This past year has been a funny one for hospitality – completely messing with the traditional model of things, whilst simultaneously creating big opportunities for furloughed staff who set up their own sites.
Manchester has seen the launch of some ingenious new concepts: from a city-wide gravy taco obsession to two-fisted Italian American hoagies and a glut of new bakehouses.
Most are still operating out of dark kitchens – meaning if you want to try their stuff, it’s either been an order-at-home job or a sit in the park affair.
That’s not going to be the case for much longer, though.
As part of a collaboration with food bloggers Eatmcr, The Refuge will be inviting Manchester’s lockdown success stories down to its terrace for a summer of street food every Thursday to Sunday from 12-10 pm.
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Birria Brothers Tacos
From Sopranos-themed, Italian-American hoagie slingers BadaBing (officially making the henchest sandwiches in the city) to gravy tacos from The Koffee Pot’s Birria Bros, the list of confirmed traders reads like a who’s-who of Manchester’s best lockdown openings.
They’re joined on the line-up by artisanal, organic doughnut brand DGHNT and independent bakehouse Batard – the new project from Gooey founder and former head baker Lewis Loughman.
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It’s not all lockdown success stories, though, there are a few more established concepts on the roster too.
Things Palace, a Pan Asian inspired food concept curated by Lorcán Kan of Stockport’s Michelin-recognised Where the Light Gets In, is also set to make an appearance.
Having begun life as a supper club concept in 2019, it’s now a regular pop-up around town and a frequent fixture at Platt Fields Market Garden.
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DGHNTBatard bakehouse
Pippy Eats, the excellent dumpling and noodle concept from Britain’s Best Home Cook contestant Pippa Middlehurst is also due to appear there this summer – as is independent Levenshulme bakery Longbois Bakehouse.
On the drinks front, local breweries Pomona Island and Shindigger will be on site with some of the city’s freshest beer alongside German gin brand Monkey 47.
Running from Thursday 20 May to Sunday 22 August, traders will rotate every two weeks on the heated and covered terrace with a soundtrack supplied by selectors including Lil Minx, Massey, Abigail Ward and Neil Diablo.
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.”
Georgina Pellant -
13th May 2021 
