So, summer is officially over – such as it was. Bit disappointing, but no matter because now Autumn is here, and we’re ready for lots of cheese, red wine, gravy, roasts and all the good things that come out of the kitchen once the weather gets a little bit cooler.
September in Manchester also brings a host of new bar and restaurant openings, with some of the year’s most hotly-anticipated new venues throwing open their doors.
Must-visits this month include Media City’s giant new food hall Kargo MKT – soon to be home to a lovingly curated collection of 20 different food traders – as well as Manchester’s only 2D Japanese cartoon cafe, Waku Waku, and new station-side craft beer bar Victoria Taps.
Add to that a new Irish and Scottish cafe in Levenshulme serving up classic frys, the arrival of world-famous coffee roastery Allpress Espresso at NOMA, a new dive bar on Oldham Street and a gorgeous new gelato parlour in Heaton Mersey, and we’d say there’s plenty to be getting excited about.
Keep reading to discover the best new food and drink openings in Manchester this September.
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Kargo MKT at Central Bay, Media City
Rio Mex will be moving into Kargo MKT serving up delicious tacos and burritos. / Image: The Manc Eats
Ad Maiora is moving its epic schiacciata butties out of its Northern Quarter flat into a shiny new kitchen in Media City. / Image: The Manc Eats
This might just be one of the most exciting new openings of the whole year, and we don’t say that lightly.
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With 20 independent street food partners, a 2,000 sq ft outdoor terrace, five waterside shipping container kitchens, and a shipping container bar run by Salford’s booziest family (Seven Brothers Brewery and Four Sisters Distillery), Kargo Mkt will be the largest venue of its kind in Greater Manchester.
Traders moving in include Ad Maiora, Bab K, Baity Palestinian Kitchen, Boba Cha, Chuan Chuan, FEED, Hot & Wild, House of Habesha, Jerk Junction, Leopard Pie, Locale Coffee, Nila’s Burmese Kitchen, Nori, Rio Mex, Rottu Kadai Dosa, Tang Hot Pot, Tzatziki, Vnam, What’s Your Beef and Wong Dumplings.
Victoria Tap
Victoria train station is about to get a new beer bar. / Image: The Manc Eats
Victoria Tap is set to open at the end of September. / Image: The Manc Eats
Finally, Manchester Victoria is going to have a decent beer bar – and we honestly cannot wait.
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The team behind Piccadilly Tap and Euston Tap are at last gearing up to open their new taproom at the city’s original train station, and are promising commuters their arrival will mark a new chapter with ‘no more £7 pints’.
Whilst an official opening date is still to be set, we have it on good authority that this will be opening sometime in September. Keep an eye on their socials for more updates between now and then.
Outside Italiana Fifty Five in Didsbury Village, formerly home to Croma pizza. / Image: The Manc Eats
A carbonara at Italiana Fifty Five in Didsbury Village. / Image: The Manc Eats
Following its rebranding from Cibo to Italiana Fifty Five, the Manchester Italian restaurant group has opened a third site in Didsbury Village.
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Taking over the former Croma site, on the menu you’ll find a large selection of traditional pasta and pizzas, mains and desserts, as well as some dramatic extra touches – such as flaming parmesan wheels.
To celebrate the new opening, the team is also offering 50% off food until the second week of September.
The full Irish fry-up at Bia. / Image: Bia via Facebook
White pudding at Bia. / Image: Bia via Facebook
Formerly home to the much-loved Aunty Ji’s, it’s all changed in Levenshulme as Bia moves into the empty unit serving delicious Irish and Scottish cafe-style breakfasts throughout the day with freshly-baked soda bread available to takeaway.
By night, things change again with tapas-style small bites and drinks into the evening.
Open now
Finders Keepers
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This new bar at New Islington comes from the teams behind Didsbury Gin and ARLU rum, so, as you might expect, there’s a big focus on high-end spirits and cocktails.
Located on Keepers Quay (get it?), peruse the signature list or, if you’re feeling like a classic, don’t be afraid to ask – the bar staff here known their Gibsons from their Martinis, having come from some of the best cocktail bars in town.
Open now
Waku Waku
Image: Waku Waku
Image: Waku Waku
A new addition to Manchester’s Chinatown district, Waku Waku brings something entirely fresh to the city’s dining scene as Manchester’s first-ever 2D Japanese Cartoon cafe.
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Its owner, Chris Lui, painstakingly drew the artwork inside the cafe himself by hand over the course of four months using over 150 pens – and the results are mind-blowingly impressive.
