Chotto Matte is one of the hottest openings of the year in Manchester, a luxury new Japanese-Peruvian restaurant with a sizeable rooftop terrace.
Plans for the Nikkei restaurant were announced several years ago as part of the plans for Gary Neville’s landmark St Michael’s development.
The development has been taking shape behind the old facade of the Bootle Street police station, and is already home at ground level to Circolo Poppolare and Grind.
But much higher up, you’ll soon find Chotto Matte, a brand famed for its Japanese and Peruvian cuisine.
Chotto Matte will be located at the top of No.1 St Michael’s, with views across the Manchester skyline.
Inside, there’ll be a 502-cover restaurant, as well as a 348-capacity roof terrace with access to those panoramic views all year round.
Expect open sushi and robata counters, large private dining rooms with access to the terrace, and lighting that shifts from day to night, plus bold graffiti-style murals by an as-yet-to-be-announced local artist.
On the menu designed by executive chef Jordan Sclare, there’ll be signature dishes from across Peru but made with Japanese techniques, like sea bass ceviche, Nikkei gyoza, and Pollo Den Miso (miso-marinated chicken with carrot, daikon and yellow chilli yogurt).
That’s alongside cocktails, live music every weekend, and what looks set to be a truly beautiful restaurant space.
An opening date has been released now along with a whole raft of new CGI images – and it’s all set to open for real in October 2025.
CGIs of Chotto Matte in Manchester
How Chotto Matte in Manchester will lookA bar area in Chotto Matte ManchesterThe rooftop terrace will be year-roundA bar area A local artist will create bold graffiti-style muralsChotto Matte’s private dining
It’s the first time Chotto Matte has ventured into the North of England.
Founder Kurt Zdesar said: “Manchester is one of the UK’s fastest growing cities with a booming hospitality scene making it a perfect place for Chotto Matte’s next site.
“Working closely with Gary Neville and Relentless Developments, I knew the St Michael’s site was exactly what we were looking for as soon as I saw the plans. What Gary has created is vibrant, bold and sophisticated, everything we are as a brand.
“We are really looking forward to launching and taking over one of the most beautiful roof terraces in the city whilst bringing our new Nikkei dining concept to Manchester.
“St Michael’s will be one of the most sought after locations in the city and we are so proud to be part of this development alongside Gary and his team.”
Gary Neville, Director of Relentless Developments said: “Opening our doors at No.1 St Michael’s after more than 15 years of planning and development is a really proud moment for us. Chotto Matte is a global brand with a wealth of experience and exactly the kind of occupier we wanted for our stunning top floor and roof terrace.
“I’ve really enjoyed working alongside Kurt and look forward to welcoming him and his team to Manchester ahead of the launch later this year.”
Chotto Matte will open in Manchester in October 2025 – you can stay up to date with the latest at their Instagram account HERE.
Tiny Manchester pub brilliantly condemns ‘alarming rise’ in hate speech
Daisy Jackson
A micropub in Manchester city centre has spoken out about an ‘alarming rise’ in hate speech.
The Victoria Tap, a tiny little boozer at Manchester Victoria train station, strongly condemned any racist, homophobic or sexist conversations taking place in its venue.
The pub said ‘there is absolutely no room for it’ within its walls.
In a statement – which has been met with praise from customers and followers – they added that anyone bringing hate speech to the pub ‘can let the door kick you on the way out’.
The Victoria Tap wrote: “We’ve noticed an alarming rise in racist, homophobic and sexist slurs/comments/conversations lately and we just want to say that there is absolutely no room for it here.
“This is a safe space for everyone.
“If you, or someone in your group, want to disturb this philosophy, you can let the door kick you on the way out.”
The Victoria Tap has brilliantly condemned ‘alarming rise’ in hate speech
Praising their statement, one person wrote: “Great to read this. There is NO place for this. All public spaces should be welcoming.”
Another said: “Pubs should be welcoming environments for people of all walks of life. There’s no room for misogyny, racism or discrimination of any kind. Those who espouse those thoughts need a good hard look in the mirror.”
Someone else commented: “That’s how I see the Vic Tap. Great place for a safe quiet pint. Keep up the great work guys as it’s a fantastic venue.”
The Victoria Tap opened at Manchester Victoria back in 2023, completely transforming a space that was previously a bin store.
As well as its cosy interior, it has a small beer garden which overlooks the tram tracks in and out of the train station.
It’s operated by the same team behind the Piccadilly Tap and the even newer Oxford Tap.
We know exactly where we’ll be heading for our next pint now. Good work, Victoria Tap.
Luxury Manchester steak restaurant launches bottomless brunch with endless rosé
Daisy Jackson
One of the newest luxury restaurants in Manchester is bringing back its suitably luxury bottomless brunch, with endless rosé and champagne.
The Cut & Craft is reintroducing its bottomless brunch, where you can sip on never-ending Whispering Angel Rosé while tucking into a flat iron steak.
And if you’re not fussed about the food and just want to indulge in 90 minutes of non-stop Moët & Chandon Champagne in a beautiful setting, there are bar-only tables available too, which come with complimentary black truffle crisps.
The whole thing will be soundtracked by a live DJ, dancers, and more.
Now, this landmark Victorian building is painted in rich blues and golds, with huge windows, private dining spaces, a sommelier lounge, and even a ‘gossip room’.
The Cut & Craft is reintroducing its bottomless brunch
Its bottomless brunch launched over the previous bank holidays and will be back again this August for one day only.
You can choose from bottomless Whispering Angel, Moët & Chandon Champagne, or both.
And dishes from the Cut & Craft bottomless brunch set menu include flat iron steak and chips; halloumi, steak or prawn fajitas; and grilled peach salad.
Each booking gets you 90 minutes of bottomless, with extra nibbles available like freshly shucked Carlingford oysters, caviar, olives, salted almonds, and more.
Whispering Angel tickets are £55 for bar, or £75 for restaurant.
Champagne AND Whispering Angel tickets are £80 at the bar or £100 in the restaurant.
Daisy Jackson -
1st August 2025 
