Eats

Popeyes is opening FIVE new fried chicken takeaways in Manchester

I can hear the Shatter Crunch from here

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 26th January 2026

Popeyes is set to open five new restaurants in Greater Manchester alone this year, including a brand-new takeaway at Manchester Piccadilly.

The popular Louisiana fried chicken restaurant has already confirmed three brand-new spots in Greater Manchester, with two more to be announced later this year.

News of the new openings follows the New Orleans-born brand opening at Bolton’s Middlebrook Retail Park.

Popeyes first arrived in Manchester in 2023, bringing a taste of the deep south to our region with its famous fried chicken sandwiches.

Since then, it has opened new locations all across the North West and beyond, including within Manchester Arndale and a drive-thru in Prestwich, with loads more coming in 2026.

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The new restaurant openings will more than double Popeyes’ footprint in Greater Manchester.

One of those will be taking over the former Leon takeaway at Manchester Piccadilly, with another coming to Elk Mill Retail Park in Oldham and a third to Wilmslow Road.

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Popeyes is opening FIVE new fried chicken takeaways in Manchester
Popeyes is opening FIVE new fried chicken takeaways in Manchester

Previous openings have seen fans queueing for more than 24 hours to nab freebies in the Popeyes opening celebrations.

On the menus you’ll find chicken sandwiches, hot wings, tenders, and signature chicken wraps, all with the signature Popeyes ‘shatter crunch’ and Louisiana-style seasoning.

Tom Crowley, Popeyes UK Chief Executive Officer, said: “Greater Manchester has an incredible food scene, and we’re excited to announce five new restaurant openings across the region, our biggest regional investment of 2026.

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“From the city’s busiest transport hub to vibrant communities like Oldham, we can’t wait to welcome new fans, serve up our world-famous chicken and bring the unforgettable launch-day energy Popeyes is known for.”

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Featured image: The Manc Group

Eats

Viral Korean street food brand Bunsik is coming to the Trafford Centre

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Viral Korean street food brand Bunsik is coming to the Trafford Centre

Korean street food brand Bunsik is branching out, with a brand-new restaurant confirmed for the Trafford Centre.

Set to open later this year, the London-born brand will be bringing its viral Korean corn dogs – with cheese pulls that stretch as far as your arms will go – to the huge shopping centre.

As well as that, Bunsik is famed for classic Korean street food dishes like ttekbokki, crispy fried chicken, and kimbap.

The Korean favourite already has a popular site over in Manchester city centre, opening up on Piccadilly Gardens back in 2023.

Bunsik is set to open in the Trafford Centre’s The Orient food hall in June, taking over the old Shere Khan unit.

It joins other recent openings like Joe & The Juice, Jerk Junction, and the brand-new Eastern Garden dining area which is home to Blanchflower, Chit n Chaat, and Hello Oriental.

Simon Layton, Centre Director at Trafford Centre, said: “We’re thrilled to be welcoming Bunsik to Trafford Centre this summer.

“It’s a brand that brings something fresh, fun and exciting to our food lineup, and we know our visitors are going to love it.”

Viral Korean street food brand Bunsik is coming to the Trafford Centre
Korean corn dogs from Bunsik
The existing Bunsik at Piccadilly Gardens
The existing Bunsik at Piccadilly Gardens

Jae Cho, founder of Bunsik, said: “We have been truly overwhelmed by the incredible love and support Manchester has shown us since we opened at Piccadilly Gardens.

“Seeing so many people enjoy our food every day gave us the confidence to believe that Bunsik could truly become a nationwide brand.

“It confirmed that the UK’s love for Korean street food is even stronger than we imagined.

“With that same energy and confidence, we are now thrilled to bring Bunsik to the iconic Trafford Centre. We hope our new home becomes just as beloved a spot for everyone in Manchester and the surrounding areas. We can’t wait to welcome you all very soon!”

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Featured image: The Manc Group

Eats

Faulty Towers The Dining Experience is returning to Manchester next month

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Faulty Towers The Dining Experience is returning to Manchester next month

One of the world’s silliest and most-loved experiences is returning to Manchester this year, offering people the chance to step inside the world of Fawlty Towers.

Faulty Towers The Dining Experience sees immersive theatre blend with a three-course dinner, bringing Britain’s most infamous hotel to life.

Fans of the hit 1970s comedy will enjoy two hours of mayhem led by Basil, Sybil and Manuel, all while tucking into a delicious era-appropriate meal.

Faulty Towers The Dining Experience has become an immersive dining phenomenon, scooping awards and selling out venues across the globe since launching almost 30 years ago.

In the years since, it’s welcomed more than one million guests, celebrated 13 years of its West End residency in London, and hosted celebrations for 50 years of the original BBC sitcom Fawlty Towers.

And now it’s Manchester’s turn, with the event returning to our city between 3 and 15 February.

Faulty Towers The Dining Experience is returning to Manchester next month
Faulty Towers The Dining Experience is returning to Manchester
The event is hosted by actors playing Basil, Sybil and Manuel
The event is hosted by actors playing Basil, Sybil and Manuel
Around 70% of the action is improvised
Around 70% of the action is improvised
Guests are served a three-course 70s-inspired meal during the Faulty Towers experience
Guests are served a three-course 70s-inspired meal during the Faulty Towers experience
Credit: Rosie Powell

Faulty Towers The Dining Experience will be taking over the Voco hotel on Portland Street for a limited run, starring Aaron Millard as ‘Basil’, Rebecca Norris as ‘Sybil’, and Simon Hourihan as ‘Manuel’.

You can definitely expect two hours of theatre, chaos, and a 70s-inspired three-course meal, but with around 70% of the performances completely improvised, we can’t tell you much more than that…

Producer Jared Harford said: “It’s such a joy to be bringing Basil and the team back to Manchester. After such an incredible 2025 celebrating 50 years of Fawlty Towers, we can’t wait to continue sharing the laughter, chaos and community spirit that make this show so special.”

Faulty Towers The Dining Experience in Manchester:

  • Tuesday 3 February to Sunday 15 February
  • Tuesday to Saturday – doors open 6.45pm, seating and show starts 7.30pm
  • Saturday and Sunday – doors open 12.45pm, seating and show starts 1.30pm

Ticket prices, all including three-course meal and two hour immersive experience:

  • Tuesday to Thursday dinner, and Saturday or Sunday lunch – £67.50 pp (including fees)
    Friday or Saturday dinner £71.50 pp (including fees).
    Bookings can be made via the box office on (+44) 020 3700 3138 or online at www.faultytowersdining.com

Read more: We’ve found some of the best Chinese food in town – being served out of a snooker hall

Featured image: Rosie Powell

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