Tucked away in the corner of Manchester, but in the heart of Marple, Fold Bistro and Bottle Shop is a haven for food enthusiasts and wine aficionados alike.
Our recent dining experience here was nothing short of extraordinary, as we had the privilege of savouring dishes crafted by the talented Chef Ryan Stafford, who you might recognise from his appearances on the Great British Menu.
Ryan had been serving up great food at Fold for a long time before he was called up to the television show, so for one night only, he was flaunting the very same menu he served the judges.
Upon entering Fold Bistro, we were immediately struck by its quaint and ambient charm. The open kitchen design allows diners a full view of the action, like having front-row seats to your favourite episodes of The Bear, albeit with way less chaos.
Chef Ryan Stafford commented on how the open kitchen “adds pressure”, but you wouldn’t have noticed it as his team worked seamlessly, like clockwork, creating an engaging and mesmerising experience. The set menu allowed synchronicity, akin to a well-rehearsed performance.
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One of the standout features of Fold is its impressive wine selection, a testament to its dual identity as both a bistro and a bottle shop. If I wasn’t driving, it would have been hard to turn down a glass or two.
The menu, eloquently named and carefully curated, showcased a range of dishes that highlighted Chef Stafford’s creativity; thematically centred around an Olympic theme.
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One dish in particular, ‘Made in Water’, was a tribute to Dame Sarah Storey, commemorating herremarkable career where she amassed 28 Medals and became Britain’s most successful Paralympic athlete of all time. Storey is also a fellow Mancunian, making this tribute that little bit more poetic.
Everything he touches turns to gold… literally. One of the evening’s most memorable moments was the fish course, adorned with a 17-carat gold vinegar spritz. This luxurious touch added a layer of opulence to an already exquisite dish, which was a lovely, warming twist to your usual fish and chips.
The starter was a delightful explosion of flavours, with the tang of the Kaffir lime harmoniously balancing the spices. Each bite was a testament to Chef Stafford’s ability to blend ingredients in a way that is both surprising and satisfying.
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Truffle made a notable appearance in several dishes, reinforcing the current trend in gourmet dining. I, for one, am all here for it. The earthy richness of the truffle added depth and sophistication, elevating the dishes to new heights.
The dessert was a revelation: olive ice cream. While it may sound unconventional, Stafford has been perfecting this since before it became trendy (Remember when Dua Lipa had everyone trying this?), proving his foresight and innovative approach to flavour combinations.
As the evening drew to a close, Chef Stafford took a moment to acknowledge his team, stating: “Everything you’ve seen tonight, all 70 covers, couldn’t have been done without this team right here.”
This humble and heartfelt acknowledgement underscored the collaborative effort behind the evening’s overall success.
Fold Bistro and Bottle Shop is more of an experience than a destination and is now one of Marple Bridge‘s biggest attractions. Although this specific menu was a one-off, you’re still in for a treat with their usual menu.
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I couldn’t recommend it more for an evening of good food, friendly staff and an intimate atmosphere, especially if you want to escape the city centre.
A sports bar dedicated to women’s sports is opening in Stockport
Daisy Jackson
A brand-new women’s-led sports bar is opening in Stockport, marking a first for the North.
Rita Ray’s will be joining the line-up at Weir Mill, the new neighbourhood from Capital & Centric on the banks of the River Mersey.
While women’s sport has grown in popularity in recent years, Rita Ray’s founder says that ‘the spaces to watch it haven’t caught up’.
And so, this new sports bar concept has been born, with all the buzz of a classic sports bar but with women’s sport on the big screens.
The venue will be family-friendly by day, before shifting into a lively social hangout with great drinks, music, and post-matchday energy by night.
It plans to become a community cornerstone too, hosting things like run clubs, classes, quiz nights, book clubs, pop-ups, and community meet-ups.
Founder of Rita Ray’s, Becky Brown, has named the bar after her grandparents Rita and Ray, who loved life, games, golf, and good company.
She says there’s ‘nothing like this in the North at the moment’.
Rita Ray’s sports bar is the second independent venture announced for Weir Mill this month alone – Italian restaurant The Social Trattoria is also heading to Stockport this year.
Becky said: “Women’s sport has grown massively, but the spaces to watch it haven’t caught up.
“There’s nothing like this in the North at the moment, and Stockport and the Weir Mill neighbourhood felt like the perfect spot – creative, independent, and full of character. Rita Ray’s is about sport, community, and inclusion.”
Tom Wilmot, joint managing director at Capital&Centric, said: “Rita Ray’s is exactly the kind of bold, indie concept we love bringing into our neighbourhoods. It’s a brilliant addition to Weir Mill and a great example of the independent operators helping shape this new part of Stockport.”
Cllr Micheala Meikle, Cabinet Member for regeneration, skills and economy, said: “Seeing the North’s first independent bar dedicated to women’s sport choose Weir Mill is a fantastic vote of confidence in Stockport.
“This kind of bold, community‑minded business will add to the growing sense of place we’re creating here – an inclusive space where everyone can come together to enjoy sport, meet friends, and feel part of something special.
“This is exactly what regeneration should deliver: new jobs, strong independents and more reasons for people to spend time in our town centre, while keeping the character that makes Stockport what it is.
“Investment of this quality shows the direction we’re heading and the momentum we’re building, ensuring Stockport remains a vibrant, welcoming and thriving place for residents, visitors and businesses alike.”
Rita Ray’s is all set to open this summer at Weir Mill in Stockport, just in time to roar on the Three Lions.
Mexican chain Wahaca might be returning to Manchester
Daisy Jackson
Mexican chain might be returning to Manchester, six years after its closure.
The much-loved restaurant group is eyeing up new locations in our city, as well as sites in Cambridge, Glasgow, and Birmingham.
Retail and leisure agency P-Three has been tasked with sourcing new sites across the UK for Wahaca, which had to permanently close 10 locations in the midst of the pandemic.
Wahaca restaurants that closed included its popular location in the Corn Exchange in Manchester.
Wahaca was founded in London almost 20 years ago, by MasterChef winner Thomasina Miers and Mark Selby.
Its menu showcases food from across Mexico, with restaurants that are inspired by the modern bustling culture seen in contemporary Oaxaca.
It’s also the UK’s first carbon-neutral restaurant group and multiple-time winner of the UK’s most sustainable restaurant group.
P-Three is looking for large restaurant units (2,500-4,500 sq ft) which Wahaca can move back into as it brings its vibrant food back across the UK once again.
Wahaca might be returning to Manchester. Credit: Wahaca
Thomas Rose, co-founder at P-Three, commented: “Wahaca has firmly established itself as one of the UK’s most authentic and lively restaurant groups, offering diners a bold, fresh and modern take on Mexican street food.
“A longstanding client of P-Three, we are excited to be supporting Wahaca with this next phase of growth and look forward to helping them bring their concept to new cities and locations across the UK.”
Mark Selby, Co-founder & Chairman at Wahaca, added: “After the huge success of our Paddington opening in 2024 and the incredible feedback on Wahaca Reimagined across our 14 individually designed restaurants, we are excited to be once again looking to bring Wahaca’s unique restaurant experience to different areas of the UK.
“We want to find buildings that lend themselves to our distinctive look and feel and know that P-Three will do an excellent job bringing that vision to life.”
The Manc -
25th May 2024 
