Food & Drink

All the bars, cafes and restaurants in Manchester city centre doing walk-ins

Don't worry if you didn't manage to bag a booking at your favourite local hangout, there's plenty of places taking walk-ins.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 22nd April 2021

‘Step Two’ in the government’s roadmap to lifting England’s current national lockdown commences today.

It’s been a long time coming, but non-essential retail, gyms, hairdressers, and a raft of other venues are welcoming customers back through their doors, and crucially for the city’s foodies, of course, this means that pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants can reopen for outdoor service only for the first time in three months.

Eager to get back to business, many venues began taking bookings for reopening once the roadmap was first announced.

Others have instead opted for a walk-in service only however, which is great news for those who didn’t plan ahead of time, so don’t worry if you didn’t manage to bag a booking at your favourite local hangout, Manchester city centre is filled with places that are still serving.

Here’s everything you need to know.

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The Alchemist

Spinningfields

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The Alchemist in Spinningfields has made the decision to reopen for walk-ins only until 17th May, and you can find menus, opening times and more information via the website here.

Almost Famous

Northern Quarter

Almost Famous in the Northern Quarter has made the decision to reopen for walk-ins only, and you can find menus, opening times and more information via the website here.

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Alvarium

Northern Quarter

The Northern Quarter’s vegan-friendly kitchen and bar Alvarium has made the decision to reopen for walk-ins only until 17th May, and you can find menus, opening times and more information via the website here.

Atlas Bar

Deansgate

Situated in the railway arches of Deansgate, Atlas Bar – which has been a Manchester icon for two decades – has made the decision to reopen for walk-ins only, and you can find menus, opening times and more information via the website here.

Bay Horse Tavern

Northern Quarter

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Popular Northern Quarter hangout Bay Horse Tavern has made the decision to reopen for walk-ins on a first-come-first-served basis until 17th May, and you can find menus, opening times and more information via the website here.

Black Milk

Northern Quarter

Those with a sweet tooth will be glad to hear that Black Milk has made the decision to reopen for walk-ins from this week, and you can find menus, opening times and more information via the website here.

Birria Brothers Tacos

Northern Quarter

Based at popular eatery The Koffee Pot in the Northern Quarter for the foreseeable, Birria Brothers Tacos has made the decision to reopen for walk-ins from this week, and you can find menus, opening times and more information on Instagram here.

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Bunny Jacksons

First Street

Bunny Jacksons has recently expanded its outdoor seating area in preparation for reopening, and has made the decision to reopen for walk-ins only from this week. You can find menus, opening times and more information via the website here.

‘Bottomless Bunny’s’ is also back from 12th April too.

Counter House

Ancoats

While bookings are still being taken, this vibrant neighbourhood eatery in the heart of Ancoats has still made the decision to hold back a number of tables for walk-ins, so you can find menus, opening times and more information via the website here.

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The Crown & Kettle

Ancoats

This popular Ancoats pub has been teasing brand new heated and covered terraces at both the front and back on social media in recent weeks, and has made the decision to reopen for walk-ins, so you can find menus, opening times and more information via the website here.

Cane and Grain

Northern Quarter

Another one of the Northern Quarter’s most popular hangouts, Cane and Grain has made the decision to reopen for walk-ins on a first-come-first-served basis, and you can find menus, opening times and more information via the website here.

Alvarium
The Corn Exchange

Cafe North

Northern Quarter

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This much-loved breakfast and brunch spot on the edge of the Northern Quarter has made the decision to reopen for walk-ins from this week, and you can find menus, opening times and more information via the website here.

Ciaoooo Pizzeria

Northern Quarter

One of Manchester’s most beloved Neapolitan pizzerias, Caiooo, has made the decision to continue with its popular takeaway service and only reopen for walk-ins as and when the weather allows.

You can find menus, opening times and more information on Instagram here.

Common

Northern Quarter

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After a successful summer and pizza takeaway service throughout lockdown, Common has made the decision to reopen its popular Northern Quarter site for walk-ins from this week, and you can find menus, opening times and more information on the website here.

Corn Exchange

The following eateries are reopening for walk-ins in the Corn Exchange, and you can find menus, opening times and more information for each place on the website here:

  • Banyan
  • The Cosy Club
  • Salvi’s
  • Zizzi
  • Vapiano
  • Dehli House Cafe

Crown and Anchor

Northern Quarter

On the corner of Port Street and Tib Street in the heart of the Northern Quarter, Crown and Anchor has made the decision to reopen for walk-ins at its newly-refurbished outdoor seating area.

You can find menus, opening times and more information on the website here.

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Cutting Room Square

The following pubs, bars and restaurants are reopening for walk-ins at Anocats’ popular Cutting Room Square, and you can find menus, opening times and more information via the website for each place.

  • Jane Eyre
  • Canto
  • Nam
  • Elnecot
  • Second City

Dukes 92

Castlefield

Only taking reservations for its covered areas, Castlefield’s finest Dukes 92 has made the decision to leave the rest of its large outdoor seating area for walk-ins only from this week, so you can find menus, opening times and more information via the website here.

