Manchester – has undergone a big refurbishment, with new menu dishes to boot.
The family-run business has become a local institution over the last 15 or so years, famed for its comforting, authentic Nepalese food.
For the first time since it opened, Namaste Nepal has had a full-scale cosmetic transformation to become a modern – but still cosy and welcoming – neighbourhood restaurant.
You’ll now find green suede, gold, and marble, in amongst the Nepalese artefacts on the shelves.
Namaste Nepal is known for its menu of curries and street food which takes influences from India and China.
One of its hero dishes is its handmade Momocha dumplings, which are stuffed with lamb mince and topped with a classic peppery, spicy sauce.
There are platters of mixed shashlik, the meat slow-cooked in the tandoor oven; fiery traditional Chwela; and Kantipur Methi, where Tandoori chicken and minced lamb are mixed together.
Curries range from the mouth-numbingly spicy (looking at you, vegetable naaga) to a crowd-pleasing Makhan Chara (aka butter chicken).
There’s plenty to keep vegetarians well-fed, from saag paneer to aloo gobi.
Namaste Nepal has been spicing up our lives since 2005 and is well and truly standing the test of time.
Georgina Pellant -
29th June 2023 
