One of Greater Manchester’s coolest new restaurants has quietly opened in recent months, and if you’re looking in the direction of Ancoats, turn around – we’re off to Stalybridge.
This often-overlooked town in Tameside has welcomed Cafe Continental, a charming little neighbourhood restaurant that feels like it’s been plucked from a pretty Parisian back street.
With its cafe curtains, red leather furniture and wood-panelled walls, it feels like the sort of local hangout that’s been here for decades.
But Cafe Continental is barely eight weeks old, and already firmly finding its feet as one of the region’s most exciting newcomers.
As with all good neighbourhood restaurants, the menu spans breakfast all the way through lunch and dinner and into cocktails, stopping off for an epic Sunday roast too.
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It’s also got one of the internet’s most viral sweet treats, a proper Paris hot chocolate, where you dollop thick cream into dainty cups of molten hot chocolate.
Inside Cafe Continental in Stalybridge. Credit: The Manc GroupThe Paris hot chocolate. Credit: The Manc GroupInside Cafe Continental in Stalybridge. Credit: The Manc Group
This place might have caught the attention of the social media food crowd, but it’s far from gimmicky.
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On its menu you’ll find classics that will stand the test of time, like giant tiger prawns with garlic butter, ribeye beef, flame-roasted chicken, croquettes and hand-dived scallops.
There’s a lunch menu that will stop you in your tracks – think seasonal soups with wedges of bouncy focaccia, spicy twice-fried chicken buns, and a steak sandwich with fries.
There’s also an excellent cacio e pepe pasta, served with an egg yolk on top that you can pop and twirl into the pasta.
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It’s co-owned and created by Ryan Robinson, who’s quick to point out that Cafe Continental isn’t the first restaurant worth travelling for in Stalybridge, which already has a deep-rooted independent food scene.
The fried chicken bun. Credit: The Manc GroupCacio e pepe pasta. Credit: The Manc Group
“We’ve already got some really good food establishments in the area,” he said, “With Gladstone and SK15 and Guiseppes, so the skeleton’s there with Stalybridge, you just need to have some meat on the bones, really.
“And obviously, like we’ve jumped in and hopefully that adds value to the area and then hopefully we see a few more drinking and dining establishments.
“There’s loads of space for development in Stalybridge, and it’s just gonna get better and better.”
Ryan says his inspiration comes from his travels to cities around Europe, and the sort of off-the-beaten-track, full-of-locals restaurants that are so often the most memorable part of a holiday.
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“No matter where you are, whether it’s France or Italy or Spain, there’s always that one restaurant you seem to find that’s set in the back streets, and it’s busy and it’s noisy and the food’s amazing, and you end up having such a good time on the off chance, that you just want to tell everyone about it.
Soup and focaccia at Cafe Continental. Credit: The Manc GroupCod bites and a chicken bun. Credit: The Manc Group
“You want to stay there all night, and that was kind of the inspiration for Cafe Continental.
“We just wanted to make a really buzzy local place.”
Ryan, who previously worked as a DJ and across the hospitality industry, has always had a big passion for food.
He’s teamed up with a good friend who is his head chef, and a couple of other friends as business partners, who just ‘believed in the idea and trusted it’.
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It seems to be paying off, with Cafe Continental already luring people out of the city centre to visit, and drawing in a decent returning local crowd.
Ryan finished by saying: “Support locally this Christmas – there’s a lot of great restaurants in Stalybridge and the surrounding areas that are working hard to bring people the best Christmas possible.
“So if everyone can support local, that would be amazing.”
Cafe Continental is open now at 5 Melbourne St, Stalybridge, SK15 2JE.
Popular chocolate cafe announces shock closure in yet another blow for Ancoats
Daisy Jackson
Ancoats has lost another great independent – chocolate cafe Cocoa Cabana has announced it’s taken the ‘difficult decision’ to shut down in the trendy neighbourhood.
The popular spot, famed for its chocolate-laden afternoon teas, Dubai pistachio bars, and smores platters (to name a few), said that it has become ‘unsustainable’ to continue operating in Ancoats.
Cocoa Cabana said that’s it’s been faced with a 200% increase the cost of chocolate, along with increases in the prices of ingredients, wages, and business rates.
And so they’re taking the decision to ‘downsize and refocus’ after ‘incredibly challenging years’.
Their West Didsbury site will remain open, as will their online store and their Selfridges Trafford Centre concession where you can buy their artisan chocolate products.
