Oh, so you thought the new restaurant openings would slow down a little now that Manchester is running head-first to the end of the year, did you? You couldn’t be more wrong.
The city keeps on pushing forward with loads more new bars, cafes, pop-ups and restaurants popping up on the scene.
In December, we’ll see new spots open that are already loved nationally, like Blank Street Coffee at Piccadilly Gardens (Molly-Mae’s a huge fan, apparently).
Then there are some very familiar names that are returning to Manchester, like late-night favourite Hold Fast and Fairfield Social Club.
And that’s alongside all the huge openings we had in November, like Fenix, Dear Sailor, and Six By Nico.
ADVERTISEMENT
Read on for our picks of the best new restaurants and bars opening in Manchester in December.
One Eight Six has risen from the ashes (quite literally) and is ready to inject some life and live music back into Manchester’s nightlife scene.
ADVERTISEMENT
The subterranean bar on Deansgate, shuttered by a huge fire on New Year’s Eve in 2021, has been fully reborn.
Founder Dean Mac said: “After nearly two years, we are finally allowed to be back on our feet giving the people of Manchester what they have been waiting so patiently for.
“Thank you again for sticking with us and supporting our journey this far. This new chapter of ONE EIGHT SIX will be better than ever. Same vibe. Same location. Just a whole lot sexier…”
Restaurant, shop, and wine bar in one, this newbie is definitely one worth venturing across to Cheshire for.
Linden Stores started life in London before its owners, Chris Boustead and Laura Christie, moved up north.
This latest opening is their third, and it’s a stunner. On the menu you’ll find British and low intervention wines, alongside seasonal menus.
15 Minshull St, Knutsford WA16 6HG | Open now
ADVERTISEMENT
Fairfield Social Club, Green Quarter
Fairfield Social Club will open a new pop-up in Manchester in December. Credit: Supplied
An old favourite is back, with Fairfield Social Club running a winter pop-up before making their full return in spring next year.
Tucked under the railway arches in the Red Bank area, the space will be home to two bars, a huge 250-seater event space, and a secret garden – plus a Christmas Tree shop.
There’ll also be a fully-stocked BlackJack Beers craft beer bar, and rotating pop-up traders, including the much-loved and now-closed shop Oklahoma.
Irk Street, Manchester M4 4JT | Opening 1 December
Piccolino Grande, Wilmslow
The highly anticipated new Piccolino Grande opened its doors this week, showcasing the very best of Italian hospitality.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Piccolino brand is well-known for its decadent food, opulent interiors and outstanding service, and their newest venture in Wilmslow is no exception.
Following a £2m transformation, Piccolino Grande on Swan Street is a real feast for all the senses.
A long day on the slopes, followed by a steaming mug of hot chocolate and a whole vat of molten cheese laced with champagne. Except lose the slopes bit, you’re in Manchester here.
Fondue is a pop-up on the terrace at The Refuge, inspired by the chalets of the French Alps, from its cosy al fresco decor to its menu.
ADVERTISEMENT
You can tuck in to slow-cooked French onion soup; the ultimate Gruyère and Champagne fondue, and a Manchester rarebit featuring Mrs Kirkham’s Lancashire cheese, Bury black pudding, dukkah and Pollen bakery sourdough.
It’s ‘basically a speakeasy’, but one they want you to talk about – so here we go.
Down in the basement level beneath Purezza in the Northern Quarter, you’ll soon find Parla – a queer bar, community project, vegan cocktail spot, and ‘super sexy space’, with a ‘big sexy curtain’.
They’ll even have Desert Island Dumplings, the geniuses behind cheeseburger gyozas and salt and pepper hash browns, in house on a kitchen residency.
ADVERTISEMENT
Sounds like our kind of place, to be honest…
Basement, 75-77 High St, M4 1FS | Opening 14 December
Hold Fast, Northern Quarter
People dancing in Hold Fast in Manchester’s Northern Quarter
No no, you haven’t time-travelled back to 2015 – Hold Fast really is coming back to the Northern Quarter.
This nautical-themed late-night institution (with the best smoking area in the city) is reopening and it looks like it’ll be business as usual – resident DJs and open mic nights (with a free drink for those brave enough to hit the stage), a bespoke secret cinema room and a range of retro Sega video games.
Describing itself as a sailor’s drinking quarter, the bar will be dimly lit with ship lanterns and candles, with a wide selection of craft beers and 15 cocktails on its drinks menu.
How could you have missed this new Manchester restaurant opening – the queues were so long they left the Arndale and went onto the street outside.
It’s a fried chicken shop, but the hyper is all because of the men backing the place – YouTube heavyweights The Sidemen.
The double coated Nashville tenders are tossed 120 times, no more, no less and if you’re into your wings their seven signature sauces are the perfect addition.
From humble beginnings to absolutely unreal growth in three years, Blank Street Coffee is now heading to Manchester for the first time.
Their incredibly aesthetic green-and-white-fronted stores are found all over London these days, with people always traipsing out the door clutching beautiful swirling iced lattes, pistachio lattes, and blueberry matchas.
