Sides, the already-viral chicken shop launched by YouTubers The Sidemen, is ready to open its doors in Manchester.
The restaurant’s rapid expansion started down in London last weekend, with mile-long queues to get a taste of its double-coated crispy fried chicken.
Then The Sidemen were asked to stay away from their own Sides launch in Merry Hill, with the local council fearing they’d attract a 10,000-strong crowd.
But now their first Manchester Sides chicken shop is ready to open, taking up a unit within the Manchester Arndale.
Sides is joining the collection of food and drink outlets in Halle Place, where their neighbours will include Barburrito, Archie’s and PizzaLuxe.
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The menu is centred around double coated Nashville tenders, which are tossed 120 times (no more, no less) and if you’re into your wings their seven signature sauces are the perfect addition.
Chicken burgers at Sides in Manchester. Credit: The Manc GroupChicken tenders at Sides in ManchesterChicken and waffles
Sides has also teased that a special guest may be taking a break from streaming to serve up a treat on launch day, but our lips are sealed on that front…
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We’ve had a nosey around Sides today and found a futuristic space, with black and white tiles and neon blue signs.
On the side of your chicken tenders you can grab dips including buttermilk ranch, classic BBQ, and chipotle (or you can dunk it in your milkshake if you’re that way inclined… see our video below)
Glitzy Spinningfields bar famed for its bottomless deals shuts down
Daisy Jackson
Popular cocktail bar group Banyan has suddenly closed its glitzy bar in the heart of Spinningfields.
The restaurant and bar, which is part of the Arc Inspirations group that also operates Manahatta and Box, has shut down with immediate effect.
A sign has been posted in the window of the Spinningfields site of Banyan confirming its closure.
Banyan opened in 2018 and was the second site for the brand, which has been operating out of the Corn Exchange since 2015.
Inside, the huge 7,000sq ft space was split into spaces for drinking, dining and dancing, including a large mezzanine and a huge white marble bar.
Banyan is famed for its bottomless deals, whether that’s a classic bottomless brunch or their bottomless Sunday roast (endless Yorkshire puddings, gravy, wine, and roast potatoes).
It also offered two-for-one cocktails, all day every day.
The bar stands on the side of Spinningfields, directly opposite The Ivy and alongside The Alchemist.
Banyan in Spinningfields has shut downThe note in the window of Banyan
But now it has permanently closed its doors, thanking people for their custom over its almost-decade in Manchester.
The sign on the door says: “Banyan Spinningfields is now permanently closed.
“Thank you so much for your custom over the years, we’ve loved being part of this wonderful city and have made so many friends.
“Don’t be a stranger, we’d love to continue to welcome you to our Banyan bar in the Corn Exchange. Team Banyan.”
Bangkok Diners Club moves out of Ancoats just months after Michelin Guide win
Daisy Jackson
Bangkok Diners Club, the critically-acclaimed restaurant above the Edinburgh Castle pub, has closed its restaurant space.
The Thai restaurant was added to the Michelin Guide last October, not long after taking over the upstairs of the popular pub.
It also received a rave review in The Guardian from restaurant critic Grace Dent, who said it would be ‘one of Manchester’s hottest dining tickets’.
But now Bangkok Diners Club has decided its time in Ancoats is up, and has closed its beautiful restaurant space with immediate effect.
In an email sent to customers with reservations, they wrote that Bangkok Diners Club ‘sadly won’t be returning to Edinburgh Castle’.
Owners and husband-and-wife team Ben and Bo Humpheys aren’t leaving things there though, announcing plans to move into the Exhibition food hall on Peter Street.
Co-owner Ben Humphreys outside Bangkok Diners Club. Credit: The Manc GroupThe food earned them a place in the Michelin Guide. Credit: The Manc Group
They’ll be joining MoreJoy and pasta concept Anatra in the space, but bidding farewell to their own dedicated restaurant for now.
The email sent to customers reads: “We have just noticed that the system has allowed you to make a reservation during a time that we are closed. We apologise that this has happened.
“Ben and Bo are cooking at Exhibition during 2026 and Bangkok Diners Club sadly won’t be returning to Edinburgh Castle.
“Sincerest apologies for all the inconvenience caused.”
Daisy Jackson -
24th November 2023 
