Eats

The Thirsty Korean announces closure of Chorlton restaurant as they seek out a new venue

Its much-loved owner Eunji has told her customers, 'Find me and I will be here with big arms opened to hug you all'.

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 12th January 2024

Local gem and one of Greater Manchester’s very best food spots, The Thirsty Korean, has sadly announced it is closing its much-loved Chorlton restaurant.

Confirming the closure of the Manchester Road spot via Instagram on Thursday evening, owner Eunji Noh revealed that the quaint and cult-favourite Korean location is coming to the end of its lease after five years and will soon be moving on.

Having first opened the original restaurant up to Chorlton residents back in 2019, Eunji detailed that the team now have just two and half months left before they will have to find new premises, urging diners to come in whilst they still can.

However, as she explained in the lengthy social media post, “It will be the long goodbye but hopefully it will be a new start [for] us in the future.”

The local legend said that running the relatively small site but always busy operation “has never been easy but I had lots of fun and great memories with you all lovely people.”

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She goes on to say that “the next venue has not been decided”, with there still plenty of questions as to when and where they will set up shop once again, “but for sure, it will be soon and you will know about our news if you keep following The Thirsty Korean“.

Known for incredible and authentic Korean food, not to mention at great value for money – part of the reason they’ve always been so popular — regardless of their time in southwest Manc suburb ticking down, their reputation has only grown bigger and better.

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They were also chosen by Sacha Lord as one of the first dining establishments to be celebrated ans supported on behalf of Greater Manchester’s hospitality scene, with the Night Time Economy Adviser paying everyone’s bill there for one night only.

Restaurant owner shares heartfelt thank you to visitors after Sacha Lord foots the bill

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As reiterated throughout the, she signed off by simply saying: “I love you, loved you lots and will love you. Hope to see you soon and let’s celebrate our beautiful and cheerful end of The Thirsty Korean!

“Please stay with us and don’t forget about us. Find me and I will be here with big arms opened to hug you all.”

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We sincerely hope to see Thirsty Korean back on their feet and flourishing in a brand new space sooner rather than later — it’s far too good to disappear completely.

Sadly, it’s been a week filled with news like this, as iconic NQ venue Black Dog Ballroom was one of multiple venues that confirmed they will be shutting down.

Northern Quarter institution Black Dog Ballroom quietly closes its doors for good

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — The Manc Group

Eats

I went all the way to Paris to test out Big Mamma ahead of Manchester’s most exciting new restaurant opening

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Libertino in Paris

Hospitality heavyweights Big Mamma Group are finally heading to Manchester, opening a Circolo Popolare Italian restaurant in the city centre – so we nipped over to Paris to see exactly what’s in store for us.

In the 10 years since launching their very first restaurant, East Mamma in the 11th arrondissement of Paris, the group have spread their wings wide.

There are Big Mamma Group restaurants, under several different names, all over Europe – and although they all belong to the same family, each one is treated like a total individual.

Some have maximalist, kitsch interiors with animal print furniture, gilded ceilings and retro prints of men in Y-fronts; others are more traditional trattorias with exposed brick, terracotta floors and crisp white tablecloths.

These interiors are fun, which is so refreshing in an industry which sometimes takes itself a bit too seriously.

On our tour of Big Mamma restaurants in Paris I came across delightful details like a loo wallpapered in pictures of Rod Stewart, a cocktail menu designed like a retro football sticker book, and an ice cream parlour built into an old train station carriage.

Every corner is packed with whimsy and wonder and there’s a whole team dedicated to sourcing these little touches from antiques fairs, second-hand shops and independent makers, stashing them all in an Aladdin’s Cave of a warehouse. Each restaurant even has its own crockery pattern.

East Mamma, one of Big Mamma's Paris restaurants
East Mamma, one of Big Mamma’s Paris restaurants
No Entry cocktail bar
No Entry cocktail bar
A Big Mamma speakeasy
A Big Mamma speakeasy
Pink Mamma
Pink Mamma
La Felicita food hall
La Felicita food hall
La Felicita food hall
La Felicita food hall

So yes, the interiors in Manchester will be similarly interesting and lavish.

