10 amazing new restaurants and bars opening in Manchester this month | November 2023
Greek street food, fancy new cocktail bars, and one of the city's most hotly-anticipated new restaurants are all coming in November. Oh, and the Christmas Markets...
It feels like we say this every month, but it genuinely feels like November might be our biggest month for new Manchester restaurants of the year so far.
There are some huge national names like Six By Nico and Gail’s Bakery opening brand new sites, some local favourites like Seven Brothers launching new ventures, and a couple of totally new brands joining the fray.
November will also see the launch of the beautiful Fenix restaurant and bar, one of the city’s most hotly-anticipated new openings.
There’ll be plenty of new bars opening alongside all those new restaurants in Manchester too, whether you’re into no-nonsense cocktail bars or proper beer taprooms.
Oh, did we mention that Christmas is officially back too?
ADVERTISEMENT
From Salford to the city centre, we’ve picked out 10 of the best new openings to add to your list this month.
Six By Nico, John Dalton Street
Nico Simeone of Six By Nico, who will open a second Manchester restaurant in November.
Six By Nico, the restaurant that takes the usually eye-wateringly expensive tasting menu concept and slaps a low £39 price tag on it, is opening its second restaurant here in Manchester this month.
ADVERTISEMENT
The tried-and-tested concept involved a six-course themed menu that changes every six weeks, with previous themes including chippy tea, childhood, and fairytales.
Speaking of the launch, Nico Simeone said: “Since launching in 2019, our Spring Gardens venue has gone from strength to strength, prompting demand for a second site in the heart of the city. The support we have had from the people of Manchester and further afield, as well as the team we have had there since day one, have all helped make a second-site possible.”
2 John Dalton Street, M3 2NW | Opens 30 November
ADVERTISEMENT
Stray, Mackie Mayor
Stray, a new cocktail bar opening in Mackie Mayor this November. Credit: Supplied
Tucked on the corner of Eagle Street in the former Atkinsons Coffee site, in the sensational building that’s home to Mackie Mayor, is Stray, a brand new cocktail bar promising uncomplicated cocktails.
Their drinks menu’s signature section is titled ‘Led Astray’ and will combine seasonal flavours and some less commonly explored ingredients.
And they’re putting just as much effort into their low- and non-alcoholic cocktails too.
Eagle St, M4 5BU| Opening 3 November
Rola Wala, Deansgate
Rola Wala is opening on Deansgate in Manchester. Credit: SuppliedRola Wala is opening on Deansgate in Manchester. Credit: Supplied
Foot-long naan wraps, served until 3am. Shall I just leave it there?
ADVERTISEMENT
Rola Wala is an Indian street food favourite that will soon be opening its first site here in Manchester.
On the menu you’ll see build-your-own naan rolls (Rola Wala literally translates to ‘man that rolls’ in Hindi), filled with authentically spiced Indian fillings, healthy and hearty lunches like naan tikka tacos and rice bowls, and curries.
The brand’s ‘buy-one-give-one’ incentive means that they donate one meal to a hungry child in the developing world for every naan roll sold – so far, that’s totally 850,000 meals delivered by Rola Wala.
To celebrate the opening, Rola Wala will be giving away more than 1,000 naan rolls on launch day – just head down from midday on 8 November to grab one.
75 Deansgate, M3 2BW | Opening 8 November
ADVERTISEMENT
Gail’s, Knutsford
Gail’s in Manchester. Credit: The Manc GroupGail’s in Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group
The UK’s poshest bakery is continuing its formidable expansion across the north, opening a new site in Knutsford.
Famed for their homemade bread and sensational pastries (the crunch on their cinnamon bun is next-level), Gail’s is a London brand that’s taking the north west by storm.
They’re taking over the old HSBC bank in the centre of the market town.
19 Princess St, Knutsford WA16 6BZ| Opening 3 November
Bar Hutte, Kampus and Great Northern
Bar Hutte is returning to Manchester in November. Credit: Supplied
You know it’s Christmas when the little wooden huts start popping up around Manchester – and the ones at Bar Hutte are home to more festive spirit than anything you’ll find at the Manchester Christmas Markets.
ADVERTISEMENT
Bar Hütte’s legendary karaoke cabins are coming back, bringing Alpine vibes, cosy furnishings, twinkling lights, live music sessions, and flowing drinks – with not one, but two locations in Manchester city centre.
