Bondi Bowls, a fast food spot inspired by the health-conscious takeaways of Australia, is about ready to open its doors at Kampus.
The business is already a firm favourite amongst Mancs after its time spent at Escape to Freight Island, the now-closed street food village Hatch, and on delivery platform Deliveroo.
And now Bondi Bowls is ready to launch a dedicated restaurant space within the garden neighbourhood at Kampus.
This new Manchester restaurant does a good job of recreating the sunnier climes of Bondi Beach, with huge floor-to-ceiling windows, white walls, and a giant mural of the world-famous beach on one wall.
To celebrate its launch on Monday 9 October, Bondi Bowls will be giving away 100 free bowls to the first customers who head down from 11.30am.
ADVERTISEMENT
Its menu features flavour-packed salad bowls, like a Caesar Bowl, a Mexican Bowl, and a Poke Bowl, each one customisable with protein-packed add-ons like charred salmon, watermelon sashimi, and tofu.
The vegan-friendly offering also includes Acai Bowls and fresh smoothies.
ADVERTISEMENT
Bondi Bowls has opened at Kampus in ManchesterBondi Bowls has opened at Kampus in Manchester
There are taps pouring locally-brewed kombucha from Laid Bear, and All Press Espresso coffee.
You can even buy little jars of their homemade ingredients, from salad dressings to baked coconut to chilli crunch to granola.
The business was founded by Jamie Tones, who took inspiration from his years spend living Down Under.
ADVERTISEMENT
Jamie said: “We’re on a mission to challenge perceptions of ‘fast food’ and give people on-the-go choices that are healthier, and packed with flavour and vibrancy. It’s something Australia does really well, but is somewhat lacking in the UK – even in major cities like Manchester.
“Opening a new Bondi Bowls home at Kampus is an absolute dream. Our base of customers has grown so quickly and we’ve been floored by how supportive they’ve been. We love our new space and can’t wait to welcome people through the doors with our 100 bowl giveaway.
Bondi Bowls has opened at Kampus in ManchesterBondi Bowls has opened at Kampus in ManchesterBondi Bowls has opened at Kampus in Manchester
“Our new home will be a welcoming space, where people can spend time and eat in or grab and go – with our stacked menu of Bondi favourites and some new additions. We’ve got loads of exciting link-ups in the pipeline for those wanting to make healthy changes in their life, starting with hosting the great people at Manchester Run Club for their weekly run and social.
“Kampus is the perfect fit for us, with its foodie credential and focus on wellbeing, our offer really complements that of our inspiring neighbours.”
Manchester Run Club will soon meet at Bondi Bowls for a five-week period, where every Tuesday people can have a go in a pop-up sauna and cold plunge.
ADVERTISEMENT
Adam Brady, from HBD, said: “More and more people are focusing on every aspect of their health and wellbeing. That’s really resonated at Kampus, with our bootcamps in the garden, rooftop yoga and the Love From sober celebrations set to open in the Bungalow this October.
“Bondi Bowls is a stellar addition to the neighbourhood – a real Manchester success story that’s quickly gained a loyal following. We can’t wait to see the doors open on what will surely become a go-to favourite for those fed up with the daily pre-packed supermarket sandwich.”
To claim a free bowl at Bondi Bowls’ launch on Monday 9 October, sign up here and make sure you’re one of the first 100 people through the door from 11.30am.
Bondi Bowls will be open Monday – Saturday, 11am-8pm.
New CGIs released of Hilton’s fancy 144-bedroom hotel in Wigan town centre
Emily Sergeant
Some new CGIs have given us a sneak peak inside Hilton’s fancy 144-bedroom hotel soon to open in Wigan town centre.
In case this is the first you’re hearing of the development, Wigan Council announced back in March 2024 in collaboration with its development partner Cityheart that it had signed a franchise agreement with world-renowned hotel brand, Hilton, for a stunning six-storey Hampton by Hilton hotel pop up right in the heart of Wigan town centre, just off Market Street.
The new venture forms part of the Greater Manchester town’s £135 million redevelopment of the former Galleries Shopping Centre – which was approved in July 2023.
The hotel will be located directly-opposite the bus station entrance of New Market Street, and is within 500 yards of both town centre train stations.
