A new fried chicken restaurant backed by The Sidemen is set to open within the Manchester Arndale – and soon.
Sides is taking shape in the heart of the shopping centre and will officially open its doors this weekend.
This will be the second Sides location outside London – last week, the launch of the Dalston branch triggered mile-long queues.
Some fans of the YouTube group, which includes KSI, Miniminter, and Zerkaa, even camped out for two nights to be the first to get their hands on the double-coated crispy fried chicken.
Demand to get inside Sides has been so great, The Sidemen were politely advised to stay away from their Merry Hill opening due to concerns that 10,000 people might show up.
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The Sidemen-backed Sides in Manchester Arndale will take over a 1400 square foot space, serving up a new and improved menu of freshly-fried chicken in a variety of flavours, shakes and side.
The chicken shop will have space for around 40 diners at a time, and will create 35 new local jobs.
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Sides has also amassed a massive social media following and now boasts engagement 40 times greater than its closest competitors.
The Sidemen themselves have more than 130 million combined subscribers, plus even more followers across their other social media channels.
Robin Mehta, Sides CEO, said of the new opening: “Manchester has been a location we have wanted to come to for a while now so we are delighted to welcome the city to the Sides community. We like to say that people will come for the hype, but come back for the food, and we feel as if this will be no different at the Arndale branch.
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“If you think this brand is only about the Sidemen, you should get down and try the delicious, new and improved menu of freshly cooked, double coated crispy chicken, waffle fries, shakes and side dishes.
“Everyone at Sides is delighted with the growth of the company and we can’t wait to start serving up our flavourful fried chicken to the people of Manchester.”
Sides at Manchester Arndale will open its doors on Saturday 25 November at 11am.
Tiny Stockport restaurant shares plea after 36 people fail to turn up for reservation
Daisy Jackson
Another local business has had to issue a plea to customers, after an enormous group booking failed to turn up for their reservation.
Casa De Casa in Heaton Moor has shared that a reservation for a whopping 36 guests no-showed over the August bank holiday weekend.
For this tapas bar and Mediterranean restaurant, that’s pretty much the capacity of the entire venue, left empty on what should be one of the busiest weekends of the year.
Casa De Casa said that they had spent time preparing food, sorting staffing, and making sure the restaurant was ready for the large group of 36.
But when ‘nobody showed up’, it left them with a ‘significant loss’.
They said: “We understand that plans can change, but please let us know if you can’t make your booking.
“A simple message can make a big difference.
“Thank you to everyone who continues to support us.”
Casa De Casa took to their Facebook page to share the tale of the ‘difficult night’, and have been flooded with messages of support since.
One person wrote: “That’s actually disgusting. You have a brilliant restaurant – fabulous food every time & top service. I’d happily pay a deposit & not be offended if asked for one.”
Another said: “Absolutely diabolical – I hope they’re reading comments on here and contact you to not only apologise but to pay you at least for the cost of the food. Shocking!”
And someone else posted: “Absolutely awful !!!! …. At least if there is a legit reason they ring and tell you !!!! Awful that you will have to ask now for a deposit on a big booking !!! Why are people so nasty ???? We love it here so keep on being fab xxx”
A new Southeast Asian BBQ restaurant has opened on a Manchester rooftop with jaw-dropping city views
Clementine Hall
Say hello to Sister Moon, a beautiful new restaurant bringing a taste of Southeast Asia to Manchester city centre.
It’s the latest addition to Manchester’s Treehouse Hotel, which opened last year transforming a huge building at the end of Deansgate.
This is the final chapter of its new opening, and it might be our favourite one yet.
Sister Moon is the new project from acclaimed chef Sam Grainger who you’ll know from Madre, among others.
Images: The Manc
Sam is working alongside Luke Cowdrey and Justin Crawford (Electric Chair, Volta, Freight Island) at Sister Moon, a Southeast Asian BBQ concept inspired by his time cooking with a local family in Thailand.
All the dishes are cooked on open fire, including dishes like the fried pork skewers with banana ketchup and the grilled prawns with crispy chilli and garlic.
Image: The Manc
Elsewhere on the menu you’ll find stars like the crispy pork belly and pomelo salad as well as the slow cooked lamb jungle curry (warning, this one’s got a kick).
Looking for something lighter? There’s dishes like the smacked cucumber and the cold soba noodle salad that make for the perfect lunch option.
Images: The Manc
And it’s not just Sister Moon which has opened on the 14th floor of the Treehouse Hotel, also now open is The Nest, a new signature bar with panoramic views of Manchester that will be a destination for late-night drinks and social occasions.
Just up the stairs is also The Hideout – an intimate rooftop lounge and event space designed for private hire.
Kick off your evening with a drink in The Nest before making your way for a flavour-packed dinner at Sister Moon – all whilst enjoying jaw-dropping views of the city.
Sister Moon, The Nest, and The Hideout will officially open on Saturday 5 September, and you can find out more here.
Daisy Jackson -
23rd November 2023 