While Bar Hütte at Great Northern Square is heading back to Deansgate, with 15 cosy private hüttes neatly-positioned under a heated stretch tent and twinkling lights, Bar Hütte at Kampus will also see a new outdoor terrace, comprising of eight snug, wooden karaoke hüttes nestled beneath the trees, and an ‘Aprés Ski Bungalow’ serving as an indoor alpine bar.
Bar Hütte at Kampus also teamed up with its neighbours, Nell’s and Great North Pie Co, so that hungry foodies can order pizza and pies delivered straight to their hütte via a QR code system.
Kampus, Aytoun St, M1 3GL; and Great Northern, 235 Deansgate, M3 4EN| Opening 8 November
Fenix, Spinningfields
Fenix is one of the most exciting new restaurant and bar openings in Manchester this month
Bringing a taste of Mykonos to Manchester will be Fenix, a luxurious new Mediterranean restaurant from the team who founded Tattu.
ADVERTISEMENT
Fenix will be serving high-end contemporary Greek-Mediterranean food in Spinningfields, in a truly beautiful restaurant space that includes carved stone walls, gold fauna hanging from the ceiling, and cutting-edge lighting design that will mimic the setting sun and moonlit nights in the Greek isles.
Expect everything from fresh pitta and hummus to spiced beef meatballs, grilled octopus with Aegean fava beans, shrimp ‘Saganaki’, and Wagyu beef dumplings.
And a spectacular charcoal-fired grill in the heart of the new restaurant will see fresh seafood and locally sourced meats flamed live in front of customers.
You can get 50% off its soft launch period and have exclusive access to bookings if you sign up to their newsletter.
The Goods Yard Building, M3 3BG | Opening late November
Prestwich’s food and drink scene just keeps thriving, with a brand new neighbourhood restaurant joining the high street this month.
After a wildly successful Crowdfunding campaign, which saw it selling rewards including food for life, The Pearl has pulled in acclaimed chef Iain Thomas to craft a menu of locally-sourced plates.
Prior to launching The Pearl, co-owner Sam launched the successful sandwich delivery service SanSan during the Covid lockdowns.
425 Bury New Rd, Prestwich, M25 1AF | Opening 4 November
11 Central, Salford
11 Central is set to open in Salford, from the teams behind Seven Brothers Brewery and the Sisters Distillery
The huge group of siblings behind two of Manchester’s best drinks brands are teaming up to open a new bar, with 11 Central set to launch in Salford very soon.
ADVERTISEMENT
The bar will form part of the new Central Bay site at MediaCityUK and comes from the teams behind Seven Brothers Brewery and the Sisters Distillery.
11 Central will take its name from the fact that all 11 siblings are joining forces to create a new watering hole for Salford .
The bar will have a mix of food, drink, live music, bar games and waterside views across a 2000sq ft terrace.
Central Bay, Salford M50 3XW | Opening 17 November
ADVERTISEMENT
Dear Sailor, Spinningfields
Tucked in just across the road from Sexy Fish is Dear Sailor, a new cocktail bar inspired by the underground jazz cafes that sprung up around Tokyo in the 1930s.
It’s taking over the old Wolf Italian site in the heart of Spinningfields and will promise plenty of cocktails, plenty of music, and plenty of classy vibes.
Details are pretty scarce at the minute but it’s pitching itself as ‘discreet fine partying and drinking’.
Spinningfields Square, M3 3AP | Opening late November
One of The Manc’s favourite lunches is, hands-down, a gyros – and now there’s a new kitchen dedicated to the Greek street food opening right around the corner from our office.
ADVERTISEMENT
Soft, traditional flatbreads will be stuffed with spiced meats, pulled chicken, and fried halloumi, plus chips (because potatoes in bread is an elite food group).
It’s taking up the space left vacant by the old Venus flower shop on Oxford Road.
95 Oxford St, M1 6ET | Opening 13 November
Things to do and events in Manchester in November 2023
Duvel x Maray – Middle-Eastern favourite Maray is teaming up with Duvel for a one-off, five course menu, each dish paired with beer. Perfect. It’s happening on 15 and 16 November and costs £50 per person.
Wine to Water charity cocktails – One of Manchester’s most iconic speakeasies The Washhouse, along with new Kampus LGBTQ+ cocktail bar Red Light, will be offering a new range of charity cocktails this month in support of clean water charity Wine To Water. £1 from each purchase will be donated to the cause, with drinks available until mid-November.
ADVERTISEMENT
Bundobust Pizza – Indian street food legends Bundobust are partnering with Slice Culture and Track Taproom for a one-night-only Indian-inspired pizza collab, with toppings including Biryani, korma, and saag paneer. It’s happening on Friday 3 November at Track’s taproom near Manchester Piccadilly.