So far, so high-end – but then comes the location. Blank Street Coffee has chosen to open slap bang in the heart of Piccadilly Gardens, next to fellow viral sensation Bunsik.
Piccadilly Gardens, M1 1RG | Opening 13 December
Dainā, St John’s
Dainā (that’s pronounced day-nah) is a brand new Asian dining concept launching at Side Street Studio in St John’s and one of the most exciting new Manchester restaurants opening this month.
ADVERTISEMENT
The kitchen residency will bring together chefs Jake Huxley and Samuel Jethro, who’ll use British ingredients and Asian techniques to create a menu of dishes including homemade bao, red braised pork belly, and smoked mackerel with daikon and lemon.
They said: “Our concept is a collision of love and appreciation for Chinese cuisine combined with the science of making perfect dough. We want people to enjoy the food we enjoy creating.
“Our food is best enjoyed in good company in a relaxed environment, making Side Street Studio’s setting an ideal backdrop. Our aim is to elevate some familiar and unfamiliar ingredients into wholesome dishes so we can showcase the brilliant art of Asian cooking in a way that brings something new to the table.”
ABC Buildings (Corner of Quay Street and Lower Byrom St, M3 4AE | Open now
Papparoti, Northern Quarter
Much-loved Malaysian dessert brand Papparoti is now open in the Northern Quarter, where you can pick up coffee-coated sweet buns and fruit teas.
ADVERTISEMENT
The brand now has more than 400 cafes and kiosks globally and its first Manchester site is extremely good looking.
The premium bakery chain has a huge menu of speciality coffees and topping options for its buns.
Transmission House, 28 Church St, Manchester M4 1PN | Open now
Know of a new Manchester restaurant we’ve missed? Let us know on our The Manc Eats Instagram page.
Featured image: The Manc Group
Eats
The woodland coffee shop with amazing sausage rolls you can only reach on foot
Daisy Jackson
Hidden away among the trees on the banks of the River Mersey is a coffee spot you won’t stumble across while driving past. In fact, you can’t drive there at all.
The only way to reach the woodland hideaway that is Riverbank Coffee is by following a riverside footpath, from Urmston, Stretford or Sale.
The walk itself is absolutely beautiful, following the meanders of the River Mersey along footpaths that are always teeming with dog walkers, cyclists, and people out for a weekend stroll.
What began as a small coffee pod has grown into a charming outdoor café built from converted shipping containers, tucked neatly into the woodland beside the Trans Pennine Trail.
The owners have gradually added more and more picnic benches, pagodas, wooden booths and flower beds since launching in 2020, just as the nation emerged blinking from lockdown.
Now, you can pull up a seat beneath the trees, or tuck into the sheltered wooden booths with windows overlooking the river.
As idyllic as the location is, plenty of people make the journey for one thing above all else – the sausage rolls.
Packed filling of the homemade sausage rollHuge cookiesIced coffees and Biscoff blondies by the riverA selection of treats at Riverbank CoffeeWeather-proof wooden boothsIt’s set in woodland beside the River MerseyThe view from Riverbank CoffeeRiverbank Coffee can be reached through a 20 minute walk from Urmston
Riverbank Coffee has built quite a reputation for its generously filled homemade sausage rolls, which have become something of a local legend. They’re made by the team, which is also behind Riverbank Deli in Urmston, and I promise they’re worth every step of the walk.
If sausage rolls aren’t your thing, there’s plenty more on offer. The menu includes locally roasted coffees, thick milkshakes, hearty pies and pasties, warm toasted wraps and breakfast barms, alongside homemade cakes and sweet treats for anyone with room to spare.
Whether you’re planning a weekend walk, looking for a scenic pit stop on a bike ride or simply fancy discovering one of Greater Manchester’s more unusual cafés, Riverbank Coffee proves that sometimes the best places really are the ones you have to seek out.
The best graduation deals and freebies in Manchester this celebration season
Danny Jones
To all those completing their university degrees this year, first off: congratulations – and second of all, we’re sure you’re looking forward to making the most of all those graduation deals, offers and free stuff you can grab in Manchester this year.
We know we were when it was our time (longer ago than we’d like to admit…)
The post-graduation ceremony meal – hopefully at least one final meal your parents are happy to cover the bill for before sending you out into ‘the big wide world’ – is a truly special one, but there’s no reason you shouldn’t still look for savings where you can.
So, without further ado, here’s a list of graduate deals and freebies available in central Manchester for the class of 2026.
15 of the best offers and free things for 2026 graduates
1. Fenix – St. John’s
What is it: One of the best restaurants in Manchester, serving up plates featuring plenty of Greek heritage as well as modern-Mediterranean, elevated cuisine from one of the city centre’s fastest-growing neighbourhoods.
The offer: Special lunch menu noon until 3:45pm set at just £37.50 or sit down for dinner from £45.50; both include a complimentary glass of Prosecco, and you can even walk away with an engraved bottle of Champagne to take home with you. Available 1 July until 1 August – reserve your table while you can.
