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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Kobbie Mainoo shouts out more of his favourite food spots in Manchester
Danny Jones
Man United star Kobbie Mainoo is back putting people onto his favourite places to eat in Manchester, and judging by his picks, he doesn’t just know football – he knows his food spots too.
The Stockport-born footballer turned 20 years old this month, and as well as celebrating leaving his teens with that impressive goal in the comeback against Lyon, the Manchester United midfielder was met with a birthday cake by his club, along with a fun little game of 20 questions.
Sharing the short but insightful Q&A, in which the number 37 dove into his favourite parts of matchdays, the best birthday gift he’s ever received, as well as the tried and tested dream dinner guest lineup.
Naming a very sporty trio of Mike Tyson, Michael Jordan and Jon Jones, the only logical next step was to ask him where his favourite places to eat around Manchester were, to which he answered…
That’s right, spotlighting a personal favourite of ours, the first Manc venue on his list was Pho Cue, the authentic family-run Vietnamese spot known for great value, top-quality street food such as their big hitter bánh mìs, as well as big queues every lunchtime.
If you don’t know already, then get to know.
As you can see, the second place he mentioned with the booked-up-till-kingdom come Onda Pasta Bar, which went viral for its ‘Tiramisu drawer’ last year and opened their first proper restaurant back in June.
Since then, it’s fair to say it’s more popular than ever and you’re lucky to get a table; if you, however, you’ll be treated to some of the most luxurious and indulgent pasta not just in Manchester but probably anywhere in the country, if you ask us.
These latest shout-outs come after Mainoo famously put Salford’s culinary kings, Burgerism, on the nationwide map after name-dropping them in his British GQ interview in November 2024.
You can watch the full thing HERE, but you already know the biggest takeaway from that chat, quite literally: the boy knows his burgers.
Kobbie is actually just one of several famous faces to have proclaimed Burgerism as the best in the business, at least in Greater Manchester of late.
Not only have British influencers Ollie Ball and Jacob Pasquill now become seemingly regular presenters on their social media, but online content creator turned boxer and WWE star Logan Paul also visited the beloved burger joint and reviewed it during a recent visit to the UK.
We’ll confess we’re more likely to take the local lad’s word on board over the bloke who used to make Vines, but it’s just yet more proof that the Manc food scene is top tier.
Come on, just look at the state of these selections:
Not a bad little spread there, Kobb… (Credit: The Manc Eats)
We’re not sure how much of this stuff Mainoo is allowed on the diet sheet, but we can at least confirm that Kobbie knows his Manchester food, and as far as favourites go, we might just stand a chance of becoming best friends yet.
Happy birthday to a young man with a very bright future and hopefully a very active metabolism.
Featured Images — Manchester United/The Manc Group
Food & Drink
Inside Voyeur, a mysterious new post-punk 80s-inspired cocktail bar
Daisy Jackson
A brand new cocktail bar is set to open in Manchester this week, with dark and mysterious interiors, 80s inspiration, and a raunchy theme.
Voyeur is opening in the heart of the Northern Quarter, and here it’s all about modern drinks in a post-punk 80s setting.
The walls are decorated with beautiful voyeurism photography from the 80s, including artists like David Hockney, Nick Taggart, and Malerie Marder.
Even the menus celebrate the artistic side of voyeurism, with drinks presented within a book of photography.
Those drinks include creative twists on drinks dating back more than a century, from the Kaleidescope of Lies (a two-in one cocktail inspired by a pina colada, with a strawberry daiquiri foam top) to The Voyeur (made with coriander-infused tequila for a savoury punch).
There’ll be monthly themed specials, kicking off with The Breakfast Club, where seasonal drinks take inspiration from Lucky Charms cereal, chai latte and an acai bowl.
Cocktails inspired by The Breakfast Club at VoyeurCocktails at Voyeur in the Northern QuarterInside Voyeur, a new Manchester cocktail barInside Voyeur, a new Manchester cocktail barVoyeur on Oldham StreetThe cocktail menu is presented as a photography book
The dark space is lit by marble table lamps and a glittering green disco ball (and not much else), perfect for an evening spent sipping cocktails into the early hours.
Between Thursdays and Sundays, Voyeur will have DJs spinning vinyls.
Voyeur is opening this week on Oldham Street and will be open from 5pm to 2am between Tuesday and Sunday.
Daisy Jackson -
5th October 2023 