Manchester Christmas Markets – Here they come again – the Manchester Christmas Markets will officially kick off on Friday 10 November, bringing festive cheer, loads of beer, and plenty of sausages to the city’s streets.
Bombay Curry Club – A new bottomless curry offering is heading to Freight Island, with Payal serving all-you-can-eat curries between 6pm and 9pm every Thursday, accompanied by live DJs. It all kicks off from 2 November.
Loaf’s birthday – Beloved Oxford Street cake shop Loaf is celebrating its birthday with 50% off from 12pm until 4pm on Saturday. Their full range will be half price for one day only.
Featured image: Fenix
Eats
What to expect from Sticks’n’Sushi, the giant new restaurant that will have Manchester talking
Daisy Jackson
One of the largest restaurant sites in Spinningfields is finally getting the tenant it deserves – Sticks’n’Sushi is heading to Manchester.
In recent months, we’ve seen giant fish being plastered into the windows of the massive two-storey building, which has been largely vacant since Iberica closed way back in 2020 (apart for those weird moments it became a Christmas bar, and then the Oasis merch store).
Work is moving at pace to breathe some life and love back into this building, ready for the official launch of Sticks’n’Sushi at the end of this month.
And the giant fish in the windows give you a good hint of what’s to come, with fresh, quality seafood at the heart of the menus, alongside grilled skewers of meat.
Sticks’n’Sushi is, contrary to what the menu might suggest, a Danish brand – and one of Denmark’s most successful restaurant names, with a dozen locations across its native country plus restaurants in London, Berlin, Oxford and Cambridge.
As well as Manchester, Sticks’n’Sushi has revealed plans to open in Leeds, too. It’s a really impressive operation.
The restaurant started life back in 1994, founded by brothers Kim and Jens Rahbek, and Thor Anderson. The brothers called on their half-Japanese, half-Danish roots to combine culinary traditions from both backgrounds to create their menus.
Beef tataki at Sticks’n’SushiShake tatakiEbi bitesMaki, and nagiri Sticks’n’Sushi also makes excellent cocktailsSashimi Deluxe
It’s still a family affair too, with their nephew working in their rooftop Copenhagen restaurant that overlooks the famous Tivoli Gardens.
When Sticks’n’Sushi lands in Manchester, they want to bring that sleek Scandinavian atmosphere to Spinningfields, along with the precise craftsmanship of Japanese cooking.
They’re perhaps best-known for their sharing menus, which show off a mix of both sticks and indeed sushi.
Highlights will include slithers of beef tataki, topped with artichoke chips and miso aioli (the trick to eating this one is to try and fold the beef around the chips).
The miso-marinated black cod skewers are another popular choice, along with melt-in-the-mouth Wagyu yaki sticks and Shoyu Tebasaki chicken wings.
House roll highlights include shrimp, gochujang and avocado maki, soft shell crab rolls, and lobster abokado.
Sticks’n’Sushi Manchester will transform the two-storey corner unit in Spinningfields with glass and timber, with Berlin architects Diener and Diener working on the project.
It’ll also have a sizeable outdoor pergola terrace and bar.
Bookings are open now HERE ahead of its 30 March launch.
The lost but still much-loved Greater Manchester food and drink spots that Mancs miss the most
Danny Jones
Unfortunately, these days, it feels as if we read about another place closing across the Manchester boroughs almost every week at this point – in fact, many of you might find out about those very closures right here on The Manc.
But, like anyone, we often just sit thinking back on some of our favourite bars, restaurants, takeaways and more that have sadly closed over the years.
10 of the most missed restaurants, bars, cafes and clubs in and around Manchester
1. Danish Food Centre
Starting off with the one we saw the most in the comments is the Danish Food Centre on the shopfront of the Royal Exchange on Cross Street, before sadly closing during the mid-1980s.
Exactly what it sounds like, this old Scandinavian spot first opened back in 1965 and was even known for a traditional sarnie known as ‘The Danwich’, as well as an interior lounge dubbed ‘Copenhagen Corner’.
That being said, many people used to nip here on their dinner break, to meet friends for lunch and a brew, or even to buy things to take home. It was eventually shut down by the Danish government, and we still envy those who got to experience it; still, without the original, we’d never have the likes of KRO Bar.
2. Horts/Ronnie’s Cafe Bar
Another one that popped up plenty in the long list of replies was Horts that used to sit on St. Ann’s Square and the attached Ronnie’s.
The former was more of a wine bar and the latter your standard cafe, but together, they were an ideal city centre favourite that served locals day and night.