Ducie Street Warehouse

Northern Quarter

A brand new “all day dining and drinking” outdoor terrace is opening up at Ducie Street Warehouse this week, and while bookings are being taken, walk-in service is also expected, so you can find menus, opening times and more information via the website here.

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You can also find more information about some of the events happening here.

Edinburgh Castle

Ancoats

To continue to serve the residents of Ancoats with “exceptional food and drink”, Edinburgh Castle has made the decision to reopen for walk-ins from this week, and you can find menus, opening times and more information on the website here.

Feel Good Club

Northern Quarter

The Northern Quarter’s mental health and wellness cafe has made the decision to reopen for walk-ins at its new outdoor seating area from this week, and you can find menus, opening times and more information on the website here.

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Hatch

Oxford Road

Award-winning food, drink and retail destination, Hatch, may already be booked up, but has kept 50% of its tables back for walk-ins only from this week, so you can find menus, opening times and more information on the website here.

Impossible MCR

Great Northern

While Impossible is currently booked up at the weekends for the foreseeable, there is still availability for walk-ins during the week and potentially on Sunday, so you can find menus, opening times and more information on the website here.

Hatch MCR
The Oast House

The Lawn Club

Spinningfields

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After expanding its outdoor seating area ahead of reopening, The Lawn Club has made the decision to allow walk-ins from this week, so you can find menus, opening times and more information on the website here.

The Oast House

Spinningfields

Undoubtedly one of Spinningfields’ most-sought-after sun traps, The Oast House has held a portion of its tables back for walk-ins only from this week, so you can find menus, opening times and more information on the website here.

Port Street Beer House

Northern Quarter

With only a handful of outdoor tables available, the popular Port Street Beer House has made the decision to keep them for walk-ins only from this week, and you can find menus, opening times and more information on the website here.

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Rudy’s

Peter Street & Ancoats

If it’s traditional Neapolitan pizza you’re after, Rudy’s has held back 50% of its tables at both the Peter Street and Ancoats restaurants for walk-ins only from this week, so you can find menus, opening times and more information on the website here.

SEVEN BRO7HERS

Middlewood Locks & Ancoats

SEVEN BRO7HERS in both Middlewood Locks and Ancoats are reopening for walk-ins from this week, with tables available daily, so you can find menus, opening times and more information on the website here.

Siop Shop

Northern Quarter

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Serving up coffee, doughnuts and more, Siop Shop has made the decision to offer a collection of outdoor tables for walk-ins only on a first-come-first-served basis from this week, so you can find menus, opening times and more information on the website here.

Shambles Square

The Old Wellington & Sinclair’s Oyster Bar

Two of Manchester city centre’s most historic and popular pubs, both the outdoor seating areas at The Old Wellington and Sinclair’s Oyster Bar are reopening for walk-ins only from this week, so you can find menus, opening times and more information on the website here.

The Shack Bar & Grill

Northern Quarter

The Shack Bar & Grill has a brand new outdoor seating area at its High Street site, and is keeping tables free for walk-ins every weekend, so you can find menus, opening times and more information on the website here.

Tampopo

Corn Exchange & Albert Square

Tampopo has opened up new outdoor seating areas at both the Corn Exchange and Albert Square sites, with tables free for walk-in throughout the week, so you can find menus, opening times and more information on the website here.

Trove

Ancoats

Popular Ancoats cafe Trove has also opened up a new outdoor seating area and will be accepting walk-ins throughout the week, so you can find menus, opening times and more information on the website here.

The Wharf

Castlefield

Another one of Castlefield’s most popular pubs with a large outdoor seating area, The Wharf has made the decision to reopen for walk-ins from this week, and you can find menus, opening times and more information on the website here.

Facebook – Wolf At The Door / Adam Pester

Wolf At The Door

Northern Quarter

Beloved Northern Quarter bar and restaurant Wolf At The Door has confirmed it will be opening for walk-ins only from this week, and you can find menus, opening times and more information on the website here.

Yard & Coop

Northern Quarter

Alongside bookings, popular chicken restaurant Yard & Coop has held back 50% of tables at its Northern Quarter site for walk-ins from this week, so you can find menus, opening times and more information on the website here.

YES

Charles Street

YES Manchester has made the decision to hold all tables back and reopen for walk-ins only from this week, so you can find menus, opening times and more information via the website here.

20 Stories

Spinningfields

20 Stories has been taking bookings ahead of reopening, but has also made the decision to hold tables back for walk-in services at its cocktail terrace from this week, so you can find menus, opening times and more information via the website here.

Food & Drink

This Manchester restaurant is serving an all-you-can-eat curry buffet throughout Ramadan

Georgina Pellant Georgina Pellant

A restaurant in Manchester is serving up a bottomless curry buffet throughout Ramadan and it sounds absolutely epic.