2. The Alchemist – Central, Spinningfields and Salford Quays
What is it: Manc-born mixologists and cocktail bar chain which started in Spinningfields, before opening on New York Street and beyond and going on to be a staple of the UK hospitality scene.
The offer: A complimentary ‘Cosmic Oyster’ for everyone around your table when booking ahead – you can do so HERE.
What is it: Stylish London-centric seafood and grill with Japanese and Robata-inspired cuisine, best-known for sushi, steak and their famous caramelised black cod dish.
The offer: Extensive sharing-style menu priced at £55 a head, including all the highlights and a gratis glass of Henriot Champagne for every guest, available until 24 July; you can reserve your spot now.
What is it: A canalside cornerstone of the Castlefield community, with a large outdoor terrace and beer garden, complete with a dedicated cocktail hut on busy sunny days, and two cosy floors inside.
The offer: Graduation set menu, with options for two or three courses and a glass of fizz on them, running from 6-31 July. Find out more.
What is it: Boutique city centre hotel just off Market Street offering numerous luxuries, including afternoon tea packages, set menus and more from the in-house restaurant, tender by award-winning chef Niall Keating, as well as various high-end rooms.
The offer: Free glass of cava with bookings, simple as that; available all throughout July and August.
What is it: Stunning, homely gastropub and bistro with multiple rooms across two floors, as well as a large terrace with various open-air and covered areas.
The offer: Happy hour drinks for your entire party and the chance to be the one lucky winner who’ll have the ENTIRE overdraft paid off in full by the team as part of a prize draw. Book and find the full terms and conditions right HERE.
Credit: The Manc
7. Piccolino – Central, Didsbury, Bramhall, Hale, Wilmslow and Knutsford
What is it: Popular British chain of Italian restaurants operated by the Individual Restaurants Group (IRG), with numerous locations across the country.
The offer: Graduates get a complimentary glass of champagne alongside their classic recipe tiramisu on the house. Booking in advance is advised.
What is it: Another one of the IRG brands, offering similar Italian cuisine as well as great deals and an expanded drinks menu.
The offer: Freshly crowned graduates dining from the special set menu can enjoy a bonus Bellini to toast their success.
Credit: The Manc
9. The Lowry – Salford
What is it: One of Greater Manchester’s most famous hotels, located right on the edge of the city centre, with a highly-rated bar and restaurant to boot. Needs no introduction really.
The offer: Those staying in town for their ceremony can enjoy a luxurious stay with 10% off the best available rate, plus 15% off food and drink, a complimentary bottle of Champagne, AND 50% off a second room for family members, too. A perfect package for out-of-towners – you can book HERE.
What is it: One of the best curry houses in all the region, specialising in contemporary Indian food and Pakistani flavours, too.
The offer: Their popular annual graduation deal is back for 2026, with the customary welcome drink making a return alongside a signature pudding to finish off; make sure to write ‘graduation’ and add ‘dessert’ in the booking notes. They’re also right near the main uni stretch, which is always handy.
What is it: ‘Feast of the Wise’ graduation menus are available from £37.50 for lunch and £45.50 for dinner, both including a complimentary glass of Prosecco
The offer: ‘Power of Wisdom’ set menu – £37.50 for lunch and £45.50 for dinner – with graduates receiving an ‘Elixir of Life cocktail’, or a complimentary glass of Prosecco.
Credit: The Manc
12. Browns – Central
What is it: A mainstay of the King Street strip, just around the corner from Cibo and The Rex hotel (another good option for those stopping over), specialising in British and European brasserie classics.
The offer: Receive a complimentary glass of Browns’ very own Champagne for the graduate and every accompanying guest, with two courses for £29 or a trio for just £36. You can book HERE.
What is it: Authentic Lebanese cuisine in a classy city centre setting, with covered outdoor seating and some great vegan options, too.
The offer: Graduates and guests can enjoy a 25% student discount, a wrap and fries offer for £10.95, or mark the occasion with a full ‘Graduation Feast’ for £32.50, including a free glass of Prosecco or a non-alcoholic alternative. *This offer cannot be used alongside other offers, however.
Credit: The Manc
14. Chotto Matte – St. Michael’s
What is it: A sky-high rooftop food and drink spot where Japan and Peru meet in an incredible fusion that makes for a fantastic culinary experience.
The offer: ‘Nikkei’ dining experience throughout July, with a curated sharing menu (£40pp/£35 for vegetarians) and a complimentary glass of Pommery Champagne for the graduates.
What is it: The Yorkshire-born brand now serving up us locals from their New York St site and arguably one of the best places for a posh tea or meal out no matter the occasion, with top-quality steak, seafood, bubbles and more.
The offer: Three courses with a glass of Prosecco on arrival for £55; you can even upgrade to the proper stuff – pay an extra tenner for Moët & Chandon Champagne for each person.
Daisy Jackson -
1st December 2023 
