Beloved local pizza joint Nell’s and fellow Manchester favourites Burgerism are set to collide for an unreal collab that sounds like it’s going to be a Manc foodie’s wet dream.
No, we don’t mind being rude at all because this sounds seriously naughty.
That’s right, in a crossover that we can only build as the stuff of legend, Nell’s is creating a brand-new limited edition Burgerism pizza that will be available for one week only and if you don’t already know it’s going to sell out immediately then you’ve severely underestimated the pull these two brands have.
Simply given the name ‘Burgerismed’, it features a tomato base, shredded iceberg lettuce, shredded and smoked mozzarella, pickles, caramelised chuck beef from Littlewoods Butchers, and the signature and secret Burgerism sauce.
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Yes, they’re quite literally building a gourmet cheeseburger – the most ordered takeaway in Manchester on Deliveroo (that’s how popular they are) on a pizza. It’s still bread, cheese and meat, just make it flat.
This glorious creation, unveiled in line with National Burger Day on 28 May, can be ordered in either 14″ or the legendary 22″ formats, but let’s be honest, we’re all going big and greedy. It is the Nell’s way.
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As mentioned, the Burgerismed pizza is only on for seven very special days starting from next Tuesday (28 May) at the original Nell’s in Northern Quarter, their site Kampus and from The Beagle in Chorlton, so you best make the most of the opportunity.
Just two Manc heavyweights joining forces for something truly special. (Credit: Nell’s Kampus)
Jonny Heyes, founder of Nell’s, said of the collab: “The combination of the two most important food groups on the planet, only to be witnessed for a short time here at Nell’s.
“Burger x Pizza death match, our dreamy dough combined with smash patties, pickles, lettuce and Burgerism’s sensational secret sauce. What could be better.”
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As for Burgerism, founder and CEO Mark Murphy added on their end:“When I order food, obviously I only order Burgerism. But I’ve always wondered about the idea of a Burgerism pizza – our smashed, caramelised meat, fresh toppings, and unique Burgerism sauce on a delicious, doughy base.
“Burger or pizza is an age-old dilemma for many, but for one week only there’s no need to compromise and that’s what this collaboration is all about. And we truly hope the fans enjoy this limited-edition creation.” We’re absolutely certain we will.
Deansgate bar Simmons closes just over a year after opening
Danny Jones
London-born bar brand Simmons has closed their Manchester site just over a year after opening their first Northern location.
They’ve lasted roughly 15 months on one of our busiest nightlife strips.
Opening on Deansgate back in October 2024, Simmons Manchester wasn’t just their first foray here up in this half of the country but their only other venue outside of the capital.
An otherwise well-established and popular chain down south, they have a total of 15 different bars in central London, but things clearly haven’t quite taken off as planned here in Manchester.
Placing a poster in the unit’s shopfront besides the likes of Be At One, Yours, The Moon Under The Water Spoons and the Deansgate branch of Slug and Lettuce, as you can see, the fellow franchise founded over a decade ago said: “After much consideration, we’ve made the difficult decision to close our doors.
“It’s never easy to say goodbye”, they add, “We’re incredibly proud of what the team built here and so grateful to them, as well as everyone who joined us over the past year.
“We’ve had some unforgettable nights. We love Manchester, and we hope to be back under the right conditions.”
They go on to thank everyone for being “part of the journey”, but for now, it looks like the room has closed effective immediately.
Simmons started back in 2012 when founder Nick Campbell opened the first bar below his flat in Kings Cross, and their presence has grown hugely since then. The closing sign was spotted and shared on social media earlier this week.
Offering everything from stylish cocktails to New York-style pizza, live music and even private karaoke booths, the place had plenty going on.
With rising business rates, energy bills and more dovetailing with the continuing cost of living crisis that is still hampering both hospitality and the nightime economy, they are just one of many to unfortunately close their doors of late.
For instance, it was only earlier this month that we saw multiple well-known names shut up shop here in the city centre or elsewhere in Greater Manchester, including another long-standing late-night favourite, Revolution.
It’s a shame for any business to close, and we certainly hope they’ll return someday with a model that can be sustained in the current climate.
Inside Butter Bird – Ancoats’ hottest new neighbourhood rotisserie with a menu dedicated to butter
Clementine Hall
A new restaurant has opened its doors in Ancoats serving up two of life’s greatest pleasures.
Those two things being chicken and butter. And coincidentally, they go very well together.
Introducing Butter Bird, a new neighbourhood rotisserie restaurant that has taken over the old Counter House site on Blossom Street.
If you’ve been living under a rock or you have a healthy relationship with social media, then you won’t know that rotisserie chicken is very much ‘in’ for 2026.
Images: The Manc Eats
So of course, just like anything, Ancoats is first to hop on that trendy bandwagon.
When simple things are done properly then they’re very satisfying indeed, and that’s exactly what Butter Bird have achieved.
Built around classic spit cooking and time honoured technique, with an impressive Rotisol Millenium rotisserie oven at the heart of the space, the chickens are seasoned and brined in house, then slowly rotated over open heat so the meat self bastes as it cooks.
Images: The Manc Eats
The result? Moreish, crisp, golden skin, succulent meat and deep flavour.
If that doesn’t sound enticing enough, they’ve also got a section of their menu dedicated entirely to their house butters.
Flavoured, complex butters designed to compliment your bird in however you desire.
My personal favourite was the moroccan-spiced Chermoula, but the tarragon with wildflower and mustard was also stellar.
Images: The Manc Eats
Drinks wise they’ve got a great selection of Crémant, chosen to cut through the chicken fat, as well as fun cocktails and decent wines.
Obviously you’ll need some sides to go with your bird which you can order as a quarter or half, and they’ve got everything from rotisserie potatoes which you can douse in chicken gravy to a Caesar salad stuffed with enough croutons it’s probably not classed as a salad anymore.
Butter Bird opens to the public on Thursday 29 January, with a launch offer offering 50% off rotisserie chicken when booked in advance for the first two weeks.
Danny Jones -
23rd May 2024 