From today, 23 March, Zouk Tea Bar & Grill on Oxford Road is bringing back its brilliant all-you-can-eat Indian buffet – serving up unlimited quantities of customer favourites including the likes of chicken sindhi biryani, dall makhani and tarka dall curries alongside assorted naan breads, roti, and basmati rice.

Served throughout the month of Ramadan, there are an impressive amount of dishes on offer – and all for the price of £25pp for adults or £12.50 per child (under 12), with under 5’s eating free.

image: Zouk
image: Zouk

Add to the list a huge quantity of chicken tikka and seekh kebabs, a whole stuffed lamb raan, chicken 65, vegetable samosas, and more curries of lamb and potatoes, spinach and chicken, and it’s easy to see why Zouk’s bottomless buffet continues to be such a hit year-on-year.

It doesn’t stop there, either. There is a mouthwatering selection of desserts included in the buffet too, with choices like mango and raspberry Mumbai mess, chocolate brownies and fresh fruit alongside traditional favourite gulab jamon.

Each day the menu will vary slightly but it will always include a wide selection of salads, starters,
curries, chutneys, accompaniments, desserts, and roasted lamb.

This year Zouk has created two sittings for the halal buffet, following requests from customers to keep it
running for longer each evening. There will be one sitting at Iftar (sunset) each day and a second
sitting an hour later.

Booking is advised and when customers go onto Zouk’s website they can book at Iftar or later in the evening for the additional buffet sitting on their chosen date.

Image: Zouk

Customers are advised to note that the timings do change slightly throughout the month of Ramadan, due to the variation in BST and the arrival of lighter evenings.

Owner Tayub Amjad said: “Everyone is welcome to join us at this special time and we have created a secondsitting of the buffet an hour after Iftar.

Tayub added: “By offering two sittings, we can accommodate families who wish to pray together at
home before coming out to eat and also customers who may not be fasting or participating in
Ramadan personally but who wish to experience the fabulous buffet with friends and family and
learn more about Ramadan.

Read more: Manchester pasta restaurant The Sparrows has just won a prestigious new Michelin award

“All diners joining us will be helping us to support the homeless in Manchester, as we will make a donation from every cover charge to local homeless Charities.”

A typical menu will include:

Salads: Mango Salad, Kachumber, Tabbouleh

Starters: Vegetable Samosa, Mixed Vegetable Pakora, Seekh Kebab, Chicken 65, Dhai Balahi

Mains: Chicken Handi, Lamb & Potato, Dall Makhana, Vegetable Pilau Rice, Assorted Fresh Naan Bread, Chutney & Raita, Carvery, Roasted Lamb Raan, Chef Special Rice

Desserts: A selection of freshly made desserts

Drinks: Mango Lassi, water

Feature image – Zouk

Food & Drink

Manchester pasta restaurant The Sparrows has just won a prestigious new Michelin award

Georgina Pellant Georgina Pellant

Two months after it was listed in the prestigious Michelin Guide, Manchester European pasta and dumplings restaurant The Sparrows has been honoured by inspectors once again – this time with a Bib Gourmand.

The restaurant is just one out of 20 restaurants in the UK and Ireland to be awarded the coveted Michelin award, it was revealed yesterday.

The news comes ahead of the announcement of Michelin’s new starred restaurants, which will be unveiled on Monday.

Not quite a star, but most definitely not a consolation prize, the Bib Gourmand is named after Bibendum, the friendly Michelin Man and the official company mascot for the Michelin Group.

Image: The Manc Eats
Image: The Manc Eats

According to Michelin, it is a just-as-esteemed rating that ‘recognizes friendly establishments that serve good food at moderate prices.’

The new rating is definitely something for The Sparrows to be proud of, and another step up from its guide inclusion in January.

Read more: Reviewed: The blink-and-you’ll-miss-it pasta and dumpling restaurant that just made the Michelin Guide

At the time, the guide described it as follows: “Nestled under the railway arches in Manchester’s Green Quarter is a restaurant whose name is (almost) the English translation of the word ‘spätzle’ – which gives some clue as to the style of food on offer here.

“The dumplings and assorted pasta dishes are all made in-house and include excellent pierogi. The focus on Eastern Europe carries through to the wine list, which has a leaning towards Polish wines.”

Image: The Manc Eats
Image: The Manc Eats

Now, it’s sure to have even more customers clamouring at the door.

Loved by locals for its continental pasta and dumplings, gorgeous European wine list and sake collection, The Sparrows in the Green Quarter is something of a hidden gem – tucked in a disused railway arch on Red Bank.

It received rave reviews from local and national critics alike when it first opened in 2019 in a tiny space with room for just 12 covers. Since then, it’s relocated to a bigger home and its following has grown significantly.

Read more: A restaurant in Ancoats is serving up plates of crispy fried squirrel

Front of house is headed up by Polish-born Kasia Hitchcock with her chef partner Franco Concli at the helm in the kitchen.

Plates celebrate Franco’s Tyrolean heritage, with their signature dish spätzle, a rustic fresh egg pasta from which the restaurant takes its name, sitting front and centre.

Feature image – The Manc Eats

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