Of course, it’s not all about the art and something has to be said about the food here too. The signature dish here is the omelette rice, but other dishes worth trying include the katsu bowls, udon soup, Japanese fried chicken and seared sushi.
Open now
Allpress Coffee, NOMA
Allpress is teaming up with Oatly to give away 500 free tubs of soft serve on its opening day. / Image: Supplied
Allpress roasts coffee for some of the best cafes in the world. / Image: Supplied
Known for its speciality coffee, Allpress Coffee already roasts beans for some of the best cafes in the world – now it’s opening its own in Manchester.
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Located at NOMA opposite Cloudwater pub The Sadler’s Cat, the team at the new Northern hub has collaborated with Oatly to create a special espresso-flavoured soft serve which they’ll be handing out on opening day to the first 500 through the door after 11am.
TBC
Archies, Trafford Centre
Archie’s has opened a new burger spot inside the Trafford Centre. / Image: Archies
It serves breakfast as well as an all-day menu of burgers and shakes. / Image: The Manc Eats
For Mancs that love their burgers, this hot pink fast food institution needs no introduction.
Having begun life in a car wash, today Archie’s is one of the city’s best-loved indie burger brands – just as popular for its naughty breakfast offering as it is for its late-night curly fries, Peri Peri burgers and celebrity-inspired milkshakes.
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The team has just opened a new site inside the Trafford Centre in August – perfect for a stop-off when you’ve done a shop and feel ready to drop.
Open now
Macari’s Gelato
Gelato doesn’t get much better than this. / Image: Macari’s
Macari’s gelato parlour is opening in Heaton Mersey this September. / Image: Macari’s
Heaton Mersey is about to get a new gelato spot, just in time for the end of summer – but who says it’s only a warm weather treat?
Traditional to the max, this spot is showing locals how it’s done in Bologna – storing its precious gelato (aka ‘the Don Corleone of Ice Cream’, as one local has put it) inside a Pozetti to ensure that every spatula is just as perfect as the first.
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Expect a range of different flavours when it opens its doors on 2 September.
2 September
HOP Vietnamese, Trafford Centre
Image: HOP Vietnamese
Image: HOP Vietnamese
A new Vietnamese restaurant promising super fast food service is opening in Trafford this September.
Called HOP Vietnamese, it is already a huge hit in London and is famous for its super speedy service – promising to have you in, ordered and out with your food in three minutes.
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Now, having conquered the capital, the team has its sites set on Manchester as owners gear up to open the first HOP Vietnamese site up north inside the Trafford Centre this September.
Choices on its London menus include traditional bahn mi baguettes stuffed with Asian pickles and meats like duck, chicken and pork, alongside a range of ‘HOP Boxes’ that combine various proteins with crunchy Vietnamese salad and rice.
13 September
Bondi Bowls
Image: Supplied
Image: Supplied
Bondi Bowls will open its first permanent base at Kampus this September, offering healthy choices to residents and visitors alike.
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Bondi Bowls first began life as a delivery-only service during the pandemic before taking on residencies at street food markets Hatch and Freight Island.
Set up by founder Jamie Tones, a chef who has worked in kitchens around the world, the menu takes inspiration from his time in Sydney with a selection of different açaí and poké bowls.
Diners will find an all-day brunch offering from morning to night with global flavour inspirations from the likes of India, Mexico, and Australasia.
TBC
Mean Eyed Cat
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Cocktails being made at The Mean Eyed Cat bar in Leeds. / Image: The Mean Eyed Cat
The Mean Eyed Cat is known for giving out free pizzas with every drink. / Image: The Mean Eyed Cat
Part Deep South-inspired dive bar, part underground Tiki bar, Leeds’ favourite party bar Mean Eyed Cat will take over the former District unit on Oldham Street when it opens later this month.
Known for giving out free pizzas with every drink, the new bar will open until 3am during the week and 4am on weekends with full on party vibes allowing customers to ‘roll the dice’ for free (or discounted) shots,
Pizzas, meanwhile, come in a host of Deep South-inspired flavours including Texas BBQ and smoky chipotle, and are included free with any drink ordered before 9pm, whilst must-try drinks include the house signature Mean Marg cocktail (where margarita meets Corona).
28 September
Manchester Urban Diggers (MUD) cafe
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Image: MUD
Image: MUD
Manchester Urban Diggers (MUD) are an urban community of market gardeners based in Greater Manchester, who host a weekly brunch and farmers market down at Plattfields Market Gardens.
Later this month, the team will open a new kitchen in Fallowfield focusing on sustainable, seasonal produce and cooking with fire – serving lunch from Fallowfield, as well as catering for various events.
