Blacklock, a brand-new chop house for Manchester, has announced its opening date AND a hefty discount ahead of its big launch.
The highly-anticipated restaurant, a popular name down in London, is currently transforming a Grade II listed building on Peter Street.
When it launches, Blacklock will bring its beloved and meat-heavy menu of reasonably-priced British classics, as well as affordable cocktails.
The modern take on a traditional British chop house promises ‘hearty fare and rowdy comfort’ and will open right in time to provide shelter from the typical Northern winter.
Ahead of its opening in a former textile merchants, Blacklock has announced a 50% off soft launch period from 20 September – and all you need to do is sign up here.
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On the menu you’ll find dishes like Blacklock’s much-loved ‘All In’ platter, where chops are piled high on charcoal-grilled flatbread which soaks up the meat juices.
There are also cuts of steak that use the whole animal, such as the ‘Sixth Rib-eye’, a cut they’ve worked to develop with long-time farmer and butcher Philip Warren, which is packed with flavour at a snip of the price.
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The huge platters of chops on offer at Blacklock. Credit: SuppliedBlacklock white chocolate cheesecake is scooped and served tableside. Credit: Supplied
And a real crowd favourite is their white chocolate cheesecake, which is generously scooped out of the dish tableside and plopped onto your plate, served with berry coulis on the side.
You’d be a fool to leave without a visit from their vintage cocktail trolley and a hearty old fashioned to end your night with.
On Mondays the restaurant offers Butcher Price Monday deals, where their ‘Big Chops’ are priced the same they would be in the butchers.
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You’d be right to assume that a chop house will take roast dinners seriously – Blacklock’s will feature whole joints roasted over open coals, served with Yorkshire puddings, duck fat roasted potatoes, seasonal vegetables and an unsparing amount of Blacklock gravy.
The new lovingly restored Manchester restaurant – its first outside of London – will have space for 115 customers including spacious booths, as well as a 25-seat cocktail bar.
Original features like Accrington brickwork and a striking factory-beamed ceiling are being revealed as part of the building’s transformation.
Blacklock was founded in 2014 by Gordon Ker, who abandoned a corporate life to pursue his love of hospitality, launching the first restaurant in an ex-Soho brothel in 2015.
Gordon said: “Getting to know the City more and more over the past six months we’ve all totally fallen for the place and cannot thank everyone enough for the support and welcome so far.
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“We can’t wait to warmly welcome Manchester to Blacklock and become part of this great city and its amazing hospitality scene.”
Blacklock Manchester will officially open on Friday 27 September, following the soft launch from 20 September. Sign up for your 50% off here.
Medlock Canteen confirms gutting closure after just 18 months
Danny Jones
Relative Manchester newcomer and city centre gem, Medlock Canteen, has announced that the business has now closed, sharing a lengthy statement on their social media.
The Deansgate Square favourite, which looked tipped to be one of the founding members of the emerging New Jackson foodie district, has sadly confirmed its immediate closure, with all existing bookings being unfortunately cancelled.
Medlock only opened back in March of 2024 and left a big impression on its many diners during that time, but sadly, the ever-present pressures of the hospitality industry don’t discriminate.
Writing on Instagram, the restaurant said: “With heavy hearts, we’re announcing the closure of Medlock Canteen. When we opened our doors 18 months ago, our dream was simple: to build a neighbourhood spot where everyone felt welcome, serving proper good food you know, love and can’t wait to eat.
“But the current climate has made that dream a tough one to sustain. Rising costs, increased taxes, and tighter spending have created challenges we’ve fought hard to overcome but, sadly, they’re ones we just can’t compete with.
“We’re proud to say our amazing team has been looked after, with payroll up to date and everyone offered roles elsewhere in our family of venues. If you’ve got opportunities going, drop us a message – we’d love to pass them on to anyone ready for their next chapter.”
Owned by the same group behind Belzan in Liverpool and Manchester’s Madre over in Kampus, the team led by co-owner Owain Williams has offered replacement reservations at their other venues by way of an apology to their loyal customers.
It was only back in April last year that renowned food writer Jay Rayner described it as “special” and dubbed the admittedly swankly skyscraper location a “welcome haven for all.”
Couldn’t agree more. Few could’ve seen Medlock Canteen closing barely a year on from such a glowing write-up.
They signed off by adding: “To everyone who dined, left us a rave review, shared a laugh, or came back for seconds: thank you.
“You made this little place feel truly special. And yes, we promise, one day, somehow, we’ll get that rhubarb pie back to you!”
We’ve lost another impressive little spot far too soon, but we’ll always have the unbelievable scran, and it goes without saying that while Medlock Canteen may have closed, there’ll still be plenty of continued support for the likes of Madre and its sibling down the Mersey.
Fingers crossed we get a comeback one day, but until then, let’s just stop and appreciate how stunning their food truly was.
There’s a midsummer party coming to IKEA with a live ABBA tribute act
Thomas Melia
Swedish household furniture giant and flatpack masterminds IKEA are hosting a midsummer party with a live ABBA tribute, because why the hell not?
I definitely don’t need to be soundtracked by a live ABBA tribute while shopping for new homeware, but hey, don’t threaten me with a good time…
IKEA‘s Manchester branch is hosting a party with a three-course meal, drinks and live music from none other than the Abberettes, a duo which covers classics by Swedish pop icons, ABBA.
Starters include a marinated salmon plate, salmon wrap or a small salad bowl, while one of the mains also features this fish favourite served with a bean mix.
The friendly Ikea team will be able to assist any queries on the day.
There are two more main menu options in the form of their menu highlights: meatballs, which always go down a treat, and veggies get to sample the meat-free alternative, plant balls.
In terms of a sweet treat, there are two dessert choices, both of which are equally delicious. Partygoers can choose from a Daim cake or an apple pie, and all guests are entitled to a hot or cold drink too, yum.
Kids can choose from the famed meatballs, plantballs or a tomato pasta meal, alongside a soft drink and a piece of fruit, a super meal for your little ‘Super Trouper’.
If you’re worried this special midsummer party and live ABBA tribute is going to cost you lots of ‘Money, Money, Money’, fear not as tickets are only £7.50 for Ikea family members and get this – kids eat free.
The Abberettes are doing two performances throughout the day, one from 5:30-6:15pm and a second show at 6:45-7:30pm, ‘Mamma Mia’.
Here’s a taster of the kind of crowds they pull in:
All I have left to say is I’ll have to get my tickets fast before they end up ‘Slipping Through My Fingers’ or before ‘The Winner Takes It All’.
The midsummer party with a live ABBA tribute is coming to Ikea in Ashton, Greater Manchester, on Thursday, 19 June from 5pm, with tickets available now.
Daisy Jackson -
3rd September 2024 
