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.
First look inside Social Osteria, Stockport’s buzzy new Italian restaurant
Lydia Mastrolonardo
That’s right Stopfordians – we’re gaining yet another brand new addition to our town’s blooming food and drink scene, as Social Osteria opens its doors at Weir Mill.
It’s safe to say we’re in good hands, with the geniuses behind The Social Trattoria, named best Trattoria at the Italian Awards UK 2025, being the ones to bring this new taste of Italy to South Manchester.
Just because we are no longer experiencing the weather to match an Italian summer, doesn’t mean we can’t continue eating like we’re there.
Social Osteria can now be found overlooking the River Mersey, as a beautiful 2,000 sq ft space within the buzzing new canalside development, fully equipped with the classic exposed red brickwork, vaulted ceilings and even the restored original kiln.
As you approach the restaurant, you are greeted by a sunken courtyard and riverside seating, making for the perfect alfresco dining spot, when the warmer weather finally rolls back around.
With the meaning of Osteria being an Italian tavern, for locals to gather and enjoy each other’s company, good wine and honest, flavourful food – the team have stayed true to the name. You can expect dim, ambient lighting, an open kitchen, fresh small plates, flavourful 48-hour pizzas, and traditional pasta.
Vibrant dishes at Social Osteria in Stockport. Credit: The Manc Group
This glamorous new restaurant is promising a spectacular menu, from cacio e pepe butter beans to guanciale topped pizzas and their very own slow-cooked beef shin and pork shoulder paccheri ragu, you know we’re in the right place.
With Italian food running in the family, the team’s cooking practices are rooted in traditional methods, passed down through the generations and then presented to us, with the freshest of ingredients.
It suits Capital&Centric, who’ve taken the same approach to Weir Mill itself – embracing the character of the historic mill whilst transforming it into a vibrant community, for generations to come.
Inside Social Osteria at Weir Mill. Credit: The Manc Group
Set below Stockport’s iconic viaduct, the £60m neighbourhood is now home to 253 apartments alongside bustling cafés, wine bars and stunning restaurants akin to Social Osteria, accompanied by plenty of outdoor seating, green spaces, and riverside viewpoints.
Where Osteria Social now calls home is part of Stockport’s £1 billion Town Centre West masterplan, adding to the town’s growing reputation as one of the best locations to live in the UK.
Social Osteria will officially open Thursday 22 October, at Weir Mill. Be sure to book your tables early as we fear this one might get a little booked up.
Traitors star and comedian Joe Lycett is putting cash behind the bar at two Manchester pubs
Daisy Jackson
Comedian Joe Lycett is putting money behind the bar at two Manchester pubs this week, as he continues to encourage people to get out and support their local boozers.
The TV favourite – who is also currently one of the stars on The Traitors – announced the news as he bid farewell to his fictional TV pub The Lycett Arms.
On the show, he said: “There are 45,000 pubs in the UK – go and give them some love.”
Joe Lycett then proceeded to list 30 brilliant pubs up and down the country, including two in Manchester, and announced that the drinks are on him this week.
He told audiences: “[This] Friday I’ll be putting a little bit of money behind the bar in all the pubs you’ve just seen. I hope you can have a drink on me.”
The pubs he picked out in Manchester are the iconic old boozer The Peveril of the Peak, and the excellent pub and comedy venue The Old Monkey.
The Peveril of the Peak on Great Bridgewater Street is a real icon in the city centre, with its green tiled exterior and its cosy interiors.
Until recently, it was run by legendary local landlady Nancy Swanick, who died in July at the age of 96.
The Peveril of the Peak pub in ManchesterInside The Pev
Commenting on Joe Lycett’s post about his pub offer, they wrote: “You are all more than welcome at The Pev. Give me a shout and I will sort you out with a pie, Joe.”
The Old Monkey, meanwhile, is famed for its comedy nights run by Trapdoor Comedy Club, and for its open mic sessions, as well as award-winning beers.
The Portland Street pub has also very kindly agreed to match Joe Lycett’s donation, which means double the budget for pints for Mancs.
Daisy Jackson -
3rd September 2024 