End of September
Things to do and try in September
Block Steak Shop bottomless brunch, 2 September – The team at Block Steak Shop has launched a new bottomless brunch, running every weekend starting from September. Think steak and eggs, breakfast bagels with black pudding, unlimited pints, spritzes and glasses of prosecco, for £32 a head.
Bloody Mary and Oyster Partyat Henry C, 3 September – From 2pm, Henry C will be opening up the kitchen and serving fresh seafood in collaboration with the chefs at their sister site 10 Tib Lane alongside a sexy selection of Bloody Marys.
Sip and Shop at Kerb, 3 September – Local Manchester maker July Child Jewellery and women-led store Neon Rose will both pop up inside Ancoats wine bar Kerb this month for a special ‘sip and shop’ event, running from 1.30-6.30pm.
Whiskey Festival at The Whiskey Jar, 3 September – Tariff Street favourite The Whiskey Jar hosts a celebration of all things whiskey from 12.30-7pm on Sunday with live music, cocktails and some top-shelf whiskey brands. Tickets cost £20 and include 5 measures of whiskey.
Trade wine tasting at Flawd and Erst, 11 September – One for the industry heads, two of Ancoats’ best wine wine bars Flawd and Erst will host a large trade tasting from 10-4pm featuring new arrivals and delicious wine from the likes of Wayward Wines, Beattie & Roberts and Under the Bonnet Wines.
David Bailey//Bathe Daily Exhibition, 14 September – David Bailey launches a brand new exhibition of work at Port Street Beer House this month, and is throwing a party where you’ll be able to grab free slices of Nell’s Pizza, a big old set from SebMakingSense and the launch of “The Sparkler” PSBH’s three-way collaboration attempt at a modern rework of the Northern Classic, Boddingtons, brewed with Dave Bailey and BlackJack Beers.
Featured image – Kargo MKT
Eats
Robinson’s Brewery among latest to join the crucial ‘VAT’s the Problem campaign’
Danny Jones
In case you missed the news, local Greater Manchester business Robinson’s Brewery are among several big names to join the growing ‘VAT’s the Problem’ hospitality campaign.
The Stockport beer makers are just one of the latest recognisable brands to rally behind the initiative set up by well-known British chef Tom Kerridge.
As well as appearing on the likes of Great British Menu, MasterChef, and Saturday Kitchen, the restaurateur also sadly had to close his Manc restaurant at the Stock Exchange Hotel back in 2022 amid the ever-lingering cost of living crisis, as well as rising energy bills and business rates.
Spearheading this mass petition since the start of June, Kerridge is now being backed up by the likes of Robinson’s and many more who believe the change could prove vital for countless operators within the industry to survive.
Sharing a lengthy statement in the caption of a post on their social media profile, ‘Robbie’s’ wrote: “Hospitality is one of the UK’s greatest success stories. It employs millions of people, gives young people their first jobs, creates lifelong careers, keeps high streets alive and brings communities together.
“But the sector is under enormous pressure. Rising energy costs. Food inflation. Huge employment costs. Unjust business rates. The highest tax burden in the UK economy. And on top of all of that – a 20% VAT rate that is among the highest in Europe.
“Countries including Spain, Italy, France, Ireland and Germany know how important hospitality is to society, and they know it pays too much tax. That’s why they already support hospitality with lower VAT rates. The UK deserves the same.”
Proposing – along with their fellow campaigners across the country – for the VAT to be cut in half, they believe that 10% would not only help keep struggling bars, restaurants and more alive, but help further invest in job creation, aid customers when it comes to overall costs, and therefore “strengthen high streets and local communities.”
It isn’t just a case of reducing obstacles for those working within the sector, but an effort to help bring prices down across the board across Great Britain. Those who passionately serve the population are falling short, while those who want to patronise their favourite places can’t make ends meet.
“Because when hospitality businesses close, communities lose far more than places to eat and drink; they lose connection, opportunity and local identity. Help us, help our industry.”
Besides soon-to-be Prime Minister and outgoing Mayor Andy Burnham having been vocal in championing the campaign, others getting behind the movement range from native names like the Third Floor Rising cafe in Afflecks to fellow famous chefs like Scotland’s Tom Kitchin.
Issuing a statement to The Manc, the brewery’s MD for their pubs, William Robinson, went on to add: William Robinson, Managing Director of Pubs, went on to say: “The compounding impact of taxes on pubs and hospitality is really beginning to bite the sector; the changes to National Insurance and National Minimum Wage increases affect hospitality businesses especially hard.
