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.
Impressive CGIs reveal new two-storey Latin BBQ restaurant, bar, and music venue coming to the Northern Quarter
Lydia Mastrolonardo
The Northern Quarter will soon welcome a huge two-storey Latin BBQ restaurant, bar and music venue, brought to you by the same team behind Manchester’s beloved Firehouse and Ramona – you just know it’s going to be good with names like that.
New CGI images have been released of the venue, giving us a sneak peek at what to expect from the huge transformation, which will take over the site formerly home to Pie & Ale.
Dahlia is set to be home to Barbacoa Cósmica, an open-fire grill kitchen, with cooking inspired by Latin America and the southern states of America. As the Northern Quarter’s first open fire grill kitchen, guests will have the unique experience of being able to watch the chefs in action, from their kitchen counter seats.
The concept is the product of years of travelling across Latin America, exploring regional recipes and techniques, then condensed down to allow us to take a road trip from San Diego to Jalisco, Mexico City to Oaxaca, all from the comfort of our seats.
Dahlia’s will also be home to Bar Más Bonita, translating to ‘most beautiful bar’, which has not disappointed either judging from the CGI projections – we just can’t wait to see it in person.
This lively Liquorita is set to serve up all sorts of Latin American specialties – think vibrant, handcrafted cocktails and salted rims with tequila, mezcal, rum and Latin spirits.
In the evenings, the space will transform into Dahlia Stereo, an intimate two-storey music space powered by a bespoke Hatchett Sound system. Every element of the venue has been carefully considered by sound engineers and acoustic specialists, including Jonny ‘Oppo’ of Neuron Audio, to ensure the best listening experience possible.
A glimpse inside Dahlia in Manchester. Credit: Supplied
Will Taplin, executive chef at Dahlia, shared: “Barbacoa Cósmica is the result of everything we have experienced and loved during our travels across Latin America.
“It is generous, energetic and completely driven by flavour. If something is on the menu, it is because we genuinely love it, and we hope Manchester will love it too.”
Jonny ‘Oppo’ said: “We have been building and working with sound systems for years, but Manchester’s bars and restaurants have never had an installation at this level. Every detail of the room has been designed around how music should sound and feel. It is genuinely exciting for the city.”
In addition to this, the iconic Jonjo Williams of Maribou State and Rich Reason of Hit & Run, have carefully curated a music programme for September to give us a flavour of what’s to come, including sets from Gilles Peterson, Quantic, Gia Fu, DJ Die and Joey T.
Dahlia ManchesterThe site of Dahlia
Jonjo Williams explained: “We want to create the energy of an intimate club within a bar and restaurant.
“We are deliberately keeping capacity below 250 so the experience always feels personal, immersive and connected. Dahlia has been designed by the best DJs for the best DJs, but ultimately it has been created for anyone who truly loves music.”
With craft being central to the space, almost every element has been made by hand by the Dahlia team and its team of trusted independent artisans and specialist suppliers. From the artwork and upholstery, to the world class sound system and the team’s own bottled Latin spirits, it truly has all been carefully thought through.
We never thought we’d wish for summer to be over, but September can’t come soon enough.
Click HERE for reservations or follow @dahliastereofor further announcements.
National Pizza Awards looking for one lucky person to join 2026 judging panel
Emily Sergeant
Job adverts don’t come much better than this, as the National Pizza Awards is searching for one lucky person to join the judging panel at this year’s grand final.
The National Pizza Awards invite chefs from across the hospitality industry each year to submit their signature recipes in a bid to claim the coveted title of National Pizza of the Year title, providing a platform for the UK’s ultimate pizza professionals to showcase their recipes on a national scale.
Hosted by Dine Out magazine finalists face off in a live cooking showdown in front of a hand-picked panel of industry judges.
On top of a signature round, competitors take part in a technical challenge that sees them construct the best dish from a selection of ingredients, with the winner being named National Pizza Chef of the Year.
The National Pizza Awards is looking for one lucky person to join its 2026 judging panel / Credit: The Manc Group
And this year, you could play a part in picking the winners.
That’s right – the National Pizza Awards has launched a nationwide search for a new judge, and the only catch (if you can even call it a catch) is that the judge will need to sample 16 of the UK’s best pizzas in a single day as chefs battle it out for the title.
It’s a tough gig, but someone’s got to do it, and if you want to be that someone, entries are now open for you to enter.
Pizzas are judged on how the they’re made, the flavour profile, how they’re cooked, the aesthetic and presentation, and the texture, quality, and consistency, as well as the choice of ingredients.
To be in with a chance, you’ll simply just need tag your favourite pizza place in the Instagram competition post, and then if that place enters the awards and makes it through to the final cook-off, you’ll be entered into a draw to become that all-important guest judge this November.
Daisy Jackson -
5th October 2023 
