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.
Manchester’s tiniest coffee shop has opened in Ancoats serving £2.50 flat whites
Daisy Jackson
A tiny new coffee shop has opened in Ancoats, and it’s already turning heads with a simple mission – making quality coffee affordable again.
7ZZ (pronounced ‘seven zeez’) has quietly launched on Oldham Road in a space no bigger than your arm span.
Owner Joe Stephens is bringing speciality coffee prices back down to earth with flat whites starting from just £2.50 and matcha from only £4.
In a city where a morning coffee can easily set you back more than a fiver, the new independent hopes to bridge the gap between premium coffee shops and budget chains.
The compact café may be easy to miss at first glance, but its menu packs plenty of personality. Alongside classic espresso-based drinks, customers can pick up ceremonial-grade matcha, iced barista-made coffees, and vibrant ube lattes made properly (no purple syrup in sight).
Joe says the idea behind 7ZZ was to create a space where customers don’t have to choose between quality and affordability, with a price list that rivals Greggs.
Adding to the appeal is a selection of pastries from Sticky Fingers, the popular Stockport bakery known for its indulgent sweet treats.
Joe Stephens at 7ZZ in AncoatsIced matcha and ube lattes start at just £47ZZ has Sticky Fingers bakes on the counter
With fresh bakes like croissants and custard buns lining the counter each day, the new opening looks set to become a popular stop for commuters and locals alike.
As Ancoats continues to cement its reputation as one of Manchester’s best neighbourhoods for food and drink, 7ZZ is offering something increasingly rare – speciality coffee that doesn’t come with a speciality price tag.
7ZZ Coffee is now open at 116 Oldham Road, Ancoats, M4 6AG.
Manchester cocktail bar added to Michelin Guide in ‘incredible surprise’
Daisy Jackson
A cocktail bar in Manchester has received a surprise listing in the prestigious Michelin Guide – the first drinks-led venue in the city to gain such recognition.
Posie opened less than a year ago in an unlikely location just off Market Street, transforming a former sandwich shop into a sunny and stylish bar, right in the heart of Manchester city centre.
The bar comes from the same team behind 10 Tib Lane (which is also a Michelin Guide venue) and is famed for its cocktails, oysters, and global wine list.
And now Posie has swooped into the prestigious guide just 10 months after its launch, with judges celebrating its small plates and its extensive cocktail list.
The Michelin Guide said: “Founded by the same team as nearby 10 Tib Lane, posie is a little more drink-driven than its sibling, with a global wine selection that’s keen on natural options, alongside over 30 classic and bespoke cocktails and mocktails.
“None of this means that they don’t take their food seriously, with plenty of flavour bursting out of the concise small-plates selection.
“Jersey oysters with various toppings are a feature, and you mustn’t miss the Guinness rarebit on toast with piquant pickled cauliflower.
“If you’re struggling to choose, just ask the friendly team for guidance.”
Posie bar in Manchester has been added to the Michelin Guide. Credit: The Manc Group
Posie has said the news comes as ‘an incredible surprise’, adding that this ‘really is a proud moment for us and the team’.
Sophie Robson, co-owner at Posie, said: “We’re incredibly proud to have been included in the MICHELIN Guide so soon after opening.
“From day one, our ambition was to create a bar where exceptional drinks, great food and amazing hospitality come together.
“To receive recognition from such a respected guide is a fantastic achievement for the team and a reflection of the hard work that goes into every aspect of the guest experience.”
Harry Quick -
15th January 2024 