“To be able to invest in our teams and future growth, hospitality needs to be given the same support it receives in other European countries. This will also allow us to employ and invest in younger team members and through that help them to develop skills which they can use throughout their careers.”
You can support the VAT’s the Problem campaign by signing the petition right HERE.
A guide to an SK in the sunshine – 15 of the best beer gardens and bars with outdoor seating in Stockport
Lydia Mastrolonardo
Whether you’re a Stockport resident, local to spend some time back home, or even just want to escape the bustle of Manchester when the sun is shining, the town located just seven minutes away by train is perfect for a day out in the pubs – and it’s got some great beer gardens to boot.
So, if you’re hoping to soak up some rays with a pint but are new to the area, or you simply can’t keep up with all of those new spots popping up in the Underbank recently – look no further.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re after a simple boozer or one of those more stylish suburban bars that continue to pop up in the borough (it’s the ‘New Berlin’, we’ve heard), we’ve got you covered.
Here’s hoping the sun sticks around so we can try and test more sun traps for you; it’s very important and gruelling research, promise, but somebody’s got to do it!
The best beer gardens and top outdoor drinking spots in Stockport
1. The Good Rebel – Underbank
Since popping up in Little Underbank in 2019, The Good Rebel, just down on Mealhouse Brow, has become a solid option for some class beers in the warm weather.
With their courtyard tucked away at the side of the building (shhh), this one is easily missed if you’re not in the know, but lucky for you, we can’t gatekeep our favourites forever
Fear not: they also have plenty of parasols/umbrellas to hide from the sun if you burn easily.
— @thegoodrebelstockport (@thegoodrebelsk1) March 24, 2024
2. The Underbank – guess?…
This new beer hall and margarita bar is hard to miss, with the tables at the front of the building positioned in the prime spot at the end/start of Underbank, depending on who you ask, capturing all of the sunshine.
While they specialise in Margaritas, they have a wide selection of drinks including some classic beers, not to mention they serve slices of Gatto sourdough pizzaat £4 a slice, which is arguably some of the best pizza in Greater Manchester.
@the.manc Ran (and cooked) by the lovely Dan, @Gatto is all about proper fermentation and quality toppings, we’re talking vodka cream and sausage, crispy pepperoni, and a simple but stunning marg, finished with a fresh dusting of grade A parm. 🧀 If you’re into sourdough pizzas with a bit of personality, this one’s well worth checking out. 📍 27 Great Underbank, Stockport SK1 1LN #themanc#stockportpizza#stockportfoodie#wheretoeatinstockport#underbank♬ original sound – The Manc
3. The Runaway Brewery and Tap Room – Astley Street
This independent micro-brewery in the heart of Stockport prides itself on quality modern beer and local charm; plus, being only a few minutes away from the bus and train stations, it’s easily accessible from all over the region, so nobody has to miss out.
It is a fantastic indoor and outdoor space, with Honest Crust supplying some seriously good seasonal sourdough pizza – what’s not to like? We’ve been going here since way back when and we don’t intend on stopping any time soon.
4. The Angel Inn – Stockport Marketplace
This historic listed pub, one of Stockport’s oldest buildings built in the 16th century, has forever been a cornerstone of the community and continues to maintain this title among the locals.
Following its reopening in 2018, The Angel Inn has been restored as a modern town pub focused on cask beer, with a quaint little patio out back which often hosts live music and is very popular in summer.
With such a longstanding reputation as a top boozer and even a Grade II-listing now, you’d be crazy not to come and check it out for yourself.
Just a short walk away from Stockport’s Underbank, you can find this secret sun trap. Hidden away at the back of the pub is a stylish courtyard, perfect for summer.
The Red Bull also hosts monthly live music events of varying genres, darts, and if you’re feeling lucky, there’s a quiz every Wednesday from 7:30pm. Why not come on down early and soak up some rays in the courtyard for extra luck; after all, everyone feels more confident with a fresh tan.
Being so close to native ale experts Robinson’s Brewery, they’ve got a steady supply of local favourites coming regularly from nearby.
At the centre of Stockport’s ‘Old Town’ and Market district is Bakers Vaults – a great pub with plenty of character and a decent-sized outdoor seating area perfect for people watching, looking out onto the historic marketplace where there’s always plenty going on.
With an award-winning drinks range, including more Robbie’s brews, amazing food all day and live music in the evenings, this isn’t one to miss.
Not to mention there are plenty of other pubs and bars nearby, which makes for a class pub crawl.
