The wait is finally over – after several years and a few million pounds, The Cut & Craft is ready to open in Manchester… and it’s worth the wait.
This magnificent newcomer, already well-loved over in Leeds, has transformed an old Grade II-listed banking hall on Mosley Street into a decadent dining room.
Here, diners will sit beneath glittering chandeliers and ornate ceilings as they feast on premium locally-reared steaks, British seafood specials and a lengthy champagne and wine list.
Specialising in steak and seafood, with in-house butchery, The Cut & Craft has invested £3.5m to reinvigorate the former Manchester and Salford bank in the city centre.
Now, this landmark Victorian building is painted in rich blues and golds, with huge windows, private dining spaces, a sommelier lounge, and even a ‘gossip room’.
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The restaurant will focus on quality steak and affordable seafood, served from lunch through to the evening.
Dishes will include freshly-shucked oysters, Exmoor caviar and hand-cut beef tartare with breaded yolk and sesame croutons, plus grilled monkfish, king scallops, fish and chips, grilled lamb cutlets and a signature 10 oz flat iron steak, which is butchered by an expert team in house.
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And there’ll be bottomless brunches on all the upcoming bank holidays, with unlimited champagne for 90 minutes.
Each bottomless champagne brunch costs £90 and includes bottomless Moët & Chandon Champagne, a main dish, live entertainment and DJ soundtrack (see more on that HERE).
The stunning restoration project for The Cut & Craft has been carried out in collaboration with Bruntwood SciTech who have carried out a complete reimagining of the building.
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Inside The Cut & Craft in Manchester
Matt Pazos, Retail Commercial Manager for Bruntwood SciTech, said: “The opening of The Cut and Craft in Manchester is a momentous occasion for Bruntwood SciTech’s Bond as we welcome the restaurant to our neighbourhood.
“Their move into the old banking hall is a natural fit for a brand that is known for its beautifully designed and dramatic interiors. It’s an extraordinary space and we’re delighted to see the team breathe new life into this landmark building.
“We can’t wait for Manchester to welcome The Cut and Craft to the city’s thriving hospitality scene and look forward to its success.”
The Cut & Craft officially opens in Manchester on Monday 28 April 2025 – see more HERE.
Cult favourite shawarma bar hailed ‘outstanding’ by major reviewer
Daisy Jackson
A shawarma takeaway in Manchester has received a glowing review that’s left its founder with ‘the biggest goosebumps’.
Sqew opened its doors on Deansgate last year, having started life over in Leeds, scooping up all sorts of awards and accolades as it went – including Deliveroo’s Best Kebab of 2025.
And now it’s caught the attention of a major review page, with Bite Twice Food Reviews (a page with almost 400k followers) paying Sqew a visit.
The food review duo of Gerry del Guercio and Paul Delany popped up on Deansgate to test the claims that Sqew is serving the UK’s best shawarma.
In their video review, Bite Twice said that the food is ‘out-f**kin-standing’, and rated it a strong 9.2 out of 10.
They said before even taking a bite: “I can tell you already we’re in for a treat. The quality of meat, cuts on that spit, look outstanding.”
Then after taking their first mouthful, they added: “That was one of the most juicy, flavour-filled, gorgeous bites into anything that I’ve ever had. It’s sweet, it’s salty, it’s got texture.
Sqew founder Mitch outside his Deansgate restaurantSqew has received a rave review
“But that meat, the quality of the chicken, it’s out-f**kin-standing. It’s been seasoned to perfection.
“This is taking the humble shawarma wrap to absolute heights, my god.
“Up there with the top three best shawarmas I’ve ever had in my life. Probably joint top with Fostok Halab, which is massive praise. 9.1. Why not, f**k it, 9.2, what you gonna do it about it?”
Responding to the video, Sqew founder Mitch Renshaw said: “Watched this 10 times. The biggest goosebumps. Thanks guys, made mine and the team’s day!”
Andy Burnham’s favourite Manchester pub, restaurant, neighbourhood and Sunday roast
Daisy Jackson
Andy Burnham’s favourite pub, restaurant, neighbourhood, and Sunday roast have been revealed – and the man’s got taste.
Old footage of now-PM Andy Burnham chatting to content creator Isaac Likes has been doing the rounds again, and while the interview dates back to before Andy left us and headed down to the big smoke, his Manchester recommendations still stand.
From his go-to neighbourhood and favourite pub to where he heads for a Sunday roast, and even the song he likes to play when he gets behind the decks, Burnham gave us a glimpse into his ideal Manchester day.
First up, there’s the Northern Quarter, which Burnham reckons has to be his favourite neighbourhood in the city.
He said: “Got to be the Northern Quarter. It’s the place where it’s all happening.”
When it comes to food, he singled out Firehouse, sitting on the edge of the Northern Quarter, as one of his favourite places to eat. He also gave a shoutout to its sister venue Ramona, where he’s been known to get behind the decks.
Andy said: “On the edge of the Northern Quarter, Firehouse is a place I love to go. Ramona Pizza, I’ve DJ’d there – if the mayor DJs there it’s gotta be alright.”
For a proper pint, Burnham’s choice is a little more traditional, saying his favourite pub is the ‘proper old school’ Peveril of the Peak.
The beautiful tiled pub was recently named the best in the UK, just days before its legendary landlady Nancy passed away.
When Sunday rolls around, Burnham said he has a couple of options up his sleeve. The Wharf in Castlefield gets a mention, as does Edinburgh Castle up in Ancoats.
The Peveril of the Peak pub in ManchesterThe Edinburgh CastleFirehouseSome of Andy Burnham’s favourite places in Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group
He said: “We love our gravy, we drink it by the pint in Manchester.”
Of course, no conversation with Burnham about Manchester would be complete without talking music.
Asked to name the best Manchester band of all time, he offered a few contenders – The Smiths, New Order, and, ultimately, The Stone Roses.
“The band I think are quintessentially Manchester is The Stone Roses. That was peak Manchester,” he said.
Daisy Jackson -
22nd April 2025 