It’s being called ‘one of the most important elements’ of the Galleries masterplan.
New CGIs have been released of Hilton’s fancy 144-bedroom hotel in Wigan town centre / Credit: Supplied
As well as the 144 bedrooms – with ‘accessible’ rooms to be built on each accommodation level – the new hotel will also house a gym overlooking the new square, a main reception area and dining space on the ground floor, meeting and conference rooms, and secure parking will be available for guests.
Dozens of staff are expected to be employed at the new hotel – which the Council says will provide a range of job opportunities for local residents.
Once complete, the hotel will form part of the exciting new town centre neighbourhood providing a new Market Hall and food court, more than 400 homes, bars, restaurants, and leisure uses, all designed to celebrate Wigan’s proud heritage and unique identity.
The new venture forms part of the Greater Manchester town’s £135 million redevelopment / Credit: Supplied
“It’s great to see the progress of this exciting Hampton by Hilton development, which not only plays a role in Wigan’s regeneration, but continues to strengthen our footprint in the North West,” commented Paul Blackmore, who is the Vice President of Development at Hilton UK & Ireland, as the CGIs were released this week.
“The ambition shown by Wigan Council and Cityheart to create a dynamic new hub for retail, leisure, business and living truly resonated with us, and we look forward to welcoming guests when the hotel opens in late 2027.”
Construction work will start on site in October 2025, with an expected opening of the new hotel in winter 2027.
Featured Image – Supplied
Food & Drink
A groundbreaking new multi-use entertainment and leisure venue is coming to Manchester
Danny Jones
A new multi-purpose food, drink, entertainment and leisure destination is coming to Manchester city centre and the Salford border this autumn, and you won’t find many places that roll so much into one spot.
Mancs, get ready to welcome ‘Tangerine’.
Conceived by an impressive collective of local creatives, indies and those with plenty of experience catering to the Northern masses, Tangerine is promising everything from multiple resident kitchens, a live music hall, an arthouse stage, a specialist martini bar and more.
Better yet, after a year in the making and quietly chipping away at the striking space, it opens later this month, so you don’t have to wait long to try it for yourselves.
Located on New Bailey Street, just on the edge of Spinningfields and Salford Central, this groundbreaking new venue features two main platforms (utilising the integrated charm of the historic railway arches), each boasting its own selection of attractions.
While platform one will offer a bakery, coffee roastery, wine store and bottle ship, the ‘Canteen Club’ and even a florist, number two will contain the music hall, arthouse stage and the stylish ‘Grand Departures’ bar – serving seven espresso martini alone – Tangerine will deliver a seamless day to night transition.
Arguably, however, the centrepiece is the ‘Cantina Collective’. The food and drink hall promises seven in-house kitchens, showcasing a variety of cuisines.
The opening line-up already confirmed includes Vanda: a family-run Parisian-inspired Ukrainian bakery; Mexican taqueria, PANTERA, burger joint Juicy, as well as Yo Dutchie (a unique fusion of Dutch-Japanese food) and a new Korean/ramen concept from local sushi favourites, Unagi.
Our stomachs are already grumbling just thinking about it.
CGI renders of the completed space. (Credit: Supplied)
Designed not only by the brains behind Northern Quarter’s beloved Mala hidden garden but WANT STUDIOS, who will be ensuring local artists, independents, and traders will be regularly spotlighted, the site will boast a capacity of well over 300 people.
Artyom Dmitrijev, owner of Tangerine and Mala, said in a statement: “Over a year in the making, we’ve used all our experience in design, interiors, architecture and hospitality to create our dream project. A place for all the independents to come together and thrive.”
Andy Windsor, Director of WANT STUDIOS, added: “Tangerine unites the city’s independent kitchens, bar tenders, bakeries and entertainment specialists. It is a unique showcase of what we do in the city. This is a new space for creativity, food, and culture, and we’re proud to be part of it.”
Debuting to the public with a big Halloween weekender on the evening of Friday, 31 October, with another launch event the following Saturday, you can sign up for exclusive early access for free, which could see you score a few freebies to boot.
Daisy Jackson -
5th October 2023 
