In case it wasn’t already abundantly obvious, Manchester is absolutely mint at food — but don’t just take our word for it, as the latest raft of food and drink trend predictions for 2024 from Restaurant Magazine has put us right up there too.
It’s fair to say Manchester has come a long way in the last decade in terms of our culinary exports, many of which have now seen our city cemented as one of the most exciting cities to eat out in the UK.
That’s one claim we’ll have to agree with, but it’s clear that we are now well truly putting ourselves on the global culinary map too.
In the recent article which outlines 11 food and drink trend predictions for the year ahead, Manchester as a whole has been highlighted with an expectation to break even more new ground.
Whilst we’ve come a long way from pub grub smothered in gravy and a simple chippy tea, the gastronomic boom won’t be turning a blind eye to our hearty northern dinner plates of yesteryear.
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The magazine highlights how the city has “come of age” when it comes to ‘haute cuisine’, as well as some of the top talent set to open in the new year, including the highly anticipated launch of Skof.
Former executive chef of Simon Rogan’s three-Michelin-starred L’Enclume, creator Tom Barnes is set to bring the city’s second Michelin star with his debut solo project.
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Hailing from the North West, Barnes understands the heartbeat of the region and Manchester, with a vision to create an unpretentious yet ambitious dining experience in the North.
Restaurant Mag iterated the head chef’s intentions, “Manchester is a buzzy city. We want to offer amazing food but we also want people to relax and have a laugh and not feel intimidated.”
They also eagerly mention the summer launch of Kurt Zdesar’s Chotto Matte, which underlines the cultural exchange between Japan and Peru in each dish, as well as Soho House located within the old Granada Studios in the heart of the city.
Essentially the equivalent of the Chanel show coming to town only in the fine dining world, this gives a subtle hint that the coveted culinary award could be heading somewhere in the city.
Our ever-evolving city already saw the likes of major players Higher Ground and Fenix settle in recently, so the magazine has all the more reason to suggest Manchester is a must-visit on the culinary map.
Viral Korean street food brand Bunsik is coming to the Trafford Centre
Daisy Jackson
Korean street food brand Bunsik is branching out, with a brand-new restaurant confirmed for the Trafford Centre.
Set to open later this year, the London-born brand will be bringing its viral Korean corn dogs – with cheese pulls that stretch as far as your arms will go – to the huge shopping centre.
As well as that, Bunsik is famed for classic Korean street food dishes like ttekbokki, crispy fried chicken, and kimbap.
The Korean favourite already has a popular site over in Manchester city centre, opening up on Piccadilly Gardens back in 2023.
Bunsik is set to open in the Trafford Centre’s The Orient food hall in June, taking over the old Shere Khan unit.
It joins other recent openings like Joe & The Juice, Jerk Junction, and the brand-new Eastern Garden dining area which is home to Blanchflower, Chit n Chaat, and Hello Oriental.
Simon Layton, Centre Director at Trafford Centre, said: “We’re thrilled to be welcoming Bunsik to Trafford Centre this summer.
“It’s a brand that brings something fresh, fun and exciting to our food lineup, and we know our visitors are going to love it.”
Korean corn dogs from BunsikThe existing Bunsik at Piccadilly Gardens
Jae Cho, founder of Bunsik, said: “We have been truly overwhelmed by the incredible love and support Manchester has shown us since we opened at Piccadilly Gardens.
“Seeing so many people enjoy our food every day gave us the confidence to believe that Bunsik could truly become a nationwide brand.
“It confirmed that the UK’s love for Korean street food is even stronger than we imagined.
“With that same energy and confidence, we are now thrilled to bring Bunsik to the iconic Trafford Centre. We hope our new home becomes just as beloved a spot for everyone in Manchester and the surrounding areas. We can’t wait to welcome you all very soon!”
Faulty Towers The Dining Experience is returning to Manchester next month
Daisy Jackson
One of the world’s silliest and most-loved experiences is returning to Manchester this year, offering people the chance to step inside the world of Fawlty Towers.
Faulty Towers The Dining Experience sees immersive theatre blend with a three-course dinner, bringing Britain’s most infamous hotel to life.
Fans of the hit 1970s comedy will enjoy two hours of mayhem led by Basil, Sybil and Manuel, all while tucking into a delicious era-appropriate meal.
Faulty Towers The Dining Experience has become an immersive dining phenomenon, scooping awards and selling out venues across the globe since launching almost 30 years ago.
In the years since, it’s welcomed more than one million guests, celebrated 13 years of its West End residency in London, and hosted celebrations for 50 years of the original BBC sitcom Fawlty Towers.
And now it’s Manchester’s turn, with the event returning to our city between 3 and 15 February.
Faulty Towers The Dining Experience is returning to ManchesterThe event is hosted by actors playing Basil, Sybil and ManuelAround 70% of the action is improvisedGuests are served a three-course 70s-inspired meal during the Faulty Towers experienceCredit: Rosie Powell
Faulty Towers The Dining Experience will be taking over the Voco hotel on Portland Street for a limited run, starring Aaron Millard as ‘Basil’, Rebecca Norris as ‘Sybil’, and Simon Hourihan as ‘Manuel’.
You can definitely expect two hours of theatre, chaos, and a 70s-inspired three-course meal, but with around 70% of the performances completely improvised, we can’t tell you much more than that…
Producer Jared Harford said: “It’s such a joy to be bringing Basil and the team back to Manchester. After such an incredible 2025 celebrating 50 years of Fawlty Towers, we can’t wait to continue sharing the laughter, chaos and community spirit that make this show so special.”
Faulty Towers The Dining Experience in Manchester:
Tuesday 3 February to Sunday 15 February
Tuesday to Saturday – doors open 6.45pm, seating and show starts 7.30pm
Saturday and Sunday – doors open 12.45pm, seating and show starts 1.30pm
Ticket prices, all including three-course meal and two hour immersive experience:
Tuesday to Thursday dinner, and Saturday or Sunday lunch – £67.50 pp (including fees) Friday or Saturday dinner £71.50 pp (including fees). Bookings can be made via the box office on (+44) 020 3700 3138 or online at www.faultytowersdining.com
Harry Quick -
15th January 2024 