Founder Sarah said: “On a personal note, after 12 years of running Cocoa Cabana, this decision comes with a lot of emotion – but also hope.
“I’m looking forward to the chance to focus on our chocolate, new opportunities and maybe even take a little time to spend with family and friends.
“Thank you so much to everyone who’s supported us in Ancoats. You’ve made this journey incredibly special.”
Pistachio Dubai bars at Cocoa CabanaChocolate fondue at Cocoa Cabana in AncoatsThe cafe in Ancoats was famed for its viral, indulgent sweet treats
Taking its place will be Spanish restaurant Can Petit, which has already been operating as an evening pop-up in the space.
The closure of Cocoa Cabana follows a difficult run for the neighbourhood, which has lost the likes of Sugo Pasta Kitchen (then Rigatoni’s), Hip Hop Chip Shop, and Trove in the last year.
Thankfully there are still some great new businesses moving in, such as Bruco, Ancoats Deli, and Bangkok Diners Club.
You can read the full statement on the closure of Cocoa Cabana Ancoats below
It’s with a heavy heart that we’re announcing the closure of our Ancoats venue, with our final day of service on Sunday 8th June.
We opened our doors in 2019 with big dreams and so much excitement, creating a beautiful space we were truly proud of. Sadly, just six months later, we were forced to close during Covid. Like many in hospitality, the years that followed have been incredibly challenging.
Despite our best efforts, the rising costs of ingredients, wages, business rates – and a 200% increase in the cost of chocolate – have made it unsustainable for us to continue operating in Ancoats. As a result, we’ve made the difficult decision to downsize and refocus.
We’ve loved being part of the vibrant Ancoats food scene and while we’re sad to say goodbye, we’re genuinely thrilled to be handing over the reins to @canpetit_ – a fantastic Spanish tapas venture that’s already been making waves as an evening pop-up in our space. Led by the incredibly talented chefs David and Jorge, we know they’ll continue to bring something special to the neighbourhood.
Our West Didsbury site remains open as usual (where all gift vouchers remain valid) and you can still shop online or visit us at our Trafford Centre concession at Selfridges 7 days a week.
On a personal note, after 12 years of running Cocoa Cabana, this decision comes with a lot of emotion – but also hope. I’m looking forward to the chance to focus on our chocolate, new opportunities and maybe even take a little time to spend with family and friends.
Thank you so much to everyone who’s supported us in Ancoats. You’ve made this journey incredibly special. 💗🙏🏻
Two Lilo and Stitch-themed cafes are coming to Manchester for the summer
Thomas Melia
Two new Lilo and Stitch-themed cafes are coming to Manchester for the summer.
With the long-awaited live action adaptation of the Disney classic Lilo & Stitch hitting cinemas this month, both Primark cafes in Manchester are receiving a Hawaiian-themed makeover.
Everyone’s favourite in-store cafe is back with another much-loved franchise, and this time its one of Disney cutest cartoon duos.
Both of Manchester‘s Primark cafes – the one off Market Street in the city centre, and inside Trafford Palazzo – will be transformed with themed decor and will receive an updated menu featuring food items inspired by Hawaii, which is where the film is based, of course.
Two Lilo and Stitch-themed cafes are coming to Manchester for the summer / Credit: Primark
Diners can expect a variety of Stitch-themed treats, including grilled toasties and waffles, and even refreshments like shakes, smoothies and lemonades.
All food and drink ordered from the themed cafes will be decorated with tropical-inspired packaging featuring some cute little stickers of the main blue guy himself on drinks.
The arrival of the Lilo & Stitch cafe does, of course, mean that Primark’s popular The Simpsons-themed cafe may be no more, but they couldn’t get rid of Homer’s favourite delicacy that easily, as instead, this sugary staple has been kept on the menu but just given a Lilo & Stitch twist.
Not only that, but the fashion giant will continue championing this much-loved franchise with over 100 new products ready for you to say ‘Aloha’ in style this summer.
Primark has a soft spot for Stitch, stocking products inspired by the adorable Disney character since 2016 – with everything from sleepwear and accessories to swim costumes and suitcases.
You can even buy an exclusive plush of Stitch that recreates his iconic pose from the upcoming live adaptation.
The ‘Lilo & Stitch’ cafe is coming to both of Manchester’s Primark locations including Market Street and Trafford Centre from 9 May ahead of the live adaptation coming to cinemas on 21 May.
Daisy Jackson -
31st October 2024 