By the late 80s, both had sadly disappeared, but people still reminisce about “the grand piano sat under a gorgeous glass dome” and how much they “loved the comfy leather Chesterfield sofas.”
Also up there in the trio of most-mentioned places below the post was the legendary Dutch Pancake House – no, not the one that rears its head at the Manchester Christmas, but at least you can still look forward to your annual fix.
The one we’re talking about was the busy corner of Elisabeth House (now 1 St Peter’s Square), which served a giant menu of sweet and savoury pancakes.
We lost it in the 2000s after developers bought the building, and lots of people are still angry about it.
Number four is Blinkers French and Bistro, which held that border between Salford and Manchester, and was owned by Cheshire-based millionaire, Selwyn Demmy.
The Wilmslow-born businessman may have been known for his famous ‘Hunter’s Moon’ in Wilmslow, but he was also the man behind the bar, restaurant and club which used to be on King Street West.
Before that, it was called the Le Phonographe, and it’s also not to be confused with the modern-day Blinker Bar now serving up top-notch cocktails over on Spring Gardens. By all accounts, it was a real ‘if you know, you know’ kind of gaff…
Next up is the old Grinch bar and grill, which used to be on Chapel Walks just off Cross St, and sadly closed back in 2016 after more than two decades.
More than a few Mancs said they “loved” either visiting and/or working here back in the day, and another cited that “their fried chicken was amazing”.
There’s plenty still open around there these days – including the likes of 10 Tib Lane, New Wave Ramen and the ever-reliable Town Hall Tavern – but evidently, there’s still plenty that really miss it. These days, it’s a pretty good Korean place called Annyeong.
6. Dry Bar/’Dry201′
This next one is a location that does still exist and is technically still a very busy bar most evenings, weekends and sunny afternoons if you can get a seat in the window.
However, many will argue that nothing quite compares to the old Dry Bar, a.k.a. Dry201/’FAC 201′, over in the Northern Quarter.
Nowadays, it’s home to the new and improved Freemount, which moved from its previous venue on Oldham Street; nevertheless, countless people still recall the watering hole in “the original format” as one of the best bars in town.
Their social presence still exists. (Credit: Dry Bar via Facebook)
7. UCP
One we’ve heard tales of now and again over the years, but still slightly wince whenever we hear the full name. In case you’re unaware, UCP is an abbreviation of United Cattle Products, which was the name of a company that had a big presence here in Greater Manchester.
To be fair, it was a pretty familiar brand across the region and the North as a whole, but their flagship four-storey shop over at Market Street/Pall Mall was the go-to place for lots of meat products.
We’ll say it, one of the main things people would go there to seek out was that word that still makes lots of people squirm: tripe – but remember, for generations this was a very common ingredient in various meals and for some, still is.
8. Croma
Ok, this one is more of a recent one that we’re sure lots of you still remember like it was yesterday, because in relative terms to most of this list, it kind of was.
Croma in Manchester city centre shut in 2022 after the pandemic, their Didsbury restaurant closed by March 2023, and the Chorlton site followed suit just last year.
However, we still maintain we’ve had some of our best pizza nights in these places.
For our/your penultimate pick, a fair few people noted Henry’s, which also lay claim to being Manchester’s ‘first’ cafe bar back in the day – that, of course, is still up for debate.
The group behind this brand opened up a venue in our city centre back in 1986, near Parsonage Gardens, but only made it to 2007 despite remaining fairly popular for a long time.
It went on to be replaced by another chain in Revolution; however, they are also closing locations all across the UK. Gutting.
It was arguably better known in London, such as in Mayfair. (Credit: Ewan Munro via Flickr)
10. Cornerhouse
Last but not least, the legacy of the Cornerhouse cinema needs no explanation, really, but there’s a lot to be said for the lasting love lots of people had for their memories made in there and the joint bar next door, quite literally spitting distance away.
Still sitting like a bittersweet reminder on the (you guessed it) corner leading up to Oxford Road Station and Whitworth Street, the theatre itself is home to little more than gig posters and an ever-changing rotation of murals these days.
However, you will be glad to know that the bar and visual arts centre across the road is still Manchester Metropolitan’s Arts, Culture and Media Hub, so it’s still alive in some fashion.
We (well, I*) couldn’t wrap up this round-up without paying tribute to one of the best places this city has ever seen, let alone just NQ.
It might not be right at the top of your dream revival list, but we’re sure plenty of you will agree that, for a period of time, CBR+B was the place to be.
Daisy Jackson -
1st November 2023 