Big Mamma Group has already confirmed that the huge two-storey Circolo Popolare trattoria will be inspired by a Sardinian Festa, meaning cosy alcoves, more than 8000 bottles of vintage booze, and a vast room inspired by an overgrown Mediterranean courtyard.

As it takes shape in Gary Neville’s £400m St Michael’s development, they’ll be moving in big sharing tables, antique trinkets, reels of twinkling lights and even an Italian wishing well ahead of the big launch next month.

But not enough of us are talking about the food yet – this is a restaurant group that sources its produce from 160 different Italian artisans to ensure that everything you’re eating as authentic and delicious as possible.

Food at Big Mamma
Food at Big Mamma
Food at Big Mamma
Food at Big Mamma
Food at Big Mamma
Food at Big Mamma

While the menus shift between restaurants you can expect hearty bowls of handmade pasta laced with truffle or tomato or cheese, crispy-soft pizzas layered in creative sauce bases (like zucchini cream or black truffle cream, along with their classic San Marzano DOP tomato sauce), and per iniziare starters like giant burrata balls, melt-in-the-mouth croquettes, and slivers of cured meats – all prepared in an open kitchen run by Campanian-born Alfonso Esposito.

And a show-stopper for Manchester will be an outrageous six-inch lemon meringue pie, with a wibbly wobbly tower of Italian meringue on top.

Circolo Popolare will officially open its doors on 6 June – and before then, there’ll be a very limited soft launch where you can snag yourself 50% off your bill. Sign up HERE, with bookings live on Monday 12 May.

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Featured image: The Manc Group

Eats

The massively underrated rooftop terrace in Manchester with great views and top cocktails

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Food on the terrace at King Street Townhouse

Manchester city centre is generally STARVED of outdoor space, but we’ve found the perfect sun-soaked oasis where you can enjoy a bit of fresh air and a whole lot of great food and drinks. 

Tucked up on the sixth floor of the award-winning boutique hotel King Street Townhouse, you’ll find a rooftop terrace with beautiful views of the city’s skyline. 

As Manchester buzzes along beneath you, you can tuck in to everything from full charcuterie grazing boards to seasonal snacks and small plates, all served alongside an impressive wine and cocktail list. 

This often-overlooked local spot is a firm favourite of those in the know, thanks to its sheltered location that basks in the sun all afternoon. 

And although it’s in a prime city centre location, just a stone’s throw from Deansgate, St Peter’s Square and Market Street, it’s a luxurious escape from it all – as is the entire boutique hotel it’s part of. 

Whether it’s a post-work social, a relaxed date night, or a cheeky afternoon cocktail, the King Street Townhouse Terrace is open to the public and available for walk-ins or bookings when it isn’t privately hired. 

On the menu you can expect locally-sourced dishes like Pollen sourdough served with whipped butter, a meat or cheese grazing board loaded with British produce, and larger plates like a beef and bone marrow burger or a fried fish roll topped with crisps. 

British charcuterie grazing board
British charcuterie grazing board
Spritzes on the King Street Townhouse terrace
Spritzes on the King Street Townhouse terrace

Pairing perfectly with a spritz or a beer are snacks like deep-fried Gordal olives, stuffed with fennel sausage, and a brioche garlic bread packed with cream cheese. 

The hotel has a cocktail list that celebrates classic drinks and a few of their own signature concoctions, and it doesn’t feel much more luxurious than when you treat yourself to a glass of sky-high champagne with views like this. 

The South Terrace can also be hired privately for leisure or corporate events, with tailored catering options including summer BBQs. 

And you can ramp up your trip to this oasis by staying overnight in one of the boutique hotels’ rooms, or visiting the King Street Townhouse ESPA spa for a treatment.

Find out more about the terrace at King Street Townhouse HERE. 

The terrace at King Street Townhouse hotel
The terrace at King Street Townhouse hotel
The terrace at King Street Townhouse hotel
The terrace at King Street Townhouse hotel
Deep-fried olives
Deep-fried olives
Garlic bread with creamed cheese
Garlic bread with creamed cheese
King Street Townhouse hotel
King Street Townhouse hotel

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Featured image: The Manc Group

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