Right next door, you can find the Produce Hall, with an unreal spot on Market Place to soak up the sun and some sensational food options to go with your drinks.
This building has always hosted a variety of stalls supplying delicious foods and drinks for the last 160+ years. Today is no different, with a whole host of different kitchens wrapping around the interior of the building, whether you want soul food, pizza or asian fried chicken – there’s something for everyone.
With so much to choose from, the real dilemma is picking what to eat with your pints; here’s just one suggestion for you:
Another one with a cracking history, this multi-award-winning, self-proclaimed ‘ale shrine’ simply has to make it onto your list for this summer.
The building itself has held importance since the early 19th century, and the pub continues to be a local favourite boasting live entertainment and a sought-after quiz, with many also commenting on its tasteful decor and delicious home-cooked meals. We can see why it’s so popular.
As one of CAMRA’s regularly listed pubs and having been awarded both regional and national pub of the year, serving some top-quality cask beers, it’s a no-brainer.
Only a stone’s throw from Stockport train and bus stations is the historic Magnet Freehouse – a family-run pub that boasts a selection of 14 continually changing ales from micro-breweries, as well as a permanent selection of quality beers and cider.
They also have locally sourced pork pies on offer, along with other classic pub snacks and stonebaked pizzas from their onsite pizzeria available from Thursday to Saturday.
Magnet Freehouse also boasts a fully equipped games room with a pool table, darts boards, jukebox, board games and colouring books for both adults and children, as well as an extensive beer garden and two terraces serving as perfect elevated sun traps in the summer.
A traditional pub with home-cooked food, a pool table and a large grassy beer garden to the rear that often hosts events in the summer. What more can you ask for?
Strawberry Gardens is known for its hearty Sunday lunch, entertainment and live sports, which all attract a range of ages from the local community.
We’re not going to argue whether it’s classed as ‘Offy’ or Little Moor these days; all we’ll say is that we’ve made plenty of good memories in here.
Another stylish Stockport pub with a fabulous beer garden, serving Manchester-made beers, cocktails and seasonal pub food, is located in Heaton Moor.
‘The Liz’ offers a blend of small plates and pub classics, including a raved-about Sunday roast with bottomless gravy and Yorkshire puddings.
They also have some fantastic deals such as: a free drink to be had when you buy a pie every Monday, or on Wednesday buy two large glasses of wine and get the rest of the bottle free.
The Puss in Boots is an unreal family-friendly spot for a carvery, with locally sourced and high-quality produce near Heavily and Great Moor, equipped with a magnificent selection of drinks and a beer garden fit for the summer weather.
They also have some exciting events, including live music on the last Saturday of each month and a free pub quiz every Thursday at 8pm.
Just imagine yourself sitting back and relaxing with one (or more – who’s counting?) of the five different spritzes on offer or a jug of Pimm’s in the sunshine, while the kids explore the play area attached to the beer garden. Need we say more?
From bull to big cat, another tastefully decorated Robinson’s pub waiting for you to try is The Red Lion in High Lane, just a short drive from Stockport town centre.
This pub is dog-friendly with a great outdoor seating area and only a short distance from Lyme Park, making it the perfect stop for a post-walk crisp pint this summer.
They also have a cracking menu with an amazing Sunday roast and wine deal, which seals the deal, putting it up there as one of our favourite pubs for a Sunday afternoon pub trip.
One of our all-time favourites is the Jolly Sailor, a short walk from Davenport train station, and right near Woodsmoor and Bramhall a bit further down the road.
The Jolly is especially popular with the locals due to its extensive drinks menu, live music and large beer garden to the rear, perfect for soaking up some sunshine by day and heaters for staying cosy during summer evenings.
While known for their carvery, they also have vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free/NGI menus, making the kind of traditional family-friendly pub accessible to all.
They’ve got a bit of everything. (Credit: Jolly Sailor via Facebook)
15. The Midway – Portwood
One of the most highly regarded pubs in Stockport, having won multiple awards including ‘Pub of the Year’ and ‘Stockport’s Best Sunday Lunch’, is The Midway with a fantastic beer garden.
The Midway isn’t that far from Vernon Park, Red Rock or The Plaza Theatre and cinema, making it the perfect place to factor in a lovely meal and some drinks before and/or after some entertainment or a stroll in some local greenery.
We hope reading this list got you as excited for summer as it did for us; the question is, did we miss anywhere that you consider among the best beer gardens in Stockport?
Let us know down in the comments.
Regardless, we’ve done the bulk of the hard work for you – now go forth, eat, drink, be merry and enjoy!
Georgina Pellant -
1st September 2023